Brazilian Cancer Patients Face Drug Shortage and Funding Crisis

A court in Roraima ordered the state government to supply the high‑cost melanoma drug Nivolumab, priced at about R$ 16,000 per dose, to a patient in Rorainópolis after a treatment interruption caused disease progression. Judge Breno Coutinho gave the state five days to provide the medication, imposing daily fines for non‑compliance.

Meanwhile, the Associação Petropolitana dos Pacientes Oncológicos (APPO) in Petrópolis is selling a 2014 Fiat Siena, valued at roughly R$ 34,000, to raise funds for the rent and operation of its Casa de Apoio, a shelter that offers multidisciplinary care to cancer patients. The proceeds will cover overdue payments and help maintain services such as nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy, and social support.