Women living with a form of primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer1 can access a new immunotherapy option on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 August 2025, following the PBS listing of IMFINZI® (durvalumab) for eligible patients.2
The reimbursement is for AstraZeneca’s IMFINZI® in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy, followed by IMFINZI® monotherapy, for the treatment of patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.2
- With an estimated 3,019 Australian women diagnosed3 and 642 losing their lives to the disease in 20244, endometrial cancer is Australia’s most common gynaecological cancer and the only gynaecological cancer increasing in incidence.5
- Approximately 10 per cent of those diagnosed with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer have Stage 3 or 4 disease6. Advanced endometrial cancer has a poor prognosis, with less than 15 per cent of patients surviving five years beyond their diagnosis.6
- Approximately 20-30 per cent of endometrial cancer cases are mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)7, which describes cells that have mutations in certain genes that are involved in correcting mistakes made when DNA is copied in a cell.8 Approximately 3 per cent of dMMR endometrial cancer cases are hereditary.9
- IMFINZI® is an immunotherapy which allows the body’s immune system to recognise and kill tumour cells.10 The combination treatment of IMFINZI® with platinum-based chemotherapy provides patients with a newly reimbursed option for initial treatment.
Ben McDonald, Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, which has delivered innovative cancer medicines to Australian patients for more than 40 years, said: “We welcome the Government’s decision to list IMFINZI® on the PBS for Australians with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, a devastating disease.
“This announcement means that each year around 150 women with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer may now be able to access another immunotherapy option on the PBS,” Mr McDonald said.
“AstraZeneca is following the science and exploring new ways to treat endometrial cancer so that all women have treatment options available to them.
“We will continue to advocate for earlier, faster, fairer access to diagnosis and therapies for the benefit of all Australians and those who love them.”
Associate Professor Yoland Antill is a medical oncologist and cancer genetics specialist with more than 25 years’ experience with managing gynaecological cancers. Associate Professor Antill said: “Most endometrial cancer patients are thankfully diagnosed at an early stage, when their cancer is confined to the uterus.
“But for those with primary advanced or recurrent disease, the options for effective treatments are very limited.
“This PBS listing is welcome news and provides another immunotherapy option for Australian patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) advanced endometrial cancer, including women who might have been at hereditary risk of their cancer – it’s great news they now have another initial treatment option.”
ABOUT IMFINZI10
Indication: IMFINZI® in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by IMFINZI® monotherapy, for the first-line treatment of patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
Precautions: Patients should inform their doctor if they have any of the following medical conditions: immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or lupus; have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems or have liver problems. Patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or intending to breastfeed, or if under the age of 18 years.
Interactions: Patients should inform their doctor if they are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins, or supplements without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Side effects: Common side effects include cough, diarrhoea; stomach pain; skin rash or itchiness; fever; swelling of the legs; upper respiratory tract infections; underactive thyroid gland, that may cause tiredness or weight gain; overactive thyroid gland that may cause weight loss, hand tremors, rapid or irregular heartbeat; nausea, hair loss, decreased appetite, feeling weak or tired, constipation and vomiting.
More information can be found in the IMFINZI® Consumer Medicine Information here: https://rss.medsinfo.com.au/ap/cmi.cfm?product=apcimfip10823
PBS Information2:
IMFINZI is PBS listed for dMMR endometrial cancer. Authority Required (STREAMLINED). Refer to PBS Schedule for full authority.
- ENDS-
Associate Professor Yoland Antill has been involved in clinical trials sponsored by AstraZeneca; and has served on advisory boards for which compensation was received. In relation to this AstraZeneca media announcement, no compensation was provided to Associate Professor Antill, and the opinions expressed are their own. Associate Professor Antill has been briefed by AstraZeneca on the approved use of this product.
Media Contacts
AstraZeneca Australia
IMFINZI®10 (durvalumab) is a trademark of AstraZeneca. ABN 54 009 682 311. 66 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. www.astrazeneca.com.au.
For Medical Information enquiries or to report an adverse event or product quality complaint: Telephone 1800 805 342 or via https://contactazmedical.astrazeneca.com or email Medical Information enquiries to medinfo.australia@astrazeneca.com
Notes to editors
Endometrial cancer in Australia
Originating in the tissue lining of the uterus and most common in post-menopausal women, endometrial cancer is Australia’s most diagnosed gynaecological cancer.11
In 2024 it was estimated that 3,019 women3 were diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 642 lost their lives to the disease4. Its incidence is increasing, particularly in younger age groups.5
Gynaecological cancers develop in the female reproductive system and include vaginal, vulval, placenta, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers12.
In Australia the greatest burden of gynaecological cancer is among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women who in 2004-2008 were 1.7 times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be diagnosed with, and twice more likely to die from this disease.12
About IMFINZI®10
Containing the active ingredient durvalumab, IMFINZI® is a monoclonal antibody, a type of protein. It is a type of immunotherapy and belongs to a group of medicines called immune checkpoint inhibitors. It works with the patient’s immune system to destroy cancer cells.
IMFINZI® is prescribed and administered to patients in a hospital or clinic via infusion.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas – Oncology; Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism; and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca.com.au
References
1. Health Direct. www.healthdirect.gov.au/endometrial-cancer Accessed July 2025
2. PBS information. www.pbs.gov.au/ Accessed July 2025
3. AIHW Cancer Incidence by Age Visualisation www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/cancer-incidence-by-age-visualisation Accessed July 2025
4. AIHW Cancer Mortality by Age Visualisation. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/cancer-mortality-by-age-visualisation Accessed July 2025
5. ANZGOG. The rise of endometrial cancer. www.anzgog.org.au/the-rise-of-endometrial-cancer/ Accessed July 2025
6. Heffernan K et al. Previously treatment recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer in England: A real-world observational analysis. Gynecologic Oncology. 2022; 166: 317-325
7. Yoshida H et al. Mismatch Repair Protein Expression in Endometrial Cancer: Assessing Concordance and unveiling pitfalls in two different immunohistochemistry assays. J Pers Med 2023;13:8:1260.
8. National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/mismatch-repair-deficiency Accessed July 2025
9. Ryan NAJ et al. The proportion of endometrial cancers associated with Lynch syndrome: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. Genetics in Medicine 2019:21:10:2167-2180. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1098360021045159?via%3Dihub Accessed July 2025
10. IMFINZI Consumer Medicine Information. https://rss.medsinfo.com.au/ap/cmi.cfm?product=apcimfip10823 Accessed July 2025
11. Cancer Australia. What Is Endometrial Cancer. www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/endometrial-cancer Accessed July 2025
12. Powell et al. Review of gynaecological cancer among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet 2023; Vol 4 Issue 3.
AstraZeneca Pty. Ltd. ABN 54 009 682 311. 66 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. www.astrazeneca.com.au. For Medical Information enquiries or to report an adverse event or product quality complaint: Telephone 1800 805 342 or via https://contactazmedical.astrazeneca.com | AU-22941 July 2025