Application Detail
Description of Medical Service
It is proposed that immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing be used for the evaluation of Programmed Cell Death- Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression to determine eligibility for treatment with pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy in patients with recurrent inoperable or metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Tissue obtained through core or excisional biopsy at diagnosis of disease will be used for IHC testing of PD-L1 expression (Combined Positive Score >10). The testing would be done by a pathologist alongside other immunohistochemical testsDescription of Medical Condition
Triple negative breast cancer refers to breast cancer that does not present with the three most common types of receptors known to fuel breast cancer growth (estrogen, progesterone, and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene). This form of cancer tends to be more aggressive than other breast cancer sub-types with a poor prognosis, and is more likely to affect premenopausal women.Reason for Application
Amendment to MBS itemMedical Service Type
Investigative technologyPrevious Application Number/s
Not ApplicableAssociated Documentation
Application Form
Application Form (PDF 1297 KB)Application Form (Word 171 KB)
Consultation Survey
Consultation Survey (PDF 659 KB)Consultation Survey (Word 27 KB)
PASC Consultation
Expedited - Bypassing PASC
MSAC Consultation
MSAC consultation input closed Friday, 10 February 2023.
For further information please refer to PASC, ESC, MSAC Key Dates
For further information on the consultation process please refer to MSAC Consultation Process
PICO Confirmation
-Assessment Report
-Public Summary Document
Public Summary Document (PDF 802 KB)Public Summary Document (Word 793 KB)