Drug guidance
Pembrolizumab for treating resectable Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (T3-4N2) non-small-cell lung cancer
5 October 2026
Condition
Cancer
Respiratory
Published on 17 Feb 2025
Last Updated on 05 Oct 2026
Guidance Recommendations
The Ministry of Health’s Drug Advisory Committee has recommended:
Pembrolizumab 100 mg/4 mL solution for infusion, in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as monotherapy as adjuvant treatment after surgery, for the treatment of patients with resectable Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (T3-4N2) non-small-cell lung cancer.
Funding status
Pembrolizumab 100 mg/4 mL solution for infusion is recommended for inclusion on the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) for the abovementioned indication from 1 December 2026.
Clinical indication, subsidy class and MediShield Life claims eligibility for pembrolizumab are provided in the Annex.
Plain English Summary
There are different types of lung cancer depending on which cells are affected. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type. It occurs when cells grow uncontrollably in the lung and form a mass (tumour). People with NSCLC may not have any symptoms initially. As the cancer worsens, symptoms can include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, tiredness, weight loss with no known cause, or pain when you breathe or cough.
If you have NSCLC, your doctor will assess the size of the tumour and whether the cancer has spread. Surgery is often the first treatment for NSCLC. A tumour that can be removed with surgery is known as a resectable tumour. Before surgery, treatments may be given to shrink the tumour and improve the chances of successful surgery. This is known as neoadjuvant therapy. After surgery, treatments may be given to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. This is known as adjuvant therapy.
Pembrolizumab belongs to a group of biologic medicines called PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, which are a type of immunotherapy. It helps the body’s immune system find and attack cancer cells. It is given as a slow drip into a vein (intravenously) either on its own or in combination with other treatments.
Pembrolizumab was recommended for government funding because it was considered an acceptable use of healthcare resources. It is included in the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) (opens in new tab), with its cost subsidised by 40% to 75% for eligible patients. It can also be claimed under MediShield Life. The subsidy class and MediShield Life claim limits are available here (opens in new tab).