The Cancer Society wants early, temporary access to medicines for melanoma while funding for new drugs is finalised.
Pharmac has been given a $39 million boost next year, and is now considering seven new drugs for funding, including melanoma drug Opdivo.
Cancer Society medical director Dr Chris Jackson told Mike Hosking the new generation drugs shrink tumours and improve quality of life in more than two thirds of people who take them.
He said that's a huge impact on life expectancy and the drugs need to be available now.
"I was sitting with a guy yesterday who was very breathless because he had melanoma in his lungs, and he was saying to me, 'well this is good news, when can I start the drug?' And I said, 'not yet'.
Dr Jackson said New Zealand has the highest rates of melanoma but our funding doesn't match other countries.
LISTEN TO DR CHRIS JACKSON SPEAK TO MIKE HOSKING ABOVE
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
