Opdivo + Yervoy listed on the PBS

Bowel Cancer Australia welcomes the listing of nivolumab (Opdivo) in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March 2026.

This treatment option is for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic bowel cancer that is MSI-H or dMMR as determined by a validated test.

Opdivo and Yervoy are immunotherapies that work in combination to enhance your immune response against metastatic bowel cancer by blocking proteins that normally suppress immune activity, allowing immune cells to recognise and fight cancer cells more effectively.

Around 5% of people diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer have microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) / deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR).

Discuss with your oncologist if you are eligible for this treatment combination.