Retiree with cancer waits for a R$1 million remedy in court and family suffers blow in SP Retiree José Valentim Montanha, aged 72, awaits a court decision to obtain the medicine he needs to fight bowel cancer, in Pirassununga (SP). Diagnosed in 2024, he underwent surgery the following year, but the disease returned. Due to the high toxicity and side effects of traditional chemotherapy, doctors prescribed immunotherapy with pembrolizumab, a high-cost medication. The total treatment requires 70 doses and exceeds the cost of R$1.1 million. ? Follow g1 São Carlos and Araraquara on Instagram Given the cost, the retiree's care is divided between his son, Giovanni Montanha, and his wife. "Our Lady, if it weren't for [their support], I would have already left, honestly", he said emotionally. Retired José Valentim Montanha, 72 years old, tries immunotherapy in court in Pirassununga (SP) Wesley Almeida/EPTV Request denied and scam on the web The family filed a lawsuit in January this year, but had the request denied in the first instance in March. The case was forwarded to a judge in São Paulo for judgment in higher courts. "Immunotherapy is not a cure, but it is perfect for the patient's quality of life. And then, when we received the news that we lost in the first instance, it was very frustrating. Now we appeal to the higher authorities, but the process, now that it has been assigned to a judge from São Paulo to judge. Some colleagues told me: 'let's crowdfund, let's try this medication'", explained Giovanni. More news from the region: HEALTH: Even with a court decision, families cannot obtain high-cost medicines CRIME: Cargo of coffee valued at R$380,000 is recovered after theft EMPLOYMENT: City hall opens public competition with salaries of up to R$9,800 During his attempt to obtain the medicine on his own, the son was the target of an internet scam. A woman got in touch offering to donate four ampoules, charging R$800 for shipping from Recife. After payment, Giovanni was blocked. "A woman contacted me saying she had four of these ampoules to donate, but I would have to pay at least the shipping, as she was in Recife. People also used our suffering to carry out a scam", she reported. Even with the difficulties, the family maintains hope. "We know patients there in Barretos who are using his medication, immunotherapy. And we see that patients who are using this medication are having a better quality of life", stated Giovanni. Son of a retiree suffered a blow when trying to get medicine for his father in Pirassununga (SP) Wesley Almeida/EPTV Judicialization of health in the region The situation reflects the reality of almost 1,500 people in the region. Data from the National Council of Justice (CNJ) points to a history of lawsuits related to the supply of medicines. 2024: 315 cases 2025: 841 cases 2026: 297 cases According to the coordinator of the Rio Claro Public Defender's Office, Octavio Augustus Cordeiro, the increase in the search for legal remedies occurs due to two main factors. "I believe that people have greater access to this information, that they have the right to eventually seek this medicine in court. And I also believe that it is related to this issue that medicine creates new alternatives and sometimes the public authorities are unable to keep up", he stated. Stricter rules for granting Despite the high volume of requests, the success rate of actions has fallen since September 2024, following a change of understanding by the Federal Supreme Court (STF). "Jurisprudence has created more stringent requirements that indicate the need for the person to use that medicine for a specific disease. It is also necessary for this medical report to demonstrate why the other alternatives that the SUS offers are not suitable for the treatment of that specific case. It is also necessary to prove that that medicine has proven scientific efficacy for treating that disease", detailed the coordinator. The coordinator guides citizens on when to take legal action. "If the government says, unfortunately in this case I can't grant it, they can contact the public defender's office or a trusted lawyer to have the request assessed in court." WATCH THE REPORT IN FULL: Without access to high-cost medicines, patients turn to justice EPTV VIDEOS: See more news from the region on our WhatsApp channel