CAR-T Cells in Canada; Perspective on How to Ensure We Get Our Value's Worth.
Pierre J A VilleneuveChristopher BredesonPublished in: Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) (2023)
New therapies in a publicly funded healthcare system are first appraised by health technology assessment agencies that provide funding recommendations to the payers. Treatment with Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy is revolutionizing the management of patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma by providing an effective alternative to the standard of care. Yet, the implementation of CAR-T treatment has a substantial impact on the healthcare system due to its high cost, complex manufacturing process, and requirement for highly specialized services and expertise. CAR-T Cells, as a "living drug", are fundamentally different from usual medications, and their approvals and funding recommendations pose unique challenges to the health technology agency. In this paper, we explore the specific challenges that face the health technology agencies in reviewing reimbursement recommendations for CAR-T therapy. We take a Canadian perspective and use CAR-T treatment of relapse/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma as an example.
Keyphrases
- healthcare
- public health
- mental health
- primary care
- diffuse large b cell lymphoma
- clinical practice
- health information
- quality improvement
- palliative care
- emergency department
- risk assessment
- bone marrow
- cell proliferation
- induced apoptosis
- pain management
- health promotion
- climate change
- signaling pathway
- cell death
- multiple myeloma
- human health
- drug induced