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
- diffuse large b cell lymphoma
- health information
- primary care
- palliative care
- risk assessment
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- quality improvement
- emergency department
- climate change
- social media
- human health
- oxidative stress
- multiple myeloma
- pain management
- cell therapy
- chronic pain
- electronic health record
- bone marrow