Access to and affordability of CAR-T cell therapy in multiple myeloma: an EBMT position paper
Nico Gagelmann et al.
Accepted paper in The Lancet Haematology
Summary
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-) T cell therapy represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach in the treatment of multiple myeloma, and the recent approval of the first two CAR-T products may result in improved outcomes. However, it remains a complex and expensive technology, which poses challenges to healthcare systems as well as society in general, especially in times of crises. This potentially accelerates pre-existing inequalities as access to CAR-T varies, both between countries depending on the level of economic development, and within countries due to structural disparities in access to quality healthcare, a parameter strongly correlated with socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and lifestyle. Here, we identify two important issues: (1) affordability, and (2) access to CAR-T treatment. This position paper from clinical investigators, clinicians, nurses, and patients from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation proposes solutions as part of an innovative collaborative strategy to make CAR-T accessible to all multiple myeloma patients.