US: Expanding CAR T-cell delivery through satellite models

Access to CAR T-cell therapy is often concentrated in large academic centers in cities, creating logistical barriers for patients who must travel to access treatment.⁷⁰

To address this, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) developed a satellite expansion model to deliver CAR T-cell therapy through a network of affiliated and non-affiliated community hospitals. UPenn manages key functions such as reimbursement strategy, adverse event management training, and education on the CAR T-cell care pathway for these satellite sites.¹³⁸ This model enables the community hospitals to operate independently while adhering to a shared framework of standards and protocols.

It has helped extend CAR T-cell therapy access to community hospitals to provide treatment and care closer to people’s homes.