US: Supporting community oncology to deliver CAR T-cell therapies

Smaller community cancer programs may refer patients to larger centers for CAR T-cell therapies because of unfamiliarity with the treatment, inadequate reimbursement and infrastructure challenges.⁷¹ As a result, access to CAR T-cell therapy is still concentrated in large academic medical centers, creating logistical challenges for patients in rural or underserved areas.⁷⁰

In 2021, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) launched the Bringing CAR T-cell Therapies to Community Oncology initiative to help community cancer programs and practices obtain the education and tools they need to offer CAR T-cell therapy locally.⁷¹ 

As part of this initiative, the ACCC shares effective practices on overcoming logistical and financial hurdles, and highlights tips on the operational infrastructure needed for a successful CAR T-cell therapy program.⁷¹ This is delivered through a series of webinars and resources to help physicians identify patient candidates for CAR T-cell therapy and coordinate their care.⁷²

By bridging knowledge and infrastructure gaps between academic and community settings, the ACCC initiative is helping to decentralize access to CAR T-cell therapy. Thus, helping more patients receive treatment closer to home and reducing barriers in access, while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.