Summary of the Article: Expanding Access and Outcomes of CAR T-Cell Therapy at Academic Treatment Centers (ATCs)
This article from The American Journal of Managed Care discusses the accomplished expansion of CAR T-cell therapy beyond established academic centers to newer Academic Treatment Centers (ATCs), and reassuringly, the outcomes at these newer centers are comparable to those achieved at the leading academic institutions. Dr. Olalekan Oluwole from Vanderbilt University Medical Center presents findings from two abstracts examining real-world resource utilization and clinical outcomes.
Key takeaways:
* successful Expansion: ATCs are successfully delivering CAR T-cell therapy with outcomes on par with established academic centers.
* FACT accreditation & New Centers: The initial rollout of CAR T-cell therapy focused on highly specialized academic centers with FACT accreditation.A backlog in FACT accreditation has allowed newer centers to begin offering the treatment, even without immediate accreditation.
* Comparable Outcomes: Studies of patients treated at these newer ATCs show similar hospital lengths of stay, readmission rates, and adverse event profiles compared to those treated at academic centers.
* Resource Utilization: Outpatient administration of CAR T-cell therapy is associated with shorter hospital stays and potentially improved patient quality of life, leading to cost savings. Outpatients who do require admission tend to have shorter stays than those initially treated inpatient.
* Patient Selection for Outpatient Treatment: Careful patient selection is crucial for successful outpatient CAR T-cell therapy, considering factors like patient fitness, caregiver support, transportation, and proximity to care. The use of paid caregivers is emerging as a potential solution for patients lacking support.
* Expanding Patient Population: Newer centers are treating patients who may have been excluded from earlier clinical trials, expanding access to this potentially life-saving therapy.
In essence, the article highlights a positive trend: CAR T-cell therapy is becoming more accessible while maintaining a high standard of care, and resourceful solutions are being developed to further improve access and patient experience.
