DUBLIN, Ohio, June 3, 2021
/PRNewswire/ -- Four years after the approval of the first
CAR-T cell therapies, oncologists are referring more patients for
treatment and becoming more comfortable with the cost. However,
payer approvals and cumbersome administrative processes are still
key barriers, according to new research published from Cardinal
Health Specialty Solutions.
CAR-T cell therapy uses the body's own immune system to fight
cancer. It works by taking blood from patients and separating out
the T cells, then genetically engineering them to produce chimeric
antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface, which can target and
kill cancer cells. Today, there are five CAR-T products
approved in the United States
(U.S.) for seven different indications including various lymphomas
and multiple myeloma.
The perceptions and current use of CAR-T therapy by oncologists
are explored in the latest edition of Oncology
Insights, a biannual research-based report series authored by
Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH), analyzing surveys of more than 300
U.S. oncologists. The surveys were conducted between February -
April 2021, culminating in the
report's publication today.
"The innovative science behind cell therapies like CAR-T is
transforming the long-term outlook for many cancer patients. Our
latest research shows that, despite some barriers to access,
oncologists are embracing these new therapies and are optimistic
about their continued use in the future of oncology care," said
Heidi Hunter, President of Cardinal
Health Specialty Solutions.
The study finds 60% of participating oncologists say that CAR-T
therapy costs are either "reasonable" or "not inappropriate" versus
just 39% of respondents in a similar 2017 study1. In
addition, 91% of oncologists have referred at least one patient for
CAR-T therapy over the past 12 months, up from 54% and 71% in
surveys2 conducted in 2019.
In addition to assessing views about CAR-T, the report also
explores the continued impact of COVID-19 on oncology and discusses
performance in value-based care. These key findings identified:
- About two-thirds of participating oncologists report delays in
routine cancer screening due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
- 89% of participants expect to continue using telemedicine after
the end of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
- Nearly four in 10 participants said it is difficult or very
difficult to perform well under value-based care models, and just
one in four participating oncologists agree that current
technologies support success in value-based care.
About Oncology Insights
Oncology
Insights is a biannual research-based report series
authored by Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH). The findings are based on
web-based surveys conducted between February - April 2021. This ninth edition report survey
included participation from more than 300 U.S oncologists,
representing a diverse mix of community and hospital-based
practices, as well as viewpoints from Cardinal Health leaders Chief
Medical Officer Bruce Feinberg, DO; Vice President, Senior
Medical Director Ajeet Gajra, MD,
MBBS, FACP; and Amy Valley, PharmD,
Vice President, Clinical Strategy and Technology Solutions.
About Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is a
distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and
distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of
performance and data solutions for health care facilities. With 50
years in business, operations in more than 40 countries and
approximately 48,000 employees globally, Cardinal Health is
essential to care. Information about Cardinal Health is available
at cardinalhealth.com.
Contacts
Media: to request a copy of the report,
please contact Marcia Frederick,
marcia.frederick@cardinalhealth.com and (614) 757-9968; Investors:
Kevin Moran,
kevin.moran@cardinalhealth.com and (614) 757-7942.
- Oncology Insights, Cardinal Health, Dec 2017
- Gajra A, Jeune-Smith Y, Kish J, Yeh TC, Hime S, Feinberg B.
Perceptions of community hematologists/oncologists on barriers to
chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for the treatment of
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Immunotherapy. 2020
Jul;12(10):725-732. doi: 10.2217/imt-2020-0118. Epub 2020 Jun 18.
PMID: 32552151.
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SOURCE Cardinal Health