Improving access to chimeric antigen receptor T-cells for refractory or relapsing diffuse large B cell lymphoma therapy in Asia

Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T)-mediated therapies have shown promising clinical benefit in patients with refractory or relapsing (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, CAR-T treatment presents challenges such as lack of drug accessibility, financial barriers, variab...

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Main Authors: Ya Hwee Tan, Dok Hyun Yoon, Andrew J. Davies, Christian Buske, Yang Liang Boo, Nagavalli Somasundaram, Francesca Lim, Shin Yeu Ong, Anand Jeyasekharan, Koji Izutsu, Won Seog Kim, Jason Yongsheng Chan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-02-01
Series:Discover Oncology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-01860-5
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Summary:Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T)-mediated therapies have shown promising clinical benefit in patients with refractory or relapsing (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, CAR-T treatment presents challenges such as lack of drug accessibility, financial barriers, variable physician preference or experience, and risk assessment based on patient-specific characteristics. This article thus aims to provide an overview of the CAR-T landscape for R/R DLBCL in Asia, with a focus on identifying barriers to access, from the perspective of Asian and international lymphoma experts. Presently, existing clinical data indicate that CAR-T therapy is a potentially curative strategy for R/R DLBCL in addition to stem cell transplantation, provided the patient’s disease profile and treatment history have been thoroughly considered. However, longer-term follow-up data from large-scale studies are needed to confirm curative potential and define optimal sequencing of CAR-T in the context of novel emerging treatments, such as bi-specific antibodies, in the management of R/R DLBCL. Consequently, further research into CAR-T would benefit from collaboration between institutions. Furthermore, there is a wide disparity in CAR-T accessibility across regions due to complicated logistics and cost, which represent a significant barrier to patients in Asia. Hence, there is a need to increase representation and engagement across different stakeholders such as policymakers, payers, and the industry to arrive at a consensus on patient selection, establish clear guidelines, and develop strategies to lower CAR-T costs. Ultimately, data can support a multi-stakeholder approach when devising strategies to make CAR-T feasible and sustainable for patients.
ISSN:2730-6011