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After six years of the arrival of the CAR-T To Spain, it has been evident that the incorporation of these treatments to the National Health System (SNS) It marked a before and after for patients with hematological cancers, but there are still different barriers to overcome, as exposed in the ‘VI MEETING ADVANCED THERAPIES. 6 years of car-t in Spain ‘organized by Gilead Sciences within the framework of World lymphoma day and the month of awareness of blood cancers.
They pointed out that, thanks to the updates of the ‘Advanced therapies approach to the National Health System’, which this 2025 turns seven years, these therapies have been able to reach more patients in the Spanish territory and respond to their most urgent needs.
The day has gathered some of the Maximum experts from Spain in this area; From hematologists and other medical specialists, to representatives of patients and public administration, both national and autonomous, who have analyzed the current and discussed situation on how to continue with the development of CAR-T therapies in Spain.
Among the challenges to dispose of lymphoma patients with the latest therapeutic advances-such as the CAR-T-they have highlighted the substantial reduction of waiting times and improve the accessibility of patients to advanced therapies, especially in the regions of Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha and La Rioja, that still do not have any authorized center.
Marc Obrador, Senior Director of Kite Spain and Portugal, stressed that “since its implementation, the National Plan for Advanced Therapies has been key to consolidating Spain as a country of reference in the application of CAR-T therapies. Now, in a different context and with these treatments already available for patients, challenges have changed, although they remain of great relevance”.
The evolution of ‘Advanced Therapies Plan’ has been explained by César Hernández, General Director of Common Portfolio of Services of the National Health and Pharmacy System, of the Ministry of Health, who has valued the most significant priorities and modifications. “This plan consolidates a model that integrates in an orderly and sustainable way advanced therapies in the usual clinical practice, working with the autonomous communities to expand the ability of the system in an orderly manner and guarantee safe and homogeneous access throughout the country to all advanced therapies.”
These updates aim to improve access; However, experts indicate that waiting times continue to assume one of the main challenges for lymphoma patients who, on many occasions, cannot receive treatment even having initiated their process.
In the words of Begoña Barragán, President of AEAL (Spanish Association of lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma), “Every day counts for a patient who hopes to access a therapy that can make a difference between having an option for the future or not. Also, we face the challenge of guaranteeing territorial equity, of having enough accredited centers and ensuring that health teams have the necessary resources.”
They added that patient associations play a crucial role in the patient’s accompaniment. “We work to accompany them throughout the process, offering emotional and practical support. An example is the program by your side, which provides information, personalized advice and psychooncological care. In addition, we cover the expenses of displacement and stay of those who need it most when they must move outside their city to receive treatment. No patient should worry about how to get to his hospital or for the cost of the stay: the priority should always be health, ”Barragán stressed.
In addition, according to the doctor María Victoria Mateos, President of the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH)“CAR-T therapies have changed the prognosis of many patients with lymphoma and other hematological neoplasms, but to maximize their impact it is essential to strengthen coordination between health professionals, administrations and patient associations. Only we can ensure that each patient receives the treatment she needs, at the precise moment.”
Clinical experience
The encounter has had two complementary round tables that have addressed both the clinical experience and the national strategy around CAR-T therapies. In the first, experts have analyzed the complete path of the patient, from diagnosis to infusion, focusing on the clinical selection criteria, coordination between hospitals, logistics challenges linked to transport and manufacturing the treatment and integral accompaniment, which includes both psychological support and expectations management. It was also discussed about the management of complications and subsequent monitoring, as well as on the territorial inequalities that still condition access.
On the second table, the debate has revolved around the new National Plan for Advanced Therapies and how to evolve from a model of clinical excellence to a real accessibility. The balance of the achievements obtained, the extension of these therapies beyond the CAR-T, the need for homogeneous criteria between autonomous communities and the challenges of financing and sustainability have been the main aspects that were put in common.
In addition, the role of the formation of multidisciplinary teams, the commitment to innovation, and the vision of the future so that equity and accessibility go hand in hand in the Spanish health system has been highlighted.
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