ASH 2023: Barriers Identified to the Use of CAR T-cell Therapy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

While chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy represents a promising treatment option for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), many community physicians face challenges that make it difficult to employ these therapies in the clinic. To address these challenges, researchers surveyed clinicians and completed audit-feedback sessions to identify areas where support is needed to improve the integration of CAR T-cell therapies in clinical practice. This research was presented by LRF grantee and speaking faculty for LRF Patient Education Programs Manali Kamdar, MD, MBBS of University of Colorado.

Among 60 healthcare professionals who completed the survey, the most commonly identified barriers to the use of CAR T-cell therapies in patients with NHL were the identification of eligible patients, ability to get approval from insurance companies, and transferring of patients to a CAR T-cell center for infusion. Just 51% of providers indicated that they often or always refer eligible patients for CAR T-cell therapy. More than half of respondents suggested there is a need for improved communication between CAR T-cell centers and oncology clinics.

Among 55 providers who participated in the audit-feedback sessions, where they had the opportunity to learn from CAR T-cell expert physicians, confidence identifying eligible patients – and managing potential adverse effects of CAR T-cell therapy – increased significantly, and participants were able to outline action plans to achieve improved access to CAR T-cell therapies. After 90 days, follow-up surveys were administered, with 92% of respondents reporting improved communication with CAR T-cell centers, and 75% reporting improved identification of eligible patients. Gaining approval from insurance companies remained a top challenge for 33% of respondents.

The researchers suggested that the data from this survey can be used to develop future initiatives to support the integration of CAR T-cell therapies into the care of patients with NHL and improve uptake of these therapies in the clinic.