Clinical Scorecard: Exploring Access to Innovative High-Expense Cancer Treatments for Children in Canada: A Nationwide Survey of Pediatric Oncology Specialists
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Childhood Cancer
Key Mechanisms
Access to high-cost therapies including targeted drugs, proton beam therapy (PBT), and cellular therapy (CT)
Target Population
Children with cancer in Canada
Care Setting
Pediatric oncology centers
Key Highlights
Access to high-cost therapies varies significantly across Canada
Blinatumomab had the highest reported access rate at 89%
Key barriers include travel difficulties and high costs
Universal funding and simplified approval processes are recommended
Limited availability of PBT and CT centers increases access challenges
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Utilize evidence-informed therapies for pediatric cancers
Management
Implement universal funding for high-cost therapies
Establish Canadian PBT centers to reduce travel burden
Monitoring & Follow-up
Track access rates and barriers to therapy
Risks
Economic and psychosocial impacts of travel on families
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children with specific types of cancer requiring high-cost therapies
Access to therapies like blinatumomab and larotrectinib is hindered by funding and logistical issues
Clinical Best Practices
Advocate for policy changes to improve access to innovative therapies
Facilitate travel support for families accessing distant treatment centers
Engage in continuous monitoring of therapy access disparities
