Understanding access to novel high-cost cancer therapies across Canada: a national survey of pediatric oncology providers - Takeaways - MDSpire

Understanding access to novel high-cost cancer therapies across Canada: a national survey of pediatric oncology providers

  • By

  • Kriti Kumar

  • Avram Denburg

  • Celine Cressman

  • Derek S. Tsang

  • Marcel Romanick

  • Myanca Rodrigues

  • Paul J. Gibson

  • May 20, 2026

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  • 1

    High-cost cancer therapies for children in Canada, including targeted drugs and proton beam therapy, are not universally funded.

  • 2

    A survey of pediatric oncology specialists revealed variable access rates to therapies like blinatumomab and larotrectinib.

  • 3

    Key barriers to accessing therapies included travel difficulties, economic impacts, and inconsistent funding across provinces.

  • 4

    Provider-reported access rates were 89% for blinatumomab and 59.2% for proton beam therapy, indicating significant disparities.

  • 5

    Recommendations include universal funding and establishing Canadian proton beam therapy centers to improve access.

Original Source(s)

Understanding access to novel high-cost cancer therapies across Canada: a national survey of pediatric oncology providers

  • by Kriti Kumar, Avram Denburg, Celine Cressman, Derek S. Tsang, Marcel Romanick, Myanca Rodrigues, Paul J. Gibson

  • May 20, 2026

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