Life-Saving Cancer Therapy Now Being Provided In British Columbia

Cancer patients affected by certain advanced leukemias and lymphomas now have access to a new therapy - Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) therapy - closer to home.

“Cancer touches the lives of so many people in British Columbia,” said Premier David Eby.

“Our goal is to lead the country with better and faster ways to prevent, detect and treat cancers so we can stop this disease in its tracks. That’s why, starting now, we are supporting eligible cancer patients and their families who are facing the most devastating cancer threats by providing CAR-T therapy right here in British Columbia.”

It’s through a partnership between the Province and BC Cancer, Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services, Vancouver General Hospital and BC Children’s Hospital.

Intake and patient assessment began in January with the first treatment starting this month.

During initial implementation, 20 adults will be treated at Vancouver General Hospital and an estimated five children/youth will be treated at BC Children’s Hospital, per year.

Previously, British Columbians had to travel outside the province to receive treatment.

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, says the incidence of cancer is increasing as the population ages and grows at unprecedented rates, and bolstering resources and infrastructure will benefit both patients and health-care professionals with the support they need.

Dr. Kim Chi, executive vice-president and chief medical officer with BC Cancer says the announcement and these new dollars will help them expand and improve specialized treatments and diagnostics, “and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with cancer and those who love them,” she said.

The province announced $270 million would be spent over the next three years in Budget 2024, promising better access to oncologists and specialized cancer diagnostics and treatments, including PET-CT scans, genomic testing, precision radiation therapy, new targeted anti-cancer drugs and specialized immunotherapy.

The funding will also support the elimination of cervical cancer in B.C., improving in-province access to radiation and systemic (chemo) therapies, increasing support for primary-care providers, and recruiting additional cancer-care positions.

In 2022, an expected 32,170 people were diagnosed with cancer and more than 11,000 died because of cancer. For 2023, the expected number would be 33,105.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.