When a line-item is a lifeline.
Bring CAR T closer to home.
We all have a part to play in expanding CAR T therapy capacity and access for Canadians who need it.
CAR T-cell therapy, sometimes called CAR T, uses the body’s own cells to fight cancer. This specialized treatment is currently approved for use in authorized centres across Canada for eligible patients.
Hear from Canadian experts on what needs to be done to increase CAR T capacity here in Canada
“Expanding access to CAR T-cell therapy isn’t just about having more treatment centers. It’s about creating a network of care that reaches most Canadians and creative solutions to overcome geographic and financial barriers. Only then can we ensure truly equitable access for all eligible Canadians no matter where they live.“
Dr. Nicole Laferriere
Chief of Oncology and Medical Director
About the CAR T Closer to Home Campaign
There is an urgent need to expand CAR T-cell therapy access across Canada. This specialized treatment is a newer option for patients with certain blood cancers, yet significant barriers within our healthcare system are limiting its full implementation and impact.
Canada’s healthcare system stakeholders need to continue to work together to address the pressing need to further enhance capacity for CAR T therapy in Canada through targeted healthcare system investments.
CAR T Therapy Landscape Across Canada
“For our team in Newfoundland and Labrador, building a dedicated CAR T program and expanding local access means less travel and more support for our patients when they need it most. We’re actively working to improve infrastructure, enhance expertise, and create a regional center so that patients can receive innovative treatments here at home — because everyone in our community deserves equitable and timely care without having to leave their support networks behind.”
Dr. David Jones
Hematologist, St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Unlocking Canada's Potential in Specialized Cancer Care
Despite world-class expertise, barriers limit CAR T access
The Canadian healthcare system has all the ingredients to deliver globally leading cancer care, but one key item is missing: widespread access to CAR T-cell therapy, an individualized, one-time treatment used in blood cancers with high unmet need.
There’s an urgency to address capacity issues to ensure those without other treatment alternatives can access CAR T-cell therapy in a timely manner.
Despite our world-class research and medical expertise, barriers within our system are preventing full access to this treatment for all eligible Canadians.
Since 2019, CAR T-cell therapy has been offered to Canadians with certain blood cancers,1 yet not all provinces offer commercial options for CAR T-cell treatment delivery, thus limiting the system’s capabilities to serve more patients and requiring many patients to travel long distances for treatment.
The Growing Need: Why Canada Must Act Now
As awareness of CAR T-cell therapy’s potential grows, so does the demand – and Canada’s healthcare system is struggling to keep pace. New indications for additional types of blood cancers are on the near horizon, and we are already at capacity with current indications.
CAR T therapy is approved for some blood cancers in most provinces.
When CAR T becomes available for more indications, there may not be enough authorized centres and space to rapidly address the demand.
Time is of the essence when it comes to accessing CAR T. Eligible patients who are waitlisted often pass before accessing this specialized treatment.2
Demand for CAR T Will Soon Outpace Capacity**
Given the remarkable growth experienced over the last four years, it is very likely that the system will reach its capacity in the next year or so. Thus, it is imperative to ensure more CAR T centres are added across the country to serve more Canadians.
** CAR T volumes illustrated in the graph above include all commercial manufacturers and exclude clinical trials across reimbursed indications in Canada. Data represents actual numbers up to July 2025, with projections for the remainder of the year.
Investing in Canada's Healthcare Future by leveraging existing infrastructure
A cost-effective approach for rapidly expanding access to CAR T
To meet the growing demand for CAR T-cell therapy and solidify Canada’s position as a leader in innovative healthcare, strategic investments are crucial.
Considering the growing Canadian populations and its geography, Canada has too few authorized centres for the population it serves. Simply put, this means that Canadians often have to travel far to access the critical care they need, particularly for specialized treatments.
Meeting the demand for CAR T-cell therapy requires a commitment to investing into expanding the number of hospitals that offer this treatment. Join us as we advocate for increasing the number of CAR T centres by 10 by 2028.
Today across Canada there are only 13 authorized CAR T Centres that serve a population of 41 million Canadians. In 2024, more than 23,000 patients were diagnosed with blood cancers and many of them will likely need specialized treatment options. What can we do NOW to expand the number of CAR T centres to ensure patients have timely access?
We would like to hear what is being done in your region to enhance CAR T capacity. Write to us at publicaffairscanada@gilead.ca
Join the Movement: Help Increase CAR T Access with 10 NEW authorized CAR T centres within the next 3 years
The promise of CAR T-cell therapy in transforming cancer treatment is clear, but its full potential can only be realized with your support and action.
We need to work together to ensure that more centres are opened to serve Canadians who need specialized care. Here are some of the ways we can work together to expand CAR T access by increasing the number of centres by 10 by 2028.
Policy and Advocacy
• Advocate for additional CAR T centres to serve more Canadians who need this.
• Assess the capabilities of existing centres and their readiness to expand CAR T treatments to more patients.
• Commit to opening at least 10 new CAR T centres by 2028.
Long-Term Sustainability
• Develop strategies to manage the increasing demand for CAR T-cell therapy by leveraging existing infrastructure in current CAR T centres.
• Invest resources and provide funding for exploring innovative models of care for sustainable patient volume management.
We want to hear about what is being done in your region to enhance CAR T capacity. Write us at publicaffairscanada@gilead.ca