CAR-T cell therapy advances in cancer treatment and insurance coverage

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is transforming the treatment of resistant blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, by genetically engineering a patient’s own T-lymphocytes to target malignant cells.

In Taiwan, medical professionals are advocating for the expansion of National Health Insurance coverage to include CAR-T as a second-line treatment rather than a last-resort third-line option. Moving the treatment earlier in the clinical progression could increase success rates from 58% to 65%, with next-generation therapies potentially reaching 75% efficacy in second-line trials. Currently, the high cost of treatment—averaging approximately 8.19 million TWD per patient—remains a significant barrier.

To remain competitive globally, experts suggest Taiwan leverage its Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) capabilities to partner with international developers like Miltenyi Biotec and Kite. This approach aims to accelerate the availability of next-generation therapies and secure regional distribution rights, ensuring patients have faster access to advanced immunotherapy.