CAR-T cell therapy is available for international patients in Germany, with several hospitals and clinics offering this advanced treatment for specific types of blood cancers.
Here are key details about its availability:
Hospitals Offering CAR-T Therapy
Germany has a network of certified centers that provide CAR-T cell therapy, including:
- University Hospital Würzburg
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden
- University Hospital Frankfurt
- University Hospital Cologne
- University Hospital Heidelberg
- University Hospital Ulm
- University Hospital Freiburg
Eligibility and Access
- CAR-T therapy in Germany is regulated by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), ensuring high standards of safety and efficacy.
- International patients can access CAR-T therapy, but they must navigate eligibility criteria, insurance coverage, and logistical challenges.
- Hospitals must meet specific requirements set by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to offer this treatment.
Cost and Insurance
- The cost of CAR-T therapy in Germany is significant, with prices ranging from €454,100 to €621,300 for treatments targeting acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-cell).
- Public health insurance in Germany generally covers CAR-T therapy for eligible patients.
- Private insurance or self-funding may be necessary for international patients to cover treatment costs.
Medical Tourism Considerations
For international patients seeking CAR-T therapy in Germany:
- It's recommended to work with medical tourism facilitators to navigate the healthcare system and logistics.
- Patients should factor in additional costs such as travel, accommodation, and potential language barriers.
- Germany offers competitive prices compared to some other countries, like the United States.
Expertise and Infrastructure
- Germany has been a leader in the development and use of CAR-T therapy in Europe.
- Certified centers have specialized infrastructure, medical procedures, and team competencies to administer CAR-T therapy.
- Some hospitals, like Heidelberg University Hospital, have been at the forefront of implementing CAR-T cell therapy in Germany.
In summary, Germany offers robust options for CAR-T cell therapy with world-class facilities and expertise. International patients can access these treatments by meeting eligibility requirements and planning for associated costs and logistics. It's advisable to research thoroughly and consult with medical professionals before pursuing CAR-T therapy as a medical tourist in Germany.
Publication date: March 2025
Sources:
gilead-dialog.de
mdc-berlin.de
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
novartis.com
frontiersin.org
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
