CAR-T cell therapy is available in Spain for both domestic and international patients, with several hospitals and clinics offering this advanced treatment for specific types of blood cancers, such as relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Here are key details about its availability for international patients:
Hospitals Offering CAR-T Therapy
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid
- Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid
- Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia
- Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona
- SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital: Specializes in pediatric CAR-T therapy and has significant experience in clinical trials.
Eligibility and Access
- CAR-T therapy in Spain is regulated by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), 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 such as travel and accommodation.
- Approval and funding processes for CAR-T therapy are streamlined for urgent cases, with decisions often made within 24–72 hours.
Cost and Insurance
- The cost of CAR-T therapy in Spain ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros. For example, tisagenlecleucel costs approximately €320,000 per treatment.
- The Spanish National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud) provides coverage for eligible patients. However, international patients may need private insurance or self-funding to cover the treatment costs.
Infrastructure and Expertise
Spain boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure with specialized laboratories, cleanrooms, and experienced oncologists. This ensures high precision in administering CAR-T therapy. Additionally, the country has expanded its network of CAR-T centers to improve accessibility across regions.
Medical Tourism Considerations
Spain is a popular destination for medical tourism. International patients should consider:
- Treatment costs
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Language and cultural barriers
- Coordination with local healthcare providers for follow-up care.
In summary, Spain 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.
Sources:
frontiersin.org
techsciresearch.com
sjdhospitalbarcelona.org
susupport.com
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
lamoncloa.gob.es
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
elsevier.es
ecpc.org
carrerasresearch.org
Publication date: March 2025
