Health leaders seek to expand access to advanced therapies
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In New York City, health leaders gathered at the TIME100 Health Leadership Forum to discuss challenges patients face when accessing specialized medical treatments.
TIME hosted the forum, inviting experts from Oregon Health & Science University, Penn Medicine, and NMDP, a nonprofit organization, to address equity in healthcare. Amy Ronneberg of NMDP explained that while donor availability has improved, many patients still don’t receive timely referrals to transplant centers and struggle with financial burdens. Dr. Eneida R.
Nemecek of Oregon Health & Science University noted that healthcare systems often prioritize their own design over patient needs, creating geographical barriers to care. Advanced therapies like CAR-T cell therapy are typically performed at large academic institutions in major cities, leaving many patients far from the necessary expertise and technology. Dr. David L. Porter of Penn Medicine explained that collecting cells for these therapies presents a unique logistical challenge.
To overcome these obstacles, leaders are exploring ways to deliver treatments closer to patients. Penn Medicine recently completed a pilot study successfully treating over 60 patients with CAR-T cell therapy in community health centers. NMDP and Oregon Health & Science University are collaborating on the ACCESS Initiative, which aims to train and accredit community centers to collect cells and utilize telehealth for wider access.
Ronneberg emphasized the need for increased education, awareness, and financial assistance for patients navigating these complex treatments.
