Member
Russell George Montgomeryshire
WQ88512 (e) Tabled on 23/06/2023

What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee in securing the expansion of CAR-T treatment centres for patients across Wales?

Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services | Answered on 04/07/2023

I recognise the importance of access to Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs) such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. The Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee is responsible for commissioning this service on behalf of health boards in Wales.

The commissioning policies include equitable access and can be found at:

Specialised Services Policy Position: PP185

whssc.nhs.wales/commissioning/whssc-policies/cancer/chimeric-antigen-receptor-t-cell-car-t-therapy-policy-position-statement-pp185-april-2023/

Specialised Services Service Specification: CP176

whssc.nhs.wales/commissioning/whssc-policies/all-policy-documents/chimeric-antigen-receptor-t-cell-car-t-therapy-gilead-axicabtagene-ciloleucel-yescarta-service-specification-cp175-march-2019/

Specialised Services Service Specification: CP175

whssc.nhs.wales/commissioning/whssc-policies/all-policy-documents/chimeric-antigen-receptor-t-cell-car-t-therapy-novartis-tisagenlecleucel-kymriah-service-specification-cp176-march-2019/

The criteria for a unit to deliver CAR-T is described in these policies. There are no intentions at the present time to commission additional centres in Wales.