THE South Australian government has announced it will establish a dedicated CAR T-cell therapy service as a line of treatment for people living with blood cancer, marking a major advancement in cancer care in the state.
Expected to commence by mid-2026, the service will significantly improve access to this highly specialised, life-saving treatment and reduce the burden of travel for South Australians who currently go interstate for care.
Leukaemia Foundation Chief Executive Officer Chris Tanti said the announcement represented a huge win for blood cancer patients and their families.
"This is a landmark step forward for people living with blood cancer in South Australia," Tanti said.
"CAR T therapy offers new hope to patients who have already endured multiple lines of treatment and may have very limited options left.
"For many, it is not just another therapy - it can mean better quality of life and improved survival outcomes."
The Leukaemia Foundation said the announcement also represented an important step toward addressing healthcare inequity in the state.
"By investing in CAR T, the South Australian Government is narrowing the gap in access to innovative cancer treatments and improving health outcomes for people living with blood cancer," Tanti said.
"This is about equity - ensuring a patient's postcode does not determine whether they can access the latest, potentially life-saving therapies."
The Leukaemia Foundation continues to advocate for CAR T treatment centres in every Australian state and territory, so patients are no longer required to travel interstate for care.
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