Cancer care has seen progress in many areas, yet it is still a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022, and one in five people are at risk of developing cancer in their lifetime1. With the burden growing and some cancers being resistant to treatments, it’s important that healthcare systems (HCS) can address increasing unmet needs and provide life-enhancing treatments, such as radioligand therapy (RLT), to patients that need it 2-7.
Building a future able to capitalize on RLT requires HCSs that are ready (i.e., HCS readiness) to promptly and sustainably adapt policies, infrastructure and processes to support the integration of new therapies in cancer care plans7-10. Data shows that in many countries, the policy landscape to allow for access and uptake is lagging behind8,9.
As we reach a critical moment where RLT can benefit a growing number of patients, we must harmonize and update aspects of HCSs, making them fit for the future6-11. This will require multi-stakeholder collaboration, working together to integrate RLT into all areas of HCSs to ensure it’s made available to all those who could benefit6-11.
Key healthcare system challenges for RLT
Integrating RLT in cancer care presents various challenges that need to be addressed to ensure patients can benefit from this treatment6-11. Given the unique requirements of handling radioligands, hospitals require specific infrastructure, including lead-protected rooms, waste disposal systems, diagnostic equipment and specialized staff to safely administer treatments6-10.
The severity and priority of RLT integration differs from country to country and, as a committed partner, Novartis strives to move beyond manufacturing and supplying medicines by working collaboratively with medical societies, hospitals, political alliances, key experts and policy makers. Together, we are addressing barriers for better alignment and timely access to RLT care.
Capacity: Centers, workforce, diagnostic
Access to RLT diagnostic equipment is inconsistent, leading to scheduling issues and long wait times due to personnel shortages and availability of positron emission tomography (PET) scans7,8. We're collaborating with various stakeholders such as EANM's ‘INSPIRE’ initiative, RLT Academy, and endorsing IQVIA's report to tackle issues related to RLT integration and policy in European HCSs.
Appropriate radiosafety and regulatory frameworks
Currently, RLT is not well recognized in cancer policy frameworks, with radioprotection and safety regulations varying drastically from country to country6-9. To address this, we are working with other partners on providing the necessary evidence to help shape radiosafety guidelines and policies in terms of hospitalization duration, waste management, and dosimetry.
Referral pathways
The process of prescribing, referring and delivering RLT is essential for consistent care and proper use of RLTs6-9. Right now, there are no standard referral pathways for RLT and the lack of a standard process makes it hard for new centers to offer treatment6,9. Initiatives are being developed to establish optimized patient referral pathways for RLT.