Access to CAR T-Cell Therapy at Barwon Health

Throughout 2025/26 BSWRICS funded a 12-month project to enable Barwon Health to prepare to become a CAR T-cell provider service by addressing the findings and requirements of a gap analysis.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a novel form of immunotherapy that uses patients’ genetically modified T-cells to target and kill certain blood cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy is currently indicated for relapsed large cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). It is currently available at 3 sites in Victoria: The Alfred, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Indications for CAR T-cell therapy are expanding and becoming the standard of care across a range of blood cancers. Victoria’s Medical Services Advisory Committee recently recommended CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma, which will result in a substantial increase in demand.

The Barwon Regional Cancer Service Plan has identified Barwon Health becoming a CAR T-cell provider as a key implementation action. Barwon Health’s New Technology and Clinical Practice Committee, with the support of the Barwon Health Executive and Board, has recently provided in principle support for Barwon Health to become a CAR T-cell provider service, and endorses a future Expression of Interest to the Department of Health. Establishing a regional CAR T-cell therapy service at Barwon Health aligns with the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-28.

Barwon Health’s Clinical Haematology and Apheresis unit has existing capability as a NATA-accredited autologous stem cell transplantation service, in partnership with Melbourne Health (Royal Melbourne Hospital). A gap analysis of the service was undertaken by Peter Mac. and Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, concluding Barwon Health is well placed to become an additional Victorian CAR T-cell service provider.

With funding support from BSWRICS, Sam van der Linde was appointed to the role of CAR T-Cell Project Manager in June 2025.

Barwon Health rapidly established the governance, infrastructure, and clinical capability required to deliver CAR T-cell clinical trials locally within just 12 months. This achievement directly supports the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024–2028 by improving equity and enabling care closer to home.

Key outcomes include:

• The activation of two CAR T-cell clinical trials, with patients successfully treated, and a growing pipeline of future cellular therapy studies.
• Strengthening workforce capability through dedicated education and strategic partnerships.
• Establishing systems to ensure safe, compliant delivery of these complex therapies.
• Establishment of a nurse-led follow-up clinic allowing patients to transition earlier from metropolitan centres and continue care locally, reducing travel burden and improving patient experience.

Special recognition is extended to Sam, whose leadership, coordination, and expertise were instrumental in delivering this initiative.

This BSWRICS-funded project demonstrates the transformative impact of strategic regional investment, positioning Barwon Health to become a future designated CAR T-cell provider.