DP033 | CARE-TOGETHER: 3 YEARS SINCE THE LAUNCH OF THE FIRST ITALIAN PATIENT SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR CAR T THERAPY

Background: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies. However, it presents substantial economic and organizational challenges for the Italian National Healthcare System. These burdens impact patients and families, involving complex treatment processes, mobility issues^a, and caregiver strain. Notably, 66% of caregivers (CG) are forced to leave their jobs due to insufficient support.¹ The absence of CG is a significant barrier to accessing care. Aims: A comprehensive support program aimed at reducing both the emotional and practical burdens throughout the CAR T-cell journey have been developed in Italy since July 2022. Methods: The Patient Support Program (PSP) “CARe-Together” is the first Italian program for patients and CG seeking CAR T-cell therapy, designed to facilitate their journey with personalized services. A digital platform has been developed to help patients access, professional CG services and healthcare support. The PSP includes various services (transportation, assistance and daily activity support) provided by trained CG. A qualitative analysis was administered to Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), patients and CG to assess the PSP’s usefulness, it’s impact on patients’ quality of life, the stewardship role and the range and quality of services provided.^b Results: Launched in July 2022 with 4 Italian QTCs, the PSP now includes 9 centers. Among a total of 287 patients intended to CAR T-cell therapy in these centers, 58 patients were enrolled up to February 28th, 2025. 563 services were provided: 387 professional CG, 100 physiotherapy, 62 nutritional, and 14 psychological services (Figure 1).^c Among the survey respondents^d, HCPs rated the steward’s support as highly helpful (9.5/10), the range of services offered was rated 8.0. Both Patients and CG reported that the program significantly improved their QoL (9.6 and 9.7, respectively). Conclusion: The PSP “CARe Together” offers a successful example of a public-private partnership, emphasizing the crucial role of CG in a patient's journey with CAR T-cell therapy and the value of an integrated care model addressing the broader needs of patients and CG. There are plans to administer a new survey to assess unmet needs for patients participating in the PSP to better understand their specific challenges and improve their care experience.