The Leukaemia Foundation has welcomed the announcement by the Malinauskas Labor Government that South Australia is establishing 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.
The new service, expected to commence by mid-2026, will significantly improve access to this highly specialised, life-saving treatment and reduce the need for South Australians to travel 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," Mr 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."
CAR T-cell (chimeric antigen receptor) therapy is a cutting-edge form of immunotherapy that uses a patient's own immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells.
Globally, CAR T has been transformational for many patients, including those with certain relapsed or refractory lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In Australia, approved CAR T therapies are typically used for patients who have already had four or more prior lines of treatment.
Mr Tanti said the introduction of CAR T therapy in Adelaide would significantly reduce the burden of travel and disruption currently faced by patients and their loved ones.
"At present, around 30 South Australians each year are forced to relocate or travel interstate to receive CAR T therapy," he said.
"Patients have told us how frustrating and distressing it is to leave their homes, support networks and community at an already incredibly difficult time. Local access to CAR T will make a profound difference."
Currently in South Australia, CAR T-cell therapy is only available to eligible patients through clinical trials. The establishment of a dedicated commercial service is expected to increase capacity over time and will enable more patients with relapsed or refractory blood cancer to receive treatment closer to home.
The Leukaemia Foundation said the announcement also represented an important step toward addressing healthcare inequity.
"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," Mr Tanti said.
"This is about equity – ensuring a patients 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.
While Australia has made significant progress in delivering CAR T therapy, access remains uneven and reliant on complex funding arrangements between state, territory and federal governments.
"Australia has a world-leading health system, but sadly there are still many therapies available overseas that remain out of reach for Australian patients," Mr Tanti said.
"Investing in CAR T is not just a funding decision – it's a statement of commitment to people living with blood cancer and their right to access the best possible care."
The Leukaemia Foundation said it would continue working with governments, clinicians and health services to ensure equitable access to the latest therapies and to keep patients informed as services are rolled out.
"We implore all parties to act quickly so this life-saving treatment can be offered to eligible South Australians as soon as possible," Mr Tanti said.
"This announcement brings real hope, and we must now ensure that hope is delivered."
