1771.1 – Axicabtagene ciloleucel therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma

Funding for a high cost, highly specialised therapy under the National Health Reform Agreement.

Axicabtagene ciloleucel is a CAR T-cell therapy that is produced using a patient’s own T-cells (another form of immune cell), making the product unique to each patient. For CAR-T therapy, a patient’s T-cells are collected and genetically modified in a lab to express an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that targets the lymphoma B-cells. The modified T-cells are multiplied and then infused back into the patient where they target and kill the cancerous lymphoma B-cells, thereby treating the lymphoma.

Axicabtagene ciloleucel is used when patients with follicular lymphoma do not respond to (refractory), or relapse (come back) after, other types of treatment, such as chemotherapy.

Type: Therapeutic technology

Follicular Lymphoma (FL) is a type of blood cancer that changes certain blood cells in the body called B-cell lymphocytes (B-cells). It can affect lymph nodes (sometimes called glands) and the lymphatic system. Follicular lymphoma is considered an indolent lymphoma, which means it is usually slow growing.

The following consultation deadlines apply:

• Pre-PASC consultation deadline: Expedited - bypassing PASC
• Pre-MSAC consultation deadline: Friday 13 June 2025 11:59 pm AEST  

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This application will be considered at the following meetings:

• PASC meeting: Bypassing PASC
• ESC meeting: 12-13 June 2025
• MSAC meeting: 31 July - 1 August 2025

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The outcome of this application is pending.

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