Affording Immunotherapy: Strategies for Canadians
Immunotherapy, a cutting-edge treatment, harnesses your body’s immune system to fight against harmful cells. It’s changing the way we tackle serious health conditions and shows great potential for treating various illnesses, such as lung disease, melanoma, and leukemia.
So, what’s the deal with immunotherapy costs?
The cost can vary greatly, ranging from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands per year. For instance, a commonly used drug like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) might set you back anywhere from $8,800 to $17,600 annually, depending on your province.
Here is a list of costs, based on information from the Canadian Cancer Trials and the Canadian Cancer Society:
| Treatment | Average Cost (CAD) |
| Nivolumab (Opdivo) | $15,000 – $20,000 per month |
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) | $12,000 – $18,000 per month |
| Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) | $11,000 – $16,000 per month |
| Ipilimumab (Yervoy) | $10,000 – $15,000 per month |
| Durvalumab (Imfinzi) | $8,000 – $12,000 per month |
| Avelumab (Bavencio) | $7,000 – $11,000 per month |
| Drug Name | Average Cost (CAD) |
| Avastin | $8,000 |
| Erbitux | $6,500 |
| Opdivo | $12,000 |
| Keytruda | $15,000 |
| Tecentriq | $11,000 |
| Yervoy | $10,000 |
Covered by Public Insurance
| Province | Covered by Public Insurance |
| Alberta | Yes |
| British Columbia | Yes |
| Manitoba | Yes |
| New Brunswick | No |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | No |
| Nova Scotia | Yes |
| Ontario | Yes |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes |
| Quebec | Yes |
| Saskatchewan | Yes |
| Northwest Territories | Yes |
| Nunavut | Yes |
| Yukon | Yes |
| Province | Out-of-Pocket Costs |
| Alberta | $5,000 |
| British Columbia | $2,000 |
| Manitoba | $3,000 |
| New Brunswick | $10,000 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $8,000 |
| Nova Scotia | $4,000 |
| Ontario | $1,000 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,500 |
| Quebec | $0 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,500 |
| Northwest Territories | $0 |
| Nunavut | $0 |
| Yukon | $0 |
Various factors that influence the cost:
Type of Immunotherapy: Different methods come at different price tags. Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab and nivolumab (Opdivo) are generally more expensive than other options like cancer vaccines or CAR T-cell therapy.
Province of Residence: Your location plays a significant role. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have public drug plans that cover specific drugs, while others like Manitoba and Saskatchewan lack such coverage.
Individual Circumstances: Your unique medical situation also affects the cost. For instance, if you’re dealing with a rare cancer or have exhausted other treatment options, immunotherapy may be the last resort, potentially increasing the expense.
How to cover the cost:
If you’re exploring immunotherapy as a treatment option, discussing costs and payment options with your healthcare provider is crucial. Here are some avenues to consider:
Public Drug Plans: Certain provinces have public drug plans that cover the costs of particular drugs. Visit your provincial government’s health ministry website to see if your province offers such coverage.
| Drug Name | Public Plans Coverage |
| Nivolumab (Opdivo) | Yes, covered by most provincial and territorial public drug plans |
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) | Yes, covered by most provincial and territorial public drug plans |
| Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) | Yes, covered by most provincial and territorial public drug plans |
| Ipilimumab (Yervoy) | Yes, covered by most provincial and territorial public drug plans |
| Durvalumab (Imfinzi) | Yes, covered by most provincial and territorial public drug plans |
| Avelumab (Bavencio) | Yes, covered by some provincial and territorial public drug plans |
| Bevacizumab (Avastin) | Yes, covered for specific cancer indications, not as general |
| Cetuximab (Erbitux) | Yes, covered for specific cancer indications, not as general |
Clinical Trials: When testing new cancer treatments through clinical trials, participants often receive immunotherapy at no cost. To discover current trials, check out the Trials website.
| Cancer Type | Number of Clinical Trials |
| Breast Cancer | 125 |
| Lung Cancer | 108 |
| Colorectal Cancer | 75 |
| Prostate Cancer | 62 |
| Melanoma | 54 |
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | 48 |
| Hodgkin Lymphoma | 36 |
| Leukemia | 35 |
| Bladder Cancer | 32 |
| Other | 180 |
Financial Assistance Programs: Numerous financial assistance programs are available to help patients with the costs of immunotherapy. Consult your doctor or get in touch with a patient support organization to check your eligibility.
| Program Name | Eligibility Criteria |
| Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) | Diagnosed and experiencing financial hardship. |
| Trillium Drug Program (Ontario) | Ontario resident with a valid provincial health insurance card. |
| pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Coverage (pCODC) | Diagnosed with a cancer listed on the pCODC formulary and unable to afford the medication. |
| Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points Program | Optimum program member and receiving treatment at a participating hospital or cancer center. |
| Roche Patient Support Program | Diagnosed with a cancer eligible for the program and experiencing financial hardship. |
In conclusion:
Here are a few more tips to help you navigate with the costs:
Shop around: Prices can differ among pharmacies. Call various pharmacies to compare prices before filling your prescription.
Ask for discounts: Some pharmacies offer discounts on drugs, so inquire with your pharmacist about potential savings.
Negotiate with your insurance company: If your private health insurance doesn’t cover immunotherapy, you may be able to negotiate for coverage. Contact your insurance provider to explore this option.
Consider a clinical trial: If you qualify for a clinical trial, it can be an excellent way to access immunotherapy at no cost.
Apply for financial assistance: Look into financial assistance programs that can ease the financial strain. Your doctor or support organisation can help you navigate the application process.
Reputable sources and organizations you can turn to for more information:
Canadian Society (CCS): The CCS offers comprehensive details on treatment options and provides support for patients navigating their journey.
Care Manitoba: This organization is dedicated to offering valuable resources and support to patients across Manitoba.
The Canadian Partnership Against: Partnershipagainstcancer.ca
The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH): Cadth.ca
The Public Health Agency of Canada: Canada.ca/en/public-health.html
Author Bio:
Pamela Harris is a dedicated health advocate and writer with a background in healthcare communications. She focuses on educating Canadians about navigating complex health issues and finding accessible solutions. Pamela is passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being and exploring innovative treatment options. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors and volunteering in her community.
