Affording Immunotherapy: Strategies for Canadians
Immunotherapy is an advanced treatment that uses your body’s immune system to target and fight harmful cells. It’s revolutionizing how we approach serious conditions and holds significant promise for treating illnesses like 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 Canadian Trials and the Canadian 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 impacts the cost. For example, if you’re facing a rare condition or have tried other treatment options without success, immunotherapy might be the final option, which could raise the expense.
How to cover the cost:
If you’re looking into immunotherapy as a treatment option, it’s important to discuss the costs and payment options with your healthcare provider. Here are some options to explore:
Public Drug Plans: Some provinces have public drug plans that help cover the costs of specific medications. Check your provincial government’s website to find out if your area offers this type of 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 conditions, not as a general coverage. |
| Cetuximab (Erbitux) | Yes, it’s covered for specific conditions, not as a general treatment. |
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 | 125 |
| Lung | 108 |
| Colorectal | 75 |
| Prostate | 62 |
| Melanoma | 54 |
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | 48 |
| Hodgkin Lymphoma | 36 |
| Leukemia | 35 |
| Bladder | 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) | An Ontario resident with a valid provincial insurance card. |
| pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Coverage (pCODC) | Diagnosed with a condition 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 treatment 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 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 advocate and writer with a strong foundation in healthcare communications. She is committed to helping Canadians navigate complex challenges and find accessible solutions. Pamela is passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their well-being while exploring innovative treatment options. Outside of writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors and giving back to her community through volunteering.
