Affording Immunotherapy: Strategies for Canadians
Immunotherapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment, utilizes your body’s immune system to combat cancer cells. It’s transforming the way we approach cancer care and holds significant promise for various cancer types, such as lung cancer, 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 Canadian Cancer 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 cancer patient support organization to check your eligibility.
| Program Name | Eligibility Criteria |
| Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) | Diagnosed with cancer 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 cancer treatment at a participating hospital or cancer center. |
| Roche Patient Support Program | Diagnosed with a cancer eligible for the program and experiencing financial hardship. |
| Program Name | Financial Assistance |
| Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) | Grants up to $5,000 for treatment costs, travel, and accommodation. |
| Trillium Drug Program (Ontario) | Covers the full cost of eligible drugs after a deductible is met. |
| pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Coverage (pCODC) | Covers the full cost of eligible drugs after a deductible is met. |
| Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points Program | Points can be redeemed for treatment costs, travel, and other expenses. |
| Roche Patient Support Program | Varies depending on the medication and patient’s circumstances. |
| Program Name | Contact Information |
| Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) | Visit the CCS website or call 1-800-263-5883. |
| Trillium Drug Program (Ontario) | Visit the Trillium Drug Program website or call 1-866-286-2779. |
| pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Coverage (pCODC) | Visit the pCODC website or call 1-866-711-3471. |
| Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points Program | Visit the Shoppers Drug Mart website or call 1-866-746-7736. |
| Roche Patient Support Program | Visit the Roche Patient Support Program website or call 1-888-576-7624. |
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: Investigate available financial assistance programs to help alleviate the financial burden. Your doctor or cancer support organization can guide you through the application process.
Reputable sources and organizations that you can read to for more information:
Canadian Cancer Society (CCS): The CCS provides extensive information on cancer treatments and offers support for patients.
CancerCare Manitoba: This organization offers valuable resources and support for cancer patients in Manitoba.
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer : 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.
