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?
What you might end up paying can swing widely—from just a few thousand to well over a hundred thousand bucks each year. Take pembrolizumab (also known as Keytruda) for example—it could run you somewhere between $8,800 and $17,600 per year, depending on where you’re located and your personal circumstances.
Here’s a breakdown of potential price ranges, gathered from trusted sources like nationwide clinical efforts and well-respected medical organizations:
| 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 |
Several things can affect the price tag:
Type of Immunotherapy:Different methods used to stimulate the body’s natural defenses can come with significantly different price tags. For example, checkpoint inhibitors—such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab (also known as Opdivo)—are among the more expensive options available. These work by blocking certain proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking harmful cells. On the other hand, other forms like personalized vaccines or CAR T-cell therapy, which reprogram a person’s own cells to better recognize and fight the problem, may have varying levels of accessibility and associated charges, depending on how they’re administered and where.
Province of Residence: Where you live makes a big difference when it comes to how much you might need to pay out of pocket. For example, in places like Ontario and British Columbia, certain advanced options are paid for by government-funded plans. But in other areas—like Manitoba or Saskatchewan—you might not have the same access to assistance, meaning you could be left paying more yourself. It really depends on your region’s system and how they handle newer medical advancements.
Individual Circumstances: Your own situation plays a big role in how much you might end up spending. Let’s say you’re dealing with something uncommon or have already gone through a bunch of different approaches that didn’t do the trick—your doctor may recommend a more advanced method as a last resort. When it comes down to that, the pricing can climb quickly since these specialized approaches often require more sessions, unique prescriptions, or custom-tailored plans that aren’t always easy to access or affordable.
Ways to pay for it:
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 areas across the country offer assistance through regional medication initiatives that reduce how much people have to pay for certain prescriptions. You can visit your local government’s website to see if this kind of help is available where you live.
| Drug Name | Public Plans Coverage |
| Nivolumab (Opdivo) | Yes, covered by most provincial and territorial public drug plans |
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) | Yes, available in most regions across the country. |
| Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) | Most regions offer it through their local systems. |
| Ipilimumab (Yervoy) | Most areas include it in their standard options. |
| Durvalumab (Imfinzi) | Yep, most areas across the country offer it. |
| Avelumab (Bavencio) | Most areas include it in their options list. |
| 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: There are many different kinds of support options out there designed to ease the burden for people going through serious medical challenges. These services can help reduce the strain of paying out-of-pocket for certain medications or services that might otherwise be unaffordable. If you’re unsure where to begin, your physician is a great starting point—they can connect you with teams or groups that assist folks in similar situations. You can also reach out to nonprofit organizations or advocacy groups that focus on helping individuals access critical resources based on personal needs and financial circumstances.
| 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 listed condition and struggling to pay for the medicine. |
| Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points Program | Optimum member getting services at a listed hospital or center. |
| Roche Patient Support Program | Diagnosed with cancer and going through money troubles. |
In conclusion:
Here are a few more tips to help you navigate with the costs:
Compare Options Locally: Not all pharmacies charge the same amount for the same medication. It’s a smart move to reach out to several nearby locations and ask what they charge before making any decisions. A little effort upfront could save you a decent chunk of change in the long run.
Talk to Your Pharmacist About Lower Prices
Don’t be shy about asking your local pharmacy if they offer any price breaks. Some locations provide special pricing, loyalty rewards, or coupons—especially if you’re paying out of pocket. A quick conversation at the counter might reveal savings you didn’t know existed. It’s always worth checking if they can reduce the amount you need to spend, whether through manufacturer rebates or in-store deals.
Talk it out with your provider: If your current benefits plan doesn’t include this option, try having a direct conversation with them. Sometimes, if you explain your situation and the importance of the therapy, there’s room for flexibility. It’s worth calling or emailing your benefits provider to see if there’s any room to work something out, especially if your doctor believes it’s necessary.
Consider a clinical trial: If you meet the eligibility criteria, joining a research study can be a valuable option. These studies often test new medications or therapies and may offer participants access to advanced medical options without requiring payment. In many cases, the organization conducting the research handles the expenses involved, which can greatly reduce the burden on individuals seeking alternative methods to manage serious conditions. It’s worth speaking with your medical team to see if any current research opportunities align with your personal situation.
Explore funding help: If expenses are weighing you down, there are organizations out there that may be able to step in with relief. Talk to your specialist—they can point you in the right direction and help you figure out what options are available. Many places have systems in place to help people access what they need without breaking the bank.
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.