The HSE is planning a new multi-million euro unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH) as part of efforts to improve cancer services in the region, the Medical Independent (MI) has learned.
A new €27 million stem cell tissue establishment and aseptic compounding unit (ACU) is part of the hospital’s plan to become “the leading comprehensive cancer centre in the country”, a spokesperson for HSE South West told MI. The aim is to improve access and outcomes in medical oncology as demand continues to rise, they stated.
According to a tender notice seeking providers to assist in the design and construction of the unit, CUH was “not providing optimal treatment” in respect of stem cell treatment (SCT) and cellular therapies (CAR-T), with patients requiring transfer to other parts of the country.
In 2024, a project team was established to progress the construction of the co-located, purpose-built unit. The unit is projected to take up to four years to complete.
“A tissue establishment in CUH would facilitate on-site stem cell procurement and transplantation for our patients, without unnecessary travel or delays and associated potential risk of disease relapse. It would allow HSE South West and CUH to provide optimal treatment in respect of SCT and CAR-T,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson listed several benefits associated with the project, including increased capacity in line with National Cancer Registry Ireland projections; enhanced activity and value for money by reducing outsourcing of chemotherapy services; and expansion of clinical trials and more specialised advanced therapy medicinal products trials.
The proposed ACU will provide “a superior aseptic compounding service”. It will enable operational flexibility (same day dose/regimen adjustment and compliance with National Cancer Control Programme time-to-treatment key performance indicators), avoidance of waste/excess costs, and production savings, the spokesperson added.
Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) are well established therapies for blood cancers.
“With current ongoing trials it might find its indications for other types of non-haematological tumours. Administration of any of these treatments is only possible in sites that have an authorised tissue establishment. Currently, patients from this region are transplanted in St James’s Hospital and University Hospital Galway.
“The main indications for ASCT include multiple myeloma (approximately 80 per cent of all ASCT in CUH) and lymphomas; however, ASCT can also be used for other blood disorders, and non-haematological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
“The incidence of multiple myeloma has increased by 32 per cent since the early 1990s. On the other hand, the number of ASCT performed for CUH patients has increased from six to seven per year in 2012-2015 to 20 to 30 per year in recent years. As the age of patients undergoing transplant has also increased, it is evident now and going forward that the demand for the service will increase.”
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