Following our episode on infectious diseases, in the third episode of our podcast series Innovation & Affordability Hand in Hand, we delve into the world of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). This time, the focus is on TIL therapy (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes): an innovative, personalized treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma.

What makes this therapy unique? Not only the impressive clinical results, but also the fact that this treatment was developed entirely in-house at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital.

Impressive results
In TIL therapy, after removing a metastasis, billions of the patient’s own immune cells are returned via an infusion, following intensive preparation with chemotherapy and growth factors. In early studies, this one-time treatment has shown a response in 40–50% of patients, with approximately 10% even achieving complete remission.

From clinical trial to reimbursement
Following the success of the first global phase 3 trial of T-cell therapy in solid tumors, the Dutch Healthcare Institute has recognized TIL therapy as an effective treatment. With support from KWF, the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is now taking steps towards official EMA registration. Until the EMA makes a final decision, the therapy will be produced in the Netherlands under a hospital exemption and reimbursed under primary insurance.

Academic innovation as the key?
Our guests: Inge Jedema (Head of Translational Cellular Therapy, NKI), Renske ten Ham (Assistant Professor of Health Economics, UMC Utrecht), Markwin Velders (CEO & co-founder, Myogene Therapeutics) and Mike Broeders (Advisor FAST) discuss how innovations such as TIL therapy can revolutionize healthcare, but also what challenges there are in making these treatments affordable and accessible. Is an academic development model for ATMPs a sustainable route for the future? And what can we learn from this example to give patients faster access to groundbreaking therapies?

Listen now
Listen to an inspiring conversation about innovation, collaboration, and affordability in an era where therapies are becoming increasingly personalized. You can listen to the episode via your favorite podcast channel or directly via Springcast (in Dutch).