As a global leader in oncology, Pfizer has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking cancer therapies for over two decades. Nearly 40% of the company's entire R&D investment is dedicated to advancing transformative oncology treatments, from small molecule targeted therapies to next-generation biologics like bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. This focus has enabled Pfizer to pioneer several innovations across multiple cancer types.

However, notes Cynthia Di Lullo, Pfizer Canada’s Oncology Lead, sometimes the scientific innovations happening in cancer research are only half the battle. “Barriers to access can present significant hurdles to many patients who are trying to benefit from these advancements in a timely manner,” she asserts.

For example, the unique requirements of advanced therapies, such as CAR-T and bispecific antibodies, are putting unprecedented demands on Canada's healthcare systems. From the need for specialized administration and monitoring capabilities, to the complexities of coordinating multidisciplinary care, these innovations are testing the limits of existing infrastructure and resources. 

"Simply put, our healthcare systems were not designed with these transformative therapies in mind," says Cynthia.

Addressing these systemic challenges will require a collaborative effort across all healthcare stakeholders - from researchers and clinicians, to policymakers, payers and patient advocates. "No one stakeholder can solve these challenges alone," Cynthia emphasizes. "It will take a collective effort to transform the cancer care ecosystem to meet the emerging needs required by these types of innovative therapies."

This means exploring innovative care delivery models that can accommodate the specialized requirements of advanced therapeutics. It means investing in digital infrastructure and workforce development to enhance system capacity and capabilities. And crucially, it means ensuring equitable access, so that all patients can benefit from these new treatment modalities.

 

Pfizer is already actively engaged in many of these collaborative efforts, working together with healthcare providers, payers and patient groups to design solutions that meet the needs of the patient. However, there is much more work to be done. 

"The promise of the next generation of cancer treatments will only be realized through a shared commitment to innovation - not just in the lab, but across every aspect of the healthcare landscape," stresses Cynthia.

Together, the cancer care ecosystems of the future can be built - ones that are prepared to deliver on the full potential of scientific innovation and provide every patient touched by this disease the care and support they deserve.

At Pfizer, we believe that time is life. And for people living with cancer, each day matters. Cancer isn’t slowing down – so it’s time we speed up.