Understanding the Costs of CAR-T Therapy at Sheba Hospital, Israel

When considering CAR-T therapy, understanding the financial commitment is essential. Sheba Hospital in Israel, a leading institution in this advanced treatment, provides world-class care, but costs can vary significantly. Here's a detailed breakdown of the potential expenses associated with CAR-T therapy at Sheba Hospital.

Factors Influencing CAR-T Therapy Costs

The overall cost of undergoing CAR-T therapy at Sheba Hospital in Israel is influenced by several key elements:

• Medical Condition: The patient's specific health condition can influence the range and duration of required treatments.
• Accommodation Preferences: Where you decide to stay - whether a hotel, an apartment, or even a simpler dormitory-style unit - plays a role in the overall expenditure.
• Dietary Decisions: Given the elevated living costs in Israel, meal choices can considerably affect the total budget.
• Caregiver Arrangements: Every patient needs at least one caregiver while in Israel. The number of caregivers or attendants and their accommodation can also add to the cost.

Medical Cost Breakdown

1. Initial Assessments (Pre-CAR-T Tests):
   • Duration: Usually spans 1-3 weeks post-arrival in Israel.
   • Purpose: Comprehensive testing to ascertain eligibility for CAR-T therapy.
   • Variance: Depending on the patient's health profile, some might require outpatient tests, while others may need inpatient care.
   • Estimated Cost: Between $3,000 to $10,000 USD.
2. Bridging Chemotherapy (Pre-CAR-T):
   • For certain patients, an intermediary chemotherapy stage might be necessary prior to the actual CAR-T treatment.
     Cost Fluctuation: Approximately $4,000 to $20,000 USD.
3. Hospital Stay:
   • Minimum Duration: According to the 2024 guidelines, the mandatory minimum hospitalization period post-CAR-T therapy has been reduced from 21 days to 14 days to observe and manage potential side effects. Additionally, patients are required to stay in proximity to Sheba Hospital for a week following discharge.
   • Cost Structure: The daily rate for hospitalization is approximately $1,500 USD, resulting in a total of $21,000 for a two-week stay.
   • Extended Stays: In specific cases, extended hospitalization may be essential either pre or post-CAR-T cell infusion.
4. CAR-T procedure:
   • Stem cell collection by Aferesis and CAR-T laboratory work : $26,000 USD.
   • Central venous catheter, according to the patient needs : ( Picc line/Port/Hickman) - $1900 - $3000 USD.
5. Post-Treatment Scanning (PET CT):
   • Timing: Usually conducted a month after the treatment.
   • Duration: This assessment mandates an additional 1-2 week stay in Israel.

Aggregate Medical Costs: Including all these facets, the total medical cost for CAR-T therapy in Sheba Hospital might range from $70,000 to $120,000 USD. It's noteworthy that a significant deposit is often requested before commencing treatment.

TO ENSURE THE MOST ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF CAR-T THERAPY COSTS, WE URGE YOU TO PROVIDE YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS WITHOUT DELAY. OUR DEDICATED CAR-T TEAM WILL QUICKLY EVALUATE THEM AND PRESENT AN OFFICIAL QUOTATION. TAKE ACTION NOW — INITIATE THE PROCESS AND SECURE YOUR TAILORED CAR-T PRICE ESTIMATE!

IN THE VIDEO: Arnon Nagler, M.D., M.Sc., believes CAR-T therapy is the most important discovery in hematology in the last decades.

Accommodation Insights

During the initial stages before the CAR-T treatment, patients often lean towards hotels or apartments proximal to Sheba Hospital for ease of access to their treatments. Average nightly rates for hotel rooms in Sheba fluctuate between $120 to $170 USD. Alternatively, short-term basic dormitory lodgings may provide cost-effective solutions based on availability.

However, some patients opt for accommodations in Tel Aviv. They choose this for a variety of reasons: some are attracted to the city's more vibrant atmosphere compared to the immediate surroundings of the hospital, while others appreciate the serene environment along its sea shore. Additionally, certain neighborhoods in Tel Aviv can offer more affordable accommodations, providing a cost-effective alternative.

Daily Living & Communication Expenses

Israel, being on the pricier end of global living costs, can see everyday expenses like meals averaging between $20-40 USD per person. However, patients can leverage accommodations with kitchen amenities or access local supermarkets like the one in Sheba for economical meal preparations.
As of 2023, a SIM card inclusive of internet and call facilities is priced around 80 shekels for a month.

In Summary

Embarking on the CAR-T therapy journey at Sheba Hospital represents a significant financial commitment. Every aspect, from medical costs to accommodations, requires careful planning and management. While the costs are undeniably considerable, with astute budgeting and preparation, they become manageable. Above all, investing in world-class care and the potential for improved health outcomes makes this journey both doable and invaluable.