Taiwan has achieved a significant breakthrough in hematologic oncology. Recent large-scale domestic clinical data for CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy indicates that the one-year survival rate for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (pALL) has reached 87.5%, while the rate for adult Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) has climbed to 64.2%. These outcomes surpass international benchmarks.

Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang emphasized that CAR-T therapy represents a global trend. He announced that a second-generation CAR-T product is expected to be included under the National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage within 2026. Furthermore, the ministry is evaluating the advancement of CAR-T from a salvage therapy to a second-line treatment to benefit a broader patient population.

• Mechanism of Action: CAR-T is a highly personalized "living drug" combining gene engineering, immunotherapy, and targeted mechanisms. T-cells are isolated from the patient’s blood, genetically modified to express receptors that recognize and eliminate cancer cells, and then re-infused. A single infusion can maintain long-term remission.
• Clinical Impact: Dr. Yeh Shih-peng, Chairman of the Tertiary Blood and Marrow Transplantation Society, noted that for pediatric patients who relapse or fail to achieve remission after standard treatment, survival without transplant or CAR-T is often measured in months. CAR-T provides a critical lifeline for these children.
• Financial Scope: Since NHI began covering CAR-T in 2023, it has become the most expensive reimbursed item at NT$8.19 million per treatment. As of January 2026, 90 cases have been approved, totaling nearly NT$730 million in drug costs fully covered by the NHI.

Resource: 二代CAR-T估今年納健保 衛福部研議推進第二線治療