Cancer Patients Face Long Waits for Life-Saving Transplants

Patients with blood cancers in New Zealand are facing distressing wait times for life-saving stem cell transplants, with some succumbing to their illnesses while awaiting treatment. According to Professor Peter Browett, a consultant haematologist at Auckland City Hospital and Director of the Centre for Cancer Research at the University of Auckland School of Medicine, the delays significantly impact patient outcomes and can lead to a higher risk of relapse.

Patients are currently waiting for both allogeneic transplants, which involve donor stem cells, and autologous transplants, where patients receive their own stem cells. In Auckland alone, 114 patients are in the queue—61 for allogeneic and 53 for autologous procedures. Wellington has 40 patients waiting, while Christchurch reports 44 patients awaiting treatment.

Delays in receiving these transplants have increased substantially, with many patients waiting an additional two and a half months. For allogeneic transplants, this wait can extend up to four months. Browett noted that the backlog is not solely a logistical issue but is exacerbated by chronic underfunding of transplant services.

“The problem is a reflection of many years of lack of investment in resources,” Browett stated. He emphasized that the growing demand for transplants, driven by an aging population and more complex health needs, has put unprecedented pressure on these critical services.

Health Minister Simeon Brown acknowledged the situation, admitting that long wait times have forced some patients to undergo additional rounds of chemotherapy to manage their conditions while they await transplants. He described this as an unacceptable situation that must be addressed.

In response to the growing demand, Health New Zealand announced plans to increase funding for transplant services in Christchurch and Auckland, with an investment of over $6 million for 2024/2025 aimed at expanding the workforce and services. However, Browett noted that any capacity increases would require sustained funding beyond the initial boost.

“Any capacity increases from the first funding decision were only sustainable if further increases were confirmed,” he explained. Recent communications from Health New Zealand indicated that while funding was considered, it was not prioritized for the start of the 2025/26 year.

Dr. Richard Sullivan, Chief Clinical Officer at Health New Zealand, stated that urgent work is underway to plan for the next increase in investment. However, Browett cautioned that resolving the issues plaguing the transplant service will not be straightforward.

“It’s not a quick fix,” he said. “This will need an investment across health professionals as well as additional facilities.”

As the situation continues to evolve, Browett and his colleagues advocate for their patients, who often face not only the physical toll of their illness but also the emotional strain of prolonged waiting periods. The impact on both patients and their families, he noted, is profound and difficult to quantify.

Moving forward, the healthcare system must address the growing need for transplant services, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care in their fight against cancer.