HONOURABLE MENTION PROJECT WINNER: HOPE +

Jérémi Charbonneau
CHU Sainte-Justine

Optimization of the Pediatric Oncology Drug Access Circuit at CHU Sainte-Justine

This project aimed to optimize access to innovative oncology medications in pediatric patients at CHU Sainte-Justine by structuring and centralizing the processes related to special access and compassionate access programs. Prior to this initiative, the management of inventory and access procedures for oncology drugs was fragmented and lacked standardized processes. Oncology pharmacists had to manage these administrative tasks alongside their clinical responsibilities, leading to variability in practices, administrative delays, and an increased risk of stock shortages or treatment interruptions for patients.

The project pursued four main objectives: to analyze and standardize medication access processes, to develop tracking tools to improve inventory and administrative management, to proactively identify new compassionate and early access programs, and to collect and analyze data on the use and impact of these programs.

To achieve these goals, an assessment of existing practices was conducted, followed by the implementation of standardized procedures, patient-specific inventory registers, and structured documentation for each access program. In addition, an electronic reminder system was developed to anticipate critical deadlines such as inventory depletion, authorization renewals, and program re-enrollments. A proactive monitoring process was also established to identify emerging therapies and new compassionate access opportunities.

The outcomes of this initiative were significant. A total of 22 oncology medications accessible through special access mechanisms were identified. Between 2024 and 2025, 127 pediatric patients gained access to innovative off-label therapies, including 115 patients who received treatment through compassionate access programs covering 17 oncology drugs. In addition to expanding therapeutic options and accelerating access to potentially life-saving treatments, these programs generated substantial financial savings. Overall, compassionate access programs resulted in $3,031,402 in savings for the pharmacy department and the healthcare institution, highlighting the clinical, organizational, and economic impact of a proactive and structured approach to medication access in pediatric oncology.