Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte(TIL) Therapy Hubs for Melanoma(Adults)

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England (referred to as the Commissioner), invited suitably qualified and experienced providers to respond to a Competitive Process for the provision of Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy hubs for Melanoma (Adults). <br/><br/>Lifileucel is a first in class autologous tumour infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy. This infusion is followed by a short course of interleukin-2 (IL-2). IL-2 is a potent drug and has the potential to cause significant side effects. As such, it is recommended that patients receive treatment at a trust with immediate access to an Intensive Therapy<br/>Unit (ITU).<br/><br/>Lifileucel is being assessed via NICE’s technology appraisal programme for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults, with an expected final guidance publication date in 2026 in line with NICE guidance: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta10752<br/><br/>The treatment is complex to administer, requiring surgical expertise for tumour<br/>resection, melanoma expertise for patient selection and management post-treatment and cell therapy expertise to administer the cell therapy and manage the side effects and associated care of both Lifileucel and IL-2 administration.<br/><br/>The key objective of the Procurement was to commission Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL)Therapy Hubs for adult patients across the following seven (7) geographical regions to serve the population of England:<br/>Lot 1: London<br/>Lot 2: East of England<br/>Lot 3: South East<br/>Lot 4: South West<br/>Lot 5: Midlands<br/>Lot 6: North East and Yorkshire<br/>Lot 7: North West<br/><br/>This process was designed to enable any provider meeting the required standards to be awarded a contract, with no restriction on the number of sites commissioned.<br/><br/>As a result of this procurement exercise the commissioner intends to award 12 separate contracts across the 7 Lots.<br/><br/>The service is due to commence on 1st May 2025, subject to NICE guidance, for a period of 5 years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional 4 year(s)(maximum contract duration 9 years).