CAR-T is a personalised therapy in which the patient's own T cells are engineered and expanded outside the body, then re-infused. Approved products in China cover three areas: relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (children and young adults), and multiple myeloma.
Who is typically eligible
- Pathologically confirmed CD19- or BCMA-positive haematological malignancy that has relapsed or is refractory after at least two lines of standard therapy.
- Fitness to tolerate the procedure: usually ECOG 0–1 with acceptable cardiac, hepatic and renal function.
- No active central nervous system involvement and no uncontrolled severe infection.
Timeline from assessment to infusion
The full pathway usually takes 4–8 weeks: assessment and centre matching (~1 week) → leukapheresis (1–2 days) → manufacturing (~2–4 weeks; domestic products are often faster) → bridging therapy if needed → lymphodepletion and infusion (~1 week inpatient) → post-infusion monitoring (usually 2–4 weeks inpatient).
Cost and risks
Published drug cost for a single CAR-T course is roughly RMB 1.0–1.3 million, with additional costs for hospitalisation, monitoring, management of complications and supportive care; the overall budget normally exceeds the drug price alone. The main risks are cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity (ICANS), so treatment should take place at centres with ICU back-up and experience.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Whether CAR-T applies must be judged independently by the treating hospital's specialist team based on pathology, genetics and overall condition.