Cellular Therapy
CAR-T Cell Therapy
NMPA-approved · Multi-layer payment coverage
Typical Duration
Approx. 4–6 weeks
Estimated Cost
Est. USD 140,000–184,000
Reflects publicly listed product prices in China (converted at CNY 7 ≈ USD 1). Testing, cell collection, hospitalization, bridging therapy and adverse-event management are quoted separately after individual assessment.
Why China
CAR-T Cell Therapy
01One of the world’s largest CAR-T research ecosystems
China accounts for more than half of registered CAR-T clinical studies worldwide, covering dozens of targets including CD19, BCMA, CLDN18.2 and GPC3 — giving patients access to one of the broadest ranges of advanced options.
02BCMA-directed CAR-T developed in China went global
China has approved three BCMA-directed CAR-T products for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Ciltacabtagene autoleucel, originally co-developed by Nanjing Legend Biotech, is approved in the US, EU, Japan and China — the first China-originated CAR-T to go global.
03World’s first CAR-T approval for a solid tumor
Satricabtagene autoleucel (Kailimei), targeting CLDN18.2, has been approved by the NMPA for advanced gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma — the world’s first CAR-T product approved for a solid tumor, putting China at the forefront of solid-tumor cell therapy.
04A complete manufacturing and quality ecosystem
China has built a full CAR-T value chain — target discovery, vector production, cell manufacturing, QC, cold-chain logistics and clinical delivery. Major centers maintain stable 2–3 week manufacturing cycles with release standards aligned with international practice.
Quick Overview
Care Journey
01
Case Review
Submit your records and imaging; receive a written expert assessment and preliminary plan within 48 hours.
02
Plan & Estimate
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) defines your individualized treatment plan with a transparent cost estimate.
03
Travel Preparation
We assist with medical visa, flights and accommodation, and assign a professional medical interpreter.
04
In-Hospital Care
A dedicated coordinator accompanies you through examinations and treatment, bridging all communication.
05
Recovery & Follow-up
Remote follow-up after you return home, with review schedules and medication guidance.
06
Long-term Management
Stay connected with your treating team, with fast-track return visits whenever needed.
Medical Team
Hospitals
Peking University Cancer Hospital
Beijing · Grade III-A · MOE Key Laboratory
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai · NHC-affiliated · Century-old renowned hospital
Boao Super Hospital (Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone)
Boao, Hainan · National medical special zone · Licensed early access to global drugs & devices
Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital (Heilongjiang Cancer Hospital)
Harbin · Grade-A Tertiary Cancer Specialty Hospital
Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should an international patient budget for CAR-T in China?+
Listed product prices are roughly CNY 0.999–1.29 million (USD 140,000–184,000). International patients are generally not covered by China’s basic medical insurance and should plan to self-pay; testing, apheresis, hospitalization, lymphodepletion, bridging therapy and adverse-event management are additional. Obtain an itemized written estimate from the hospital before traveling.
Can CAR-T treat every type of cancer?+
No. Each approved product has specific requirements for cancer type, target expression and prior treatment. Patients must meet the approved indication and be assessed by the treatment center. Hematologic indications are well established; for solid tumors only select indications such as CLDN18.2-positive gastric cancer are currently approved.
When can I take an international flight after treatment?+
There is no single timeline. The treating team assesses fitness to fly based on blood counts, infection status, neurological status, risk of acute toxicity and access to care at destination; many patients are advised to remain near the center for about 4 weeks after infusion before long-haul travel is considered.
What are the main risks?+
Key risks include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), infection, cytopenias, hypogammaglobulinemia and secondary malignancies. Major centers provide ICU support and rescue protocols such as tocilizumab; the team will explain risks specific to your case.
Do I need a caregiver during treatment?+
An adult caregiver is strongly recommended. Fever, hypotension or changes in awareness or speech can occur after infusion and must be reported to the team immediately. We arrange accommodation, interpreting and daily support for accompanying family members.
What if the disease returns after CAR-T?+
Depending on the cause of relapse, target expression and condition, physicians may assess CAR-T against another target, bispecific antibodies, antibody-based therapies, chemotherapy, stem-cell transplantation or a clinical trial. China’s active research ecosystem offers more later-line options.
Detailed Information
Approved products and indications
As of the latest public information, the NMPA has approved nine CAR-T products covering CD19, BCMA and CLDN18.2 targets. The following is representative information; indication summaries do not replace official prescribing information or an assessment by the treatment center.
| Approval | Product / brand | Target | Manufacturer | Approved indication summary | Listed price (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-06 | Axicabtagene ciloleucel / Yescarta | CD19 | Fosun Kite | Adults with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma; later expanded to selected second-line patients | ≈USD 171,000 |
| 2021-09 | Relmacabtagene autoleucel / Carteyva | CD19 | JW Therapeutics | Adults with relapsed/refractory large B-cell, follicular and mantle cell lymphoma | ≈USD 184,000 |
| 2023-06 | Equecabtagene autoleucel / Fucaso | BCMA | IASO Bio / Innovent | Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after at least three prior lines including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent | ≈USD 167,000 |
| 2023-11 | Inaticabtagene autoleucel / YORWIDA | CD19 | Juventas Cell Therapy | Adults with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; later expanded to large B-cell lymphoma | ≈USD 143,000 |
| 2024-03 | Zevorcabtagene autoleucel / Zevor-cel | BCMA | CARsgen / Huadong Medicine | Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after at least three prior lines of therapy | ≈USD 164,000 |
| 2024-08 | Ciltacabtagene autoleucel / Carvykti | BCMA | Legend Biotech / Janssen | Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after at least three prior lines; approved in the US, EU, Japan and China | Not published |
| 2025-07 | Ranicabtagene autoleucel / HICARA | CD19 | HRAIN Biotechnology | Relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of therapy | Not published |
| 2025-11 | Puzolcabtagene autoleucel / Pulidekai | CD19 | Chongqing Precision Biotech | Patients aged 3–21 with CD19-positive refractory or relapsed B-ALL | Not published |
| 2026-06 | Satricabtagene autoleucel / Kailimei | CLDN18.2 | Kaixing Life Technology (CARsgen subsidiary) | CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative advanced gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma after at least two prior lines — the world’s first solid-tumor CAR-T | ≈USD 141,000 |
Product indications and eligibility should be confirmed against the latest NMPA approvals, official prescribing information and the receiving hospital’s assessment.
Pre-treatment assessment
Assessment covers diagnosis and staging, target-expression testing (e.g. IHC or flow cytometry for CD19/BCMA/CLDN18.2), prior treatment lines and response, organ function, active infection and performance status. Commonly requested records: pathology reports, target testing, recent imaging or bone-marrow studies, prior treatment records, recent laboratory results, infection screening, and records of previous transplantation, major infections or cardiopulmonary disease.
We organize and translate your records into the format required by the hospital and submit them through a designated secure channel; the specialist team then provides a preliminary opinion on whether an on-site assessment is advised, together with a list of any additional tests.
Outcomes (SPHIC survival report)
The Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center publishes and regularly updates its particle-therapy survival report. The following summarizes publicly disclosed long-term follow-up data for key disease types (subject to the hospital’s official releases; individual outcomes vary by condition).
| Disease | Measure | Result |
|---|---|---|
| All particle-therapy patients | 5-year overall survival | 70.4% (stages 0–I 83.8%, stage II 82.1%) |
| Newly treated nasopharyngeal carcinoma | 5-year survival | 93.8% |
| Locally recurrent NPC (carbon-ion alone) | 5-year survival | 45.3%, nasopharyngeal mucosal necrosis reduced to 16% |
| Localized prostate cancer | 5-year OS / cancer-specific survival | 97.2% / 100% |
| Breast cancer | 5-year survival | 97.3% |
| Stage I NSCLC | 5-year survival | 73.8% (stage III 42.7%) |
| Inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma | 5-year survival / local control | 62.5% / 90.2% |
| Pancreatic cancer | 3-year OS (median survival) | 33.1% (26.8 months) |
Source: SPHIC Tenth-Anniversary Particle Therapy Survival Report (May 2025, updated May 2026). These are cohort-level follow-up statistics and do not constitute a promise of individual outcomes.
Treatment process and estimated timeline
Week 1: record review and supplementary tests confirming indication and target. Week 2: peripheral blood mononuclear cell collection, followed by 2–3 weeks of GMP manufacturing and QC release. Weeks 4–5: fludarabine + cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion, with CAR-T infusion 1–3 days later. About two weeks of inpatient monitoring follows, focused on CRS and ICANS management, then 2–4 weeks of local observation before long-term follow-up begins.
Recovery and long-term follow-up
After discharge, blood counts, immunoglobulin levels and minimal residual disease (MRD) are monitored per the center’s plan, with immunoglobulin replacement when indicated. Infection prevention is essential and vaccinations are deferred as advised. After returning home, we help establish joint follow-up with your local physicians and relay test results back to the center remotely.
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