Cellular Therapy
Solid-Tumor Cell Therapy (TCR-T / TIL / CAR-T)
Partially approved · Rapidly advancing trials
Typical Duration
Approx. 4–8 weeks
Estimated Cost
Mainly clinical studies; case-based pricing
Solid-tumor cell therapies (TIL/TCR-T etc.) in China are primarily in registered clinical studies; in some programs the investigational product and manufacturing are covered by research funds, while tests and admission are self-paid per the center’s written information.
Why China
Solid-Tumor Cell Therapy (TCR-T / TIL / CAR-T)
01A world-leading solid-tumor cell-therapy pipeline
China ranks among the world leaders in registered clinical studies of TIL, TCR-T and solid-tumor CAR-T, covering melanoma, cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, sarcomas and more.
02China filed the first TCR-T marketing application
TCR-T products targeting NY-ESO-1 have completed pivotal studies in China and been filed for marketing approval, potentially becoming the first TCR-T cell drug approved in Asia.
03A rapidly maturing TIL ecosystem
Multiple Chinese companies have built GMP-grade TIL manufacturing platforms; automated expansion processes have shortened production to 2–3 weeks with a significantly better cost structure than overseas counterparts.
04A broad research-center network
The National Cancer Center, Fudan and Sun Yat-sen cancer centers all operate cell-therapy research units, allowing matching of tumor type and target to the most suitable ongoing study.
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
Cancer Hospital, CAMS (National Cancer Center)
Beijing · Grade III-A · National Cancer Center
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
Guangzhou · Grade III-A · Host of State Key Laboratory
Peking University Cancer Hospital
Beijing · Grade III-A · MOE Key Laboratory
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center
Shanghai · Grade III Specialty · National Particle Therapy Flagship
Frequently Asked Questions
How do TIL, TCR-T and CAR-T differ?+
TIL isolates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and expands them ex vivo — recognizing multiple targets without genetic modification. TCR-T engineers T cells to recognize specific peptide-HLA complexes, enabling intracellular targets but restricted by HLA type. CAR-T uses synthetic receptors against surface antigens — HLA-independent, but specific surface targets are scarce in solid tumors.
Which solid-tumor patients may be considered?+
Currently intended mainly for advanced solid tumors after failure of standard therapy or lacking standard options: melanoma and cervical cancer (most mature TIL data), plus lung, liver, sarcoma and ovarian cancers matched by target to TCR-T/CAR-T studies. Research centers assess target expression, HLA type (for TCR-T) and overall condition.
What is the process and timeline?+
TIL: surgical harvest of tumor tissue → 2–3 weeks of GMP expansion → lymphodepletion → infusion with a short IL-2 course → about 2 weeks of inpatient monitoring. TCR-T/CAR-T: apheresis → 2–3 weeks of engineering and expansion → lymphodepletion → infusion → monitoring. Total duration is typically 4–8 weeks.
What are the costs? Are there funded studies?+
In registered clinical studies, the investigational product and manufacturing are usually covered by the sponsor; patients pay for tests, admission and concomitant medication per each center’s informed consent. Commercial-stage programs charge published prices. We prioritize matching eligible patients to funded studies and confirm all costs in writing before travel.
What are the main risks?+
Risks include myelo-suppression from lymphodepletion, post-infusion fever and cytokine-related reactions; IL-2 in TIL regimens can cause capillary leak; TCR-T carries on-target/off-tumor toxicity risk. Research centers provide ICU support and graded management protocols.
Detailed Information
Technology comparison
The three approaches differ in antigen recognition, target range and manufacturing, and suit different populations. The following is a mechanistic comparison; the specific protocol is determined by the research center based on tumor type, target and HLA type.
| Dimension | TIL | TCR-T | CAR-T (solid tumor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigen source | Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes | Engineered peripheral-blood T cells | Engineered peripheral-blood T cells |
| Recognition | Polyclonal, natural multi-target recognition | Peptide-HLA complexes (intracellular antigens) | Surface antigens (HLA-independent) |
| HLA restriction | None | Yes (e.g. HLA-A*02:01) | None |
| Most studied tumors | Melanoma, cervical cancer | Synovial sarcoma, liver cancer etc. | Gastric cancer (CLDN18.2) etc. |
| Manufacturing | ≈2–3 weeks | ≈2–3 weeks | ≈2–3 weeks |
Candidate profile and enrollment assessment
Enrollment assessment covers pathology and molecular testing (target expression, HLA typing), imaging stage, treatment history, organ function and performance status. TIL protocols require a resectable lesion without extensive necrosis; TCR-T requires target positivity with a matching HLA type.
Process and timeline
Using TIL as an example: week 1 assessment and surgical harvest; weeks 2–4 GMP expansion and QC release; week 5 lymphodepletion and infusion with short-course IL-2 support; about 2 weeks of inpatient monitoring, then 2–4 weeks of local observation before long-term follow-up. TCR-T/CAR-T follow a similar course with apheresis instead of surgery.
Risks and long-term follow-up
The first two weeks after infusion carry the highest toxicity risk, requiring close monitoring of blood counts, inflammatory markers and organ function; imaging then assesses response per protocol. Long-term follow-up watches for persistent cytopenias, infection risk and delayed autoimmunity. After returning home, we help establish joint follow-up with local physicians and relay data remotely.
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