Why Are More and More International Patients Coming to China for CAR-T Cell Therapy?

Why Are More and More International Patients Coming to China for CAR-T Cell Therapy?

CARTtherapy

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In recent years, CAR-T cell therapy, as an innovative cancer treatment, has rapidly gained widespread attention globally. China, as a leading country in the CAR-T treatment field, has attracted an increasing number of patients from Europe and Asia due to its advanced technology, high-quality medical resources, and relatively lower treatment costs. So, why are more international patients choosing to come to China for CAR-T treatment? Here are some key reasons worth noting:

### 1. **Advanced CAR-T Treatment Technology**

Over the past decade, China has made tremendous strides in medical research, particularly in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Not only has China successfully developed various CAR-T therapies, but it has also built a comprehensive treatment protocol and safety monitoring system to ensure efficient and safe treatment for patients. Additionally, China has accumulated extensive experience in managing treatment-related side effects, such as CRS (Cytokine Release Syndrome) and neurotoxicity.

Currently, more than 50% of the world’s clinical trials for CAR-T therapy are conducted in China. Of the 11 CAR-T products already on the global market, five are from China. These include products for multiple myeloma (BCMA CAR-T), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CD19 CAR-T), and leukemia. Compared to similar products in the U.S. for multiple myeloma, China’s CAR-T products are not only fully humanized but also boast the highest complete remission rates among all available products, reaching 82.4%. The CR data for China’s lymphoma and leukemia CAR-T products are also impressive, at 77.6% and 82.1%, respectively.

### 2. **International Certification and Clinical Trial Opportunities**

Several hospitals and research institutions in China have gained international recognition for their CAR-T therapies. Patients can choose between commercial CAR-T treatments or participate in clinical trials. For some CAR-T treatments that have not yet been approved or are hard to access in Europe or Asia, patients can receive these cutting-edge therapies in China earlier.

Just a few days ago, Chinese scholars’ research on universal CAR-T cell therapy was featured on the cover of *Nature*. Various other studies on Chinese CAR-T therapies are frequently published in major medical journals. For example, a Chinese medical team published a study on dual-target CAR-T in *JAMA Oncology*, showing a 100% stringent complete remission (sCR) rate in high-risk multiple myeloma patients. Additionally, a research team from Zhejiang, China, published clinical data in *Cell Discovery*, highlighting the breakthrough of the fourth-generation anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy in treating relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma with exceptional anti-tumor capabilities.

### 3. **Relatively Low Treatment Costs**

Compared to the million-dollar treatment costs in Western countries, CAR-T treatment in China is relatively affordable, often costing just 1/5 to 1/7 of the price in the U.S. For instance, the cheapest CAR-T product for multiple myeloma in the U.S. costs $420,000, and when including hospitalization and other expenses, the total cost can reach around $700,000. In contrast, similar Chinese products, with equal or even better effectiveness, cost only $160,000, and hospitalization and other fees are much lower, often under $10,000. Some treatment options are available for just a few tens of thousands of dollars, and in certain cases, treatment is even completely free.

Patients from Europe and Asia can receive world-class CAR-T therapy in China at a much lower cost, providing an affordable option for those who find the high costs of treatment elsewhere prohibitive. Moreover, a range of one-stop medical services, including hospital visits, translation assistance, transportation, accommodation, and even family care, can significantly enhance the patient experience for international patients.

### 4. **World-Class Expert Teams**

China is home to a group of internationally renowned oncology and immunotherapy experts who have extensive clinical experience and academic achievements in hematological cancers and CAR-T therapy. Patients receive personalized treatment plans designed by leading experts, ensuring that each treatment is precisely tailored to their specific condition, maximizing effectiveness and minimizing risks.

For example, Professor Huang Xiaojun, Director of the Institute of Hematology at Peking University, is one of the world’s pioneers in haploidentical transplantation, having developed China’s haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation model. His innovative approach has increased the 3-year survival rate of leukemia patients receiving haploidentical transplants from around 20% to approximately 70%, earning him the Distinguished Service Award from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research.

### 5. **Efficient and Convenient Medical Services**

China has implemented a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of 54 countries and mutual visa exemptions with 24 countries. This is a major benefit for international patients seeking treatment in China. Moreover, China’s healthcare system is known for its efficiency and convenience, especially in treating major diseases. Appointment wait times are short, and there is minimal delay in receiving treatment. A “super green channel” is also available for international patients, ensuring quick diagnosis and treatment planning. From initial consultation to online meetings with specialists, the process typically takes less than a week, with hospital admission and treatment beginning within another week.

Compared to the long waiting periods in other countries, China’s efficient medical services significantly improve treatment success rates and patient satisfaction. CAR-T therapy, in particular, is known for its high efficiency. There was an international patient who went from initial consultation to complete remission and a safe return home in less than a month—a remarkable achievement considering CAR-T is a “living” drug that must be custom-prepared using the patient’s own blood cells.

### 6. **Abundant Success Stories**

Many international patients who have received CAR-T therapy in China have achieved remarkable results, with their cancers being effectively controlled or even cured. These success stories not only boost confidence among patients worldwide but also attract more people to China for treatment. By sharing these stories, more patients learn about China’s advantages in CAR-T therapy and choose it as their treatment destination.

For instance, Ethan, a patient from Singapore, achieved complete remission just four weeks after CAR-T treatment and has since recovered very well. There is also the story of a Russian patient with high-risk, late-stage multiple myeloma who received efficient treatment in China at a much more reasonable cost and with a faster treatment process.

### 7. **Conclusion**

In conclusion, as China continues to enhance its technological capabilities in CAR-T cell therapy, more and more patients from around the world are choosing to come to China for this cutting-edge cancer treatment. With its advanced medical technology, international services, and relatively lower treatment costs, China is becoming an important destination for cancer patients seeking treatment. If you or a loved one is searching for innovative cancer treatment options, consider CAR-T therapy in China for a chance at recovery!

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