**Seeking Medical Treatment Abroad: The Best CAR-T Therapy is in China! The First Russian Multiple Myeloma Patient Successfully Achieves Complete Tumor Clearance and CR!**

patient story

Over the five years following his diagnosis of high-risk multiple myeloma, Mr. F endured relentless pain. Despite undergoing various chemotherapy regimens and two transplants, he could never completely escape the nightmare of unpredictable tumor recurrence and progression. Fortunately, by the end of 2023, his condition temporarily stabilized. Accompanied by top hematology experts from Russia, Mr. F traveled to China to receive CAR-T therapy, achieving optimal results with complete tumor eradication and CR (complete remission).

Achieved CR! In February 2024, Mr. F and his family successfully returned to Russia to resume their happy lives.

(Note: To protect patient privacy, pseudonyms are used in the text, and the medical details and treatment process have been slightly modified.)

Mr. F, 63, is the vice principal of a technical college in St. Petersburg, Russia. He has a successful career and a happy family with his wife, one son, and two daughters. In the months leading up to Christmas 2017, Mr. F experienced worsening back pain, with severe pain in the lumbar region. Accompanied by his family, he went to the hospital for a thorough examination. The final diagnosis was multiple myeloma, with osteolytic lesions in more than three areas. The doctor informed Mr. F that, based on the comprehensive assessment of various test results, his myeloma was classified as high-risk (IgG-type, DS-Stage IIIA, ISS-Stage II), making it difficult to treat, prone to relapse, and with a poor prognosis. This devastating news struck suddenly, plunging the entire family into shock and panic. In an interview, Mr. F said, “In Chinese culture, Confucius said, ‘When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a man, it always first frustrates his spirit,’ viewing it as a life test. In Western culture, it is seen as God’s punishment, a trial one must endure, with the outcome entirely dependent on how one faces these challenges. I must choose to fight!”

After two days of shock and panic, Mr. F decided to pull himself together and seek the best treatment to fight the tumor. Mr. F and his family consulted many doctors and clinics in Spain, Munich, and Heidelberg. Upon learning that CAR-T therapy had remarkable curative effects on hematologic malignancies, they felt a glimmer of hope, which was soon extinguished. At that time, very few countries offered CAR-T therapy, mostly in developed nations, and the exorbitant cost of nearly a million dollars made it unaffordable even for the well-off Mr. F. To control the disease as quickly as possible, Mr. F underwent traditional CVD therapy in Russia at the beginning of 2018, followed by his first autologous bone marrow transplant, achieving partial remission (PR). Unfortunately, just ten months later, his multiple myeloma relapsed. After switching to a second-line chemotherapy regimen, he underwent a second autologous bone marrow transplant. Despite receiving the most aggressive treatment and enduring life-threatening side effects, tumor lesions persisted in his body, like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment. Although maintenance therapy temporarily stabilized the disease, Mr. F and his family remained vigilant. They knew that high-risk myeloma was likely to relapse and progress again in the short term. If the disease worsened once more, they would face a desperate situation with no available treatments.

To completely rid himself of cancer and escape the nightmare of constant relapse and deterioration, five years later, Mr. F and his family once again sought the possibility of a cure through CAR-T therapy worldwide. They conducted extensive research on the CAR-T therapies already on the market and consulted numerous hospitals and experts in Europe, including in India and Israel. To his surprise, despite five years passing, there had been no significant progress in these countries. Almost every expert mentioned that Chinese hospitals had made tremendous advancements in the CAR-T field, surpassing even those in Europe and the United States. Especially for multiple myeloma, on June 30, 2023, China introduced the world’s first fully human BCMA CAR-T therapy, Iquilence. Mr. F and his attending physician immediately contacted Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital in China for an initial remote consultation. Jiahui Hospital, an internationally aligned oncology center with a professional multidisciplinary MDT team, conducted a preliminary evaluation. They concluded that the Iquilence (BCMA CAR-T) treatment plan would be most beneficial and developed a comprehensive plan, addressing all questions and concerns of Mr. F and the Russian experts, ultimately reaching a consensus on the treatment plan.

Professor Li Hua, Director of Oncology at Jiahui International Cancer Center, and his team of Russian hematology experts discussed Mr. F’s treatment plan. Although Mr. F was somewhat aware of China’s medical advancements, he couldn’t imagine that China’s healthcare had surpassed that of the developed Western countries. Therefore, in November 2023, Mr. F’s attending physician, a renowned Russian hematology expert, accompanied him to China to evaluate the feasibility of Chinese CAR-T therapy on-site. Their first stop upon arriving in China was to meet with Jiahui Hospital’s international multidisciplinary treatment team and tour the medical environment that adheres to international nursing standards.

Professor Li Hua, Director of Jiahui International Cancer Center, and his team provided a detailed introduction to the CAR-T treatment plan. Compared to traditional treatments, CAR-T has unique advantages. Firstly, it is a highly personalized treatment that adjusts the patient’s immune system through genetic engineering, providing a more precise response to cancer treatment. Secondly, CAR-T shows significantly higher efficacy in complex cases, which traditional treatments cannot achieve. Iquilence has an overall response rate of nearly 99% and a complete response rate of up to 82.4%. More importantly, fully human CAR-T not only maintains the patient’s quality of life but also provides more durable treatment effects. Additionally, a one-time infusion treatment achieves rapid and effective results, reducing the pain and burden during the treatment process and bringing hope for a cure.+

The second stop for Mr. F and the Russian experts was a visit to the production facility of the world’s first fully human BCMA CAR-T therapy, Iquilence. Mr. F and the Russian experts were impressed to learn that this exceptional therapy was not only entirely developed in-house, but the lentiviral vector was also independently developed. The facility boasts a complete end-to-end development platform and a self-built manufacturing base.

Finally, Mr. F overcame all his concerns and was convinced that China’s fully human BCMA CAR-T solution was world-leading. He decided to undergo treatment in China.

All Tumors Cleared for the First Time, Advanced Myeloma Achieves CR!

In December 2023, just before another Christmas five years after his diagnosis, Mr. F and his family arrived in China, full of hope for a cure, to officially begin his CAR-T journey. At Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital, Mr. F underwent thorough examinations, and after meeting all the requirements, he successfully underwent apheresis, the process of collecting T cells. These cells were then transported back to the factory within 24 hours to create a precisely targeted anti-cancer weapon tailored for Mr. F.

On January 20, 2024, he received lymphodepleting chemotherapy with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.

On January 25, 2024, the CAR-T cells, carrying the hopes of Mr. F’s entire family, were transported to him by the pharmacy team using professional cold chain logistics. After multiple inspections, unpacking, and reactivation, a small bag of milky white liquid was infused back into Mr. F. The doctors explained that this liquid contained hundreds of billions of “special forces” T cells, which, once in the body, would begin an intense sweep to eradicate the myeloma cells completely.

The infusion process went smoothly. What deeply moved Mr. F and his family was that whenever he felt anxious, the medical team would hold his hand, giving him confidence and strength.

Although a mild cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is common after CAR-T therapy, occurred post-infusion, the medical team at Jiahui Hospital was very experienced in handling this. With symptomatic treatment, the symptoms improved in about a week. On the 14th day after the infusion, the evaluation showed that the CAR-T cells had expanded effectively in Mr. F’s body, reaching 10^9.

Mr. F said that, unlike the two painful transplant experiences, despite knowing that CAR-T therapy has side effects, the medical team clearly informed him about the reactions he might have at different stages and assured him that the medical staff would address them immediately. As a result, he felt no concerns or fears.

Before the Chinese New Year in 2024, Mr. F was discharged and returned to Russia for further follow-up in his home country. Professor Li Hua said, “The treatment results met our expectations, with significant improvements in key indicators such as serum M protein, free light chains, and disease symptoms. All functional statuses have improved.”

In May 2024, the PET-CT results showed that Mr. F’s lesions had disappeared, and he finally achieved complete remission (CR). This means that after battling multiple myeloma for six years, he has finally won!

A Brighter Future: China Will Become the Best Treatment Destination for Advanced Myeloma Patients!

Now, Mr. F not only resumes his happy and fulfilling life, but he and his wife have also returned to their beloved careers. He currently serves as the General Manager of the UNESCO Mineral Resources Education Center.

Mr. F said, “When I came to China and saw the medical conditions and experienced the best care firsthand, I felt a deep sense of pride for China. It is regrettable that Russia is currently unable to achieve this level of care. However, I will bring my experiences here back to Russia and share them. China’s medical system is world-leading, and choosing to come to China was the right decision!”

In an interview, Mr. F’s wife said, “Although we are past retirement age, we both have very important careers. This CAR-T treatment in China has given us a very precious experience. We have more time to listen to each other’s thoughts, support each other, and get through difficult times together.”

Professor Li Hua, Director of the International Oncology Hospital and Director of the Department of Oncology, said in an interview:

“Clinical research on CAR-T therapy started relatively early in China. Especially since 2020, the number of CAR-T clinical trials in China has far surpassed that in the United States, giving us extensive experience from laboratory research to clinical application.

Moreover, CAR-T treatment in China is more cost-effective, providing patients with a more competitive option.

Most importantly, China has sufficient commercial-quality production capacity. Patients can receive treatment quickly without waiting, which is crucial for those with malignant hematologic diseases who need timely treatment.”

Professor Li Hua, Director of Oncology at Jiahui International Hospital,

The emergence of CAR-T cell therapy has brought new hope to cancer patients worldwide. China’s CAR-T therapy offers outstanding efficacy, good safety, low cost, and rapid preparation advantages. Several international hospitals have opened green channels for overseas patients, making China the best treatment destination for global late-stage multiple myeloma patients!

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6 months ago CAR-T

Three Major Reasons and Process to Choose Medical Treatment in China

Three Major Reasons and Process to Choose Medical Treatment in China

Medical Treatment

### High-Quality Medical Care

In recent years, China’s medical technology has made significant strides, achieving a strong and leading position globally. China boasts advanced medical technologies and equipment, with many hospitals offering world-class diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Patients who travel to China for medical care consistently give high praise for the quality of medical services they receive.

### Convenience of Traveling to China

China offers convenient transportation options with many countries, including direct flights and various other travel modes. The time and cost required to travel to China are relatively low, making it a convenient medical destination. Recently, China has introduced a 144-hour visa-free transit policy, further enhancing the possibilities for medical travel.

### Culture and Sense of Security

China is widely recognized for its safety, and its close cultural exchanges with other countries, especially within Asia, provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for patients. Additionally, English is widely spoken in many Chinese cities.

## Process for Seeking Medical Treatment in China

Medical Treatment

### Preparing for the Trip

Preparation for medical treatment in China involves several steps, including contacting medical institutions and obtaining a medical visa. It is advisable to seek assistance from international medical coordination agencies. When consulting, prepare a description of your condition, past medical records (such as reports and images), your preferred hospital, budget, and expected timeframe.

### Connecting with Medical Institutions

Coordinate with Chinese medical institutions through international medical agencies to confirm whether treatment will be accepted and to obtain detailed information about the treatment plan, timeline, and costs. Adjust your stay plans based on the information provided.

– Costs: In some cases, consulting medical institutions may incur fees.

– Time: It may take several days to receive a response from the medical institution, and processing visas might take one to two weeks, so allow sufficient time.

### Prepayment of Estimated Treatment Costs

Treatment costs are typically prepaid through international medical agencies. To ease financial burden, transfer the estimated treatment costs to the coordination agency before traveling. If actual costs are lower than estimated, the balance will be refunded; if higher, the difference must be paid during treatment. Confirm refund and additional payment methods in advance.

### Obtaining a Visa

A visa is required for travel to China. If you do not have a visa, consult an international medical coordination agency for assistance in obtaining a medical visa. If you already have a visa, confirm its validity and allowed stay duration. Recently, China has reinstated the 144-hour visa-free transit for citizens of many countries. For international medical services, hospitals or coordination agencies can assist with longer stays.

### Traveling to China and Receiving Treatment

International medical agencies can arrange transportation and other necessary assistance. During hospitalization, both the coordination agency and the hospital will provide required services, so limit the number of accompanying persons.

### Settlement of Medical Expenses

The estimated treatment costs prepaid before traveling will be settled based on actual expenses after treatment. Direct payment to medical institutions is usually unnecessary. Costs include hospital examinations, treatment fees, translation services, and other related expenses.

### Follow-Up After Returning Home

Continue follow-up care with local doctors after returning home. Regularly send updates on your condition and examination results to the international medical coordination agency for confirmation by the Chinese hospital.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the advantages of receiving treatment in China?

China has highly professional medical staff and offers advanced medical services with excellent collaboration.

### Testimonials from Patients Treated in China:

– Domestic doctors did not recommend surgery, but I heard Chinese hospitals had experience, so I considered treatment in China.

– Chinese hospitals not only provided guidance from pharmacists and dietary advice from nutritionists but also offered post-discharge life suggestions, which I found very satisfactory.

### Can patients with illnesses seek treatment in China?

Many patients have successfully received treatment in China. Due to convenient transportation and lower costs, China is an ideal medical destination.

### Can I receive treatment in China without speaking Chinese?

International medical coordination agencies offer language support and other assistance based on patient needs, including arranging airport pickups, assisting with hotel check-ins, and hospital transfers to ensure smooth medical care.

### How long does it take to prepare for travel to China, including obtaining a medical visa?

It typically takes 1-2 months from providing medical information for hospital assessment to obtaining a medical visa. It is advisable to arrange related preparations in advance.

If you would like to learn more about seeking medical treatment in China, please contact us @advanced medicine in china

WhatsApp: +8613717959070

Email: doctor.huang@globecancer.com

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