The Ultimate Guide for International Patients Seeking CAR-T Cell Therapy in China: 2025 Edition
- MedBridge NZ
- Oct 12, 2025
- 6 min read
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy represents a revolutionary advancement in cancer treatment, especially for hematologic malignancies. China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in CAR-T technology, boasting the highest number of clinical trials worldwide and offering advanced, high-quality treatment at significantly lower costs compared to Western countries.
This guide provides comprehensive information for international patients considering CAR-T cell therapy in China in 2025. As a dedicated medical concierge provider, we specialize in helping patients navigate this complex journey from start to finish.
1. Clinical Landscape and Efficacy in China
CAR-T therapy involves genetically engineering a patient's own T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. China's robust research and development environment, supported by government initiatives, has led to innovative strategies and commercial product approvals.
Conditions Treated
CAR-T therapy is primarily approved for relapsed or refractory (r/r) blood cancers:
B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and other Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (e.g., Follicular Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma)
Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Approved CAR-T Products in China
China has approved several domestically developed CAR-T therapies, achieving clinical outcomes comparable to global benchmarks. Examples include:
Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel, FOSUNKITE): Anti-CD19, approved 2021.06, priced at approximately 1,200,000 RMB.
Relmacabtagene Autoleucel (Relma-cel, JW Therapeutics): Anti-CD19, approved 2021.12, priced at approximately 1,290,000 RMB.
Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Equ-cel, IASO BIOTECHNOLOGY): Anti-BCMA for MM, approved 2023.06, priced at approximately 1,160,000 RMB.
Success Rates
The efficacy of Chinese CAR-T therapy is high.
B-cell Malignancies (DLBCL/B-ALL): Overall Response Rates (ORR) are reported between 79% and 89% in Chinese trials.
Multiple Myeloma: Response rates are often very high, potentially exceeding 80%. For BCMA CAR-T (Equecabtagene autoleucel), an ORR of 89.6% and 12-month Progression-Free Survival (PFS) of 64% have been reported.
2. Cost and Financial Considerations
The affordability of CAR-T therapy is a primary reason international patients choose China.
Cost Comparison (Estimated USD)
The cost in China is substantially lower than in Western countries, without necessarily compromising quality.
Expense Category | China (USD) | USA (USD) | Europe (USD) |
Total Estimated Cost | $55,000 – $250,000 | $370,000 – $475,000 | $100,000 – $450,000 |
CAR-T Cell Production | $80,000 – $200,000 | $250,000 – $300,000 | $220,000 – $280,000 |
Hospitalization & ICU | $20,000 – $50,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 | $40,000 – $90,000 |
Source data synthesized from various reports. Note: Cost for specific products like Cilta-cel for MM in China is estimated at $100,000–$250,000, compared to $500,000 in the US.
Factors Driving Lower Costs in China
Lower costs are attributed to government support for biotechnology, cost-effective manufacturing processes, lower healthcare operating expenses, and a high volume of clinical trials. Some regions in China, such as Shanghai, are piloting multi-tiered payment models, including the "Hu Hui Bao" program, which offers up to 50% reimbursement for eligible CAR-T drug costs, helping to significantly reduce the patient's financial burden.
3. The CAR-T Cell Therapy in China for International Patients
The process is highly personalized and requires a dedicated timeline. Navigating this multi-step process can be daunting for international patients. Learn how our concierge services can seamlessly coordinate every step for you, from initial consultations to post-treatment follow-up.
Step | Description | Duration/Note |
1. Initial Consultation & Evaluation | Patient submits detailed medical history, previous treatment records, and diagnostic tests (e.g., blood work, PET/CT scans) for eligibility review by a multidisciplinary team. | Eligibility requires r/r cancer and having failed at least two prior lines of therapy. |
2. Travel & Visa Arrangement | Secure necessary travel documents. The hospital's international patient department assists with the required official medical invitation letter. | S2 Visa (30–180 days) is typically required for specialty treatments like CAR-T. Total stay in China is usually 2 to 3 months. |
3. Pre-Treatment Assessments | Upon arrival, comprehensive in-person tests (blood count, organ function, imaging) confirm the patient's suitability for therapy. | Critical for assessing vital organ function and identifying high-risk factors for severe toxicities. |
4. T-Cell Collection (Apheresis) | T-cells are collected from the patient's blood in a procedure similar to blood donation. | Takes a few hours. |
5. Cell Manufacturing & Expansion | T-cells are genetically modified to express CARs (Chimeric Antigen Receptors) and multiplied into the millions. Bridging chemotherapy may be administered during this time. | Typically takes 2–3 weeks. |
6. Conditioning Chemotherapy | A short course of lymphodepleting chemotherapy is given to prepare the body for the CAR-T cell infusion. | Usually lasts up to 5 days. |
7. CAR-T Cell Infusion | The engineered T-cells are infused back into the patient via an IV line. | Takes less than an hour, similar to a blood transfusion. |
8. Monitoring & Recovery | Patient remains in the hospital for intense monitoring for potential side effects. | Inpatient stay is typically 2 to 4 weeks post-infusion. |
4. Top Hospitals and Centers for CAR-T Therapy
China hosts numerous world-class hospitals with extensive CAR-T expertise, often holding international accreditations like Joint Commission International (JCI).
Shanghai: Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Jiahui Health International, SinoUnited Health.
Known for state-of-the-art facilities and world-class specialists. SinoUnited Health is known for managing international patients, including a New Zealand Multiple Myeloma patient.
Beijing: Peking University People’s Hospital, Lu Daopei Hospital, Beijing Bioocus Medical Group, International Hospital of Peking University.
Centers are recognized for cellular immunotherapy expertise and comprehensive care packages.
Other Major Centers: Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou), West China Hospital, Sichuan University (Chengdu), The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (Suzhou).
These centers contribute to the high volume of clinical trials and regional expertise.
5. Logistics, Visa, and Language
Successful medical travel requires careful logistical preparation. As experts in medical tourism to China, we handle these logistical hurdles, including visa support and translation services, so you can focus solely on your health.
Visa Requirements
S2 Visa (30–180 days): Used for specialty and complex treatments. Requires a medical appointment confirmation.
S1 Visa (>180 days): Necessary for severe conditions requiring highly complex treatment and long stays. It requires a hospital treatment plan and proof of accommodation, and can be difficult to obtain.
Visa-Free Policy: China’s 30-day nationwide visa-free policy simplifies short-term entry for citizens of 54 countries, but the duration required for the CAR-T process (6–12 weeks or longer) typically necessitates a formal medical visa or stay permit conversion after arrival.
Language and Communication
While the language barrier can be an obstacle, hospitals catering to international patients offer multilingual assistance, including English-speaking doctors and dedicated patient coordinators, and can arrange professional translators.
Shipping Biological Samples
If T-cells or other biological samples need to be sent internationally, adherence to strict biosafety requirements is mandatory. China Customs requires that the imported sample quantity precisely matches both the sample manifest and the invoice (100% match) to avoid inspection delays.
6. Safety and Management of Potential Side Effects
CAR-T therapy can induce unique, potentially life-threatening side effects, necessitating rigorous monitoring in a specialized center. Chinese institutions have established protocols for managing these toxicities.
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
CRS is the most common toxicity (incidence 23%–93%).
Manifestations: Characterized by fever (≥38 °C), hypotension, and hypoxia. A distinguishing feature in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) can be Local CRS (L-CRS), manifesting as swelling or effusion around the lesion.
Management: Treatment is guided by the severity grade and includes supportive care, tocilizumab (an IL-6 receptor antagonist), and corticosteroids for persistent or severe symptoms (Grade 3/4).
CAR T-cell-associated Encephalopathy Syndrome (CRES)/ICANS
This neurological toxicity occurs in 20%–64% of B-NHL patients.
Manifestations: Symptoms typically occur within 8 weeks post-infusion and include cognitive dysfunction, headache, agitation, tremors, and seizures.
Management: Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of treatment. Tocilizumab is not recommended for CRES unless concurrent CRS is present. ICU monitoring is advised for Grade 3 or 4 CRES.
Other Major Toxicities
B-cell Aplasia/Hypogammaglobulinemia: An expected on-target effect leading to increased infection risk. Managed with monthly intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement if serum IgG is low or serious infections occur.
Infection: Infections are common (up to 70% of patients) and can mimic CRS symptoms. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended if infection is suspected.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): A concern for patients with a high tumor burden. Prophylaxis involves hydration and alkalization starting 24 hours before lymphodepletion therapy.
Your Next Steps with MedBridge NZ
While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, the journey to receiving CAR-T therapy in China involves many personal and logistical details. A medical concierge service simplifies this process significantly.
At MedBridge NZ, we do not provide medical treatment ourselves; instead, we act as your dedicated advocate and coordinator. We bridge the gap between you and China's top medical institutions, managing everything from medical record translation and hospital appointments to travel, accommodation, and on-site support.
If you are considering your options for treatment in China, contact us for a personalized consultation to see how we can support you and your family.
