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Shanghai: China is emerging as a growing destination for international cancer patients seeking advanced treatments, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, as lower costs, faster treatment and rapid biotechnology development attract patients from countries including New Zealand, the United States and Australia.

Shanghai emerges as a cancer treatment hub

CAR-T, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, involves removing a patient’s immune cells, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to recognise cancer cells and returning them to the body.

The treatment has traditionally been associated with blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma. China now has nine CAR-T products approved by its regulators, more than any other country, according to the report.

In June, Chinese regulators approved satricabtagene autoleucel, or satri-cel, for certain advanced stomach and gastroesophageal cancers. Chinese authorities described it as the world’s first approved CAR-T therapy for a solid tumour.

Lower costs draw overseas patients

Treatment costs are a major factor behind the growing interest. CAR-T treatment in China can cost about $150,000 to $230,000, compared with an estimated $550,000 to $850,000 in the United States, according to figures cited by The Wall Street Journal.

One New Zealand patient, Michael Walters, travelled to Shanghai after conventional treatments failed. He subsequently achieved complete remission following CAR-T treatment, according to the report.

International hospitals in Shanghai are also offering English-language assistance, medical visa support and coordinated specialist care, making the process easier for overseas patients.

Innovation comes with important risks

China’s rapid development of cell therapies has also raised questions about clinical-trial oversight and patient safety. Some experimental treatments have been associated with serious complications, while early remission does not necessarily establish long-term effectiveness.

Experts caution that patients considering treatment abroad should distinguish between approved therapies and clinical trials, seek independent medical advice and ensure that follow-up care is arranged in their home country.

China’s rise in cancer care reflects the changing global landscape of medical innovation. For patients facing aggressive disease, however, affordability and speed must be weighed alongside evidence, safety and long-term follow-up.