CAR-T Therapy: Reprogramming Your Immune Cells to Fight Cancer
In CAR-T therapy, your own T-cells are collected, genetically engineered to recognise a marker on your cancer cells, multiplied, and returned to your body — a living, targeted therapy. China has become one of the world's largest CAR-T markets, with pricing far below the US and Europe.
How CAR-T Works
- Collection (apheresis): T-cells are drawn from your blood in a few hours.
- Engineering: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene is inserted, so the cells can lock onto a specific target on cancer cells.
- Expansion: the engineered cells multiply over roughly 2–4 weeks while you may receive bridging therapy.
- Infusion: a single infusion, usually preceded by a short course of lymphodepleting chemotherapy.
- Monitoring: a hospital stay is normally required to manage possible side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
Most established indications worldwide
- Relapsed/refractory large B-cell and mantle cell lymphoma
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (older children / young adults)
- Multiple myeloma (BCMA-targeted CAR-T)
CAR-T is also being studied in some solid tumors, including through clinical trials in China.
Quick Facts
| Treatment type | One-time cell therapy (single infusion) |
|---|---|
| Hospital stay | Typically several weeks around infusion and monitoring |
| Preparation time | Usually a few weeks from enrolment to infusion |
| Cost position | US-approved CAR-T products are commonly priced above US$400,000; Chinese programmes are far lower* |
*Depending on product, insurance and whether treatment is given within an approved indication or a clinical trial. Exact pricing is confirmed in writing by the hospital for your case.
Why China for CAR-T?
- Several CAR-T products approved domestically, plus active trial programmes
- Clinically experienced haematology centres with large treatment volumes
- Substantially lower cost than equivalent US or European treatment
- Shorter waiting times for many approved indications
Our Partner Hospital in Beijing
Peking University Shougang Hospital
A university-affiliated tertiary hospital and our designated partner for CAR-T cell therapy. Its haematology and cellular immunotherapy team handles the full CAR-T pathway — evaluation, apheresis, bridging therapy, infusion and post-infusion monitoring — supported by an intensive care capability for CRS management.
- CAR-T and cellular immunotherapy programme
- Full-cycle care: evaluation → apheresis → infusion → monitoring
- Located in Beijing — excellent international flight connections
We coordinate directly with the hospital's international patient services for our clients.
What the Case Review Involves
CAR-T eligibility is a serious medical decision. The hospital's team will review:
- Pathology and molecular markers (e.g. CD19, BCMA expression)
- Treatment history and response to prior lines of therapy
- Organ function, infection status and cardiac fitness
- Whether an approved product or a clinical trial is the appropriate route
Read: two patients from New Zealand who chose to have CAR-T in China →
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for CAR-T therapy?
CAR-T is generally considered for specific blood cancers that have relapsed or not responded to standard treatment. Whether it applies to your case can only be decided after full review of your pathology, prior treatments and current condition.
How long do I need to stay in China?
Most patients need several weeks in Beijing covering evaluation, apheresis, cell manufacturing preparation, infusion and the monitoring period. We plan the timeline with the hospital before you travel and arrange accommodation nearby.
What are the main side effects?
The most discussed risks are cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological effects, which is why CAR-T is administered in centres with intensive monitoring capability. The medical team will explain risks in detail and manage them if they occur.
Is CAR-T available for solid tumours?
Solid-tumour CAR-T remains largely investigational worldwide, though research is active in China. If you have a solid tumour, we can still discuss whether a clinical trial or another advanced therapy may be relevant.