Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital pioneers intl CAR-T cell therapy center

Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital announced the official launch of its international CAR-T cell therapy center on May 21, set to provide safe and efficient therapeutic services with a primary focus on CAR-T cell treatment for patients worldwide.

CAR-T cell therapy stands as a revolutionary form of immunotherapy designed to combat blood cancers by engineering a patient's own immune cells to target and destroy cancerous cells. Speaking on the hospital's pioneering efforts, Zhou Lili, the director of hematology, highlighted China's prominence as a global leader in CAR-T clinical trials, benefiting from streamlined regulatory frameworks and cost-effective manufacturing capabilities.

Zhou emphasized the immense growth potential of China's CAR-T cell therapy sector, underpinned by robust government support, a sizable patient population, and rapid advancements in biotech innovation.

The hospital's reputation as a premier medical institution has attracted international patients worldwide, drawn by its well-established multidisciplinary collaboration system, patient-centric services, successful CAR-T treatment outcomes, and cost-effective solutions.

Since the commencement of CAR-T therapies at the hospital in July 2024, they have effectively treated 12 patients hailing from countries and regions such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Philippines, and China's Hong Kong.

One remarkable success story involves a 30-year-old IT professional from Hong Kong diagnosed with CNS lymphoma, who had previously lapsed into a coma and experienced failed chemotherapy attempts. Following referral to the hospital, the patient's condition markedly improved within three months through a comprehensive CAR-T therapy regimen. The hospital's innovative "23-day treatment package", encompassing cell collection, preparation, infusion, and rehabilitation, significantly reduced the treatment duration compared to traditional methods.

Zhou highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the treatment in China, offering a substantial reduction in expenses compared to Western countries such as the United States.

"In Western countries, it could cost 8 to 10 million yuan ($1.1-$1.4 million) for the treatment, but in China such as at SinoUnited Health, it only takes one-fifth of the cost including service," Zhou said. "The cost-effective advantage, combined with rich experience of the medical teams, positions China as a global hub for affordable, high-quality care."

In addition to clinical services, the center offers comprehensive support for international patients, including visa assistance, airport transfers, localized payment options, and tailored recovery travel plans spanning Shanghai and its neighboring regions.

Zou said the center's overarching goal is to eliminate geographic barriers in healthcare access by facilitating remote consultations between top-tier Chinese public hospital experts and overseas patients, while fostering collaborative partnerships with institutions in New Zealand and beyond to share China's CAR-T expertise.

"Many patients face treatment gaps or agonizing waits in their home countries. We strive to be their final hope," she said.

Gu Yingjie contributed to this story.