Cell therapy for solid tumours
CAR-T therapy reprograms your own immune cells to find and attack cancer. In June 2026 China approved satricabtagene autoleucel (satri-cel), the first CAR-T approved anywhere for a solid tumour. It targets the protein Claudin 18.2 on stomach and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers.
Who it may suit
- Advanced stomach or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer that tests positive for Claudin 18.2 and negative for HER2
- Disease that has progressed after earlier treatment
- Patients well enough to travel and to tolerate intensive monitoring
What happens
- Testing of a tumour sample for Claudin 18.2 (can often be done at home and the report sent ahead)
- Assessment by the cell-therapy team, then collection of your white blood cells (apheresis)
- Several weeks while your cells are manufactured; you may receive bridging treatment
- Short chemotherapy, the CAR-T infusion, then close hospital monitoring for side effects
Usually 6 to 10 weeks, including manufacturing and monitoring.
No CAR-T for a solid tumour is approved in Canada, the US or Europe.
Things to know. Side effects include cytokine release syndrome, low blood counts and stomach problems. Not every patient responds, and responses may not be lasting. We confirm in writing that foreign patients are accepted before you book.
Why an introduction matters
Many of China’s leading specialists work in busy public hospitals without international patient offices. They rarely answer enquiries from abroad directly, and a file sent without an introduction often goes unread. Cases usually reach them through people they already know and trust. Our team on the ground makes that introduction, presents your case properly in Chinese, and follows up until you have an answer.
Some programmes, especially stem-cell and other cell treatments, are experimental. We introduce them only if you ask and your own specialist agrees, and we never describe them as cures.