Large B-cell lymphoma
Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yikaida), approved June 2021, and relmacabtagene autoleucel (Carteyva), approved September 2021.
- Adults with relapsed or refractory disease
- Usually after earlier treatment lines have failed
CAR-T & Proton Heavy Ion Therapy for International Patients in China
Which CAR-T products China has approved and for which cancers, how particle radiotherapy is used, what published prices show, and which records specialists need first.
CAR-T products approved in China
China's drug regulator, the NMPA, has approved CAR-T only for the diagnoses below.
Multiple myeloma
Equecabtagene autoleucel (Fucaso), approved 2023, and zevorcabtagene autoleucel, approved 2024.
- Adults with relapsed or refractory myeloma
- After at least three earlier lines of therapy
Adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Inaticabtagene autoleucel, approved November 2023.
- Adults with relapsed or refractory B-ALL
Advanced gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer
Satricabtagene autoleucel (satri-cel), approved June 2026. It is the world's first CAR-T approved for a solid tumour.
- Tumour must be Claudin18.2-positive and HER2-negative
- After at least two earlier lines of therapy
Who may be eligible
CAR-T
CAR-T is for a narrow group of patients whose cancer matches an approved use and has returned or stopped responding to earlier treatment. Eligibility is decided by the treating specialists after a full records review.
- Confirmed diagnosis that matches an approved indication
- Record of earlier treatment lines and responses
- Fit enough for conditioning chemotherapy and side-effect monitoring
Proton and carbon-ion therapy
Particle therapy is a form of radiotherapy aimed at a defined tumour area. Radiation oncologists decide whether it suits a tumour's type, size and position, and whether earlier radiotherapy rules it out.
- Generally considered for localised solid tumours
- Not a treatment for blood cancers
- Previous radiotherapy doses must be known
CAR-T drug prices in the United States and China
These are published drug prices only, before hospital care.
Large B-cell lymphoma (axicabtagene ciloleucel)
- United States drug price
- USD 554,400 (Yescarta)
- China list price per infusion
- RMB 1.2 million (Yikaida), about USD 168,000
Multiple myeloma (BCMA CAR-T)
- United States drug price
- USD 574,740 (Carvykti) to USD 598,090 (Abecma)
- China list price per infusion
- RMB 1.15 million to RMB 1.166 million
Adult B-cell ALL
- United States drug price
- USD 630,000 (Aucatzyl)
- China list price per infusion
- RMB 999,000 (inaticabtagene autoleucel)
Claudin18.2-positive gastric cancer
- United States drug price
- No CAR-T approved for this use
- China list price per infusion
- RMB 990,000 (satri-cel)
US figures are 2025 average wholesale prices reported by HM Insurance Group. China figures are list prices from a 2024 peer-reviewed paper and, for satri-cel, Sina Finance / Caijing; the USD conversion is the paper's own. Hospital stay, conditioning chemotherapy, side-effect care and international-department fees are extra. Exchange rates and prices change, so ask the hospital for a written estimate.
Other published figures
Each figure links to its source; check current prices with the hospital.
About 1/3
Haematological CAR-T cost in China compared with the US, according to an international hospital in Shanghai
Source: Sina Finance / Caijing
3 to 10x
Reported international-department charges compared with the standard insured price at public hospitals
Source: Sina Finance / Caijing
RMB 278,000
Average proton or heavy-ion course fee reported when a dedicated particle therapy centre in Shanghai opened in 2015
Source: Huashang News
RMB 170,000
Cap per course for proton radiotherapy at a Grade 3A public hospital in Shanghai under a trial price set in 2023
Proton and carbon-ion therapy in China
A 2022 review counted five particle therapy centres treating patients in China, with more under construction. At least one centre in Shanghai offers both protons and carbon ions.
Published fees cover the radiotherapy course. Tests, a hospital stay and international-department pricing can add to the total.
Records specialists usually ask for
For any case review
- Pathology report with the confirmed diagnosis
- Recent CT, MRI or PET scans as original image files
- Full treatment history with dates and responses
- Recent blood tests and a current medicine list
Extra for CAR-T or particle therapy
- Target test results, such as CD19, BCMA, Claudin18.2 or HER2
- Radiotherapy plans and doses, if you had radiotherapy before
- A letter from your current oncologist
CAR-T and particle therapy questions
Can a foreign patient receive CAR-T in China?
Caijing reported a New Zealand patient receiving solid-tumour CAR-T in Shanghai. Whether you can depends on your diagnosis, earlier treatment and the hospital's own review.
Is CAR-T approved for my cancer?
China has approved CAR-T for large B-cell lymphoma, multiple myeloma, adult B-cell ALL and one type of advanced gastric cancer. Other uses are research only. Ask the hospital whether a product is approved for your exact diagnosis.
How long would I stay in China?
CAR-T involves cell collection, manufacturing, conditioning, infusion and close monitoring. Particle therapy is given in many sessions. Ask the hospital for the expected stay in writing before you travel.
Do my English records work?
Ask the international department. Some accept English reports and others need a translation. Always send scans as original image files.
How do I pay, and will insurance help?
Prices are set in RMB. Ask which international cards or bank transfers are accepted. Check with your insurer before booking, as many plans do not cover planned treatment abroad.
What visa would I need?
Requirements depend on your nationality and how long you stay. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Start with a free triage consultation
Tell us about your diagnosis and goals, and a doctor will suggest realistic next steps. Your first triage consultation is free.
In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Please do not delay cancer care at home while waiting for a reply.
Sources
- Zheng and Zhang, Int J Health Policy Manag, 2024: China's five approved CAR-T products, indications and list prices
- CARsgen Therapeutics, 22 June 2026: NMPA approval of satricabtagene autoleucel
- Wuhan Evening News, 8 Dec 2025: China's first approved CAR-T and pricing
- HM Insurance Group, Pharmacy Focus: CAR T-Cell Therapy 2025 Update (US average wholesale prices)
- Sina Finance / Caijing, Sept 2026
- Li et al., Frontiers in Oncology, 2022: Proton and carbon ion radiotherapy in China
- Huashang News, 7 May 2015: a Shanghai particle therapy centre opens, average course fee
- Shanghai Healthcare Security Administration, Nov 2023: trial price for proton accelerator radiotherapy
Prices and policies change. Figures are for general information and are not a quote or medical advice.