A 78-year-old New Zealand physician's quest for cutting-edge cancer treatment has drawn attention to China's growing leadership in cellular immunotherapy. The retired family doctor, whose identity remains confidential, recently completed CAR-T therapy at a Shanghai hospital after exhausting conventional treatments for high-risk multiple myeloma in his home country.
Cross-Border Medical Journey
The patient's 9,000-kilometer journey reflects increasing global confidence in China's biomedical sector, particularly in genetically modified cell therapies. Shanghai's Ruijin Hospital and Shanghai Changzheng Hospital have reported 30% year-on-year growth in international oncology patients since 2023, with CAR-T treatments becoming a key draw.
Economic and Healthcare Implications
This case coincides with China's pharmaceutical exports reaching $12.8 billion in Q3 2025, up 18% from 2024. Medical tourism authorities report over 5,000 foreign patients received CAR-T therapies in China this year, primarily from Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Scientific Advancements
Chinese researchers published 42% of global CAR-T clinical trial data in 2025, according to Nature Index. The National Medical Products Administration recently fast-tracked approval for three new CAR-T therapies targeting blood cancers.
