Where can I go for CAR-T treatment in this country?
There are many centers in China conducting clinical studies with CAR-T cells targeting different tumor antigens.
There are many centers conducting clinical studies of CAR-T cells targeting different tumor antigens in China, with locations primarily in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Shenzhen. Since CAR-T cell therapy in China is currently in the clinical trial stage, most centers are registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry or on NIH’s ClinicalTrials.gov website, and thus can be found by searching for the appropriate keywords for the centers conducting CAR-T cell clinical studies. The indications, enrollment criteria, and contact information are described in detail on the website.
Does CAR-T treatment at different hospitals make a difference?
There are differences in outcomes between hospitals.
There will be differences in outcomes.
- First, CAR-T cells with the same therapeutic target but treating different diseases do not have the same efficacy. For example, CAR-T cell therapy targeting CD19 can have response rates (complete remission rates) of 70-90% for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while overall response rates (partial remission rates + complete remission rates) for lymphoma average 50-70%;
- Second, the efficacy of CAR-T cells against different therapeutic targets varies. The current efficacy of CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancy antigen targets is remarkable, whereas the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumor therapeutic targets is generally poor, often with an efficiency rate of less than 20% and a very short duration of efficacy.
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In addition, the efficacy of CAR-T cells against the same target for the same disease may vary due to different CAR constructs, CAR-T cell preparation processes, and quality control.
What do patients and families need to do to prepare for CAR-T therapy?
What do patients and families need to do before CAR-T treatment?
- Tell your doctor about the underlying medical conditions of all organ systems that may be affected by CAR-T treatment (e.g., lung, heart, nervous system, liver, kidney).
- Inform your doctor of all medications used in the last 2 to 3 months, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
- Patients of childbearing age need to use effective contraception before and during CAR-T treatment.
- Patients and family members need to be familiar with the CAR-T cell therapy process and the toxic side effects that occur, and can record symptoms related to toxic side effects in a brochure or small card for timely review.
- Because family members need to be with the patient full time during CAR-T treatment, especially during cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Therefore, it is necessary to schedule the patient’s family members in advance.
How much does it cost to get CAR-T treatment in China? Is it covered by health insurance?
How much does CAR-T cost in China?
CAR-T cell therapy in China is currently in the clinical trial research phase, and CAR-T cells are mostly provided free of charge to patients for treatment. The estimated fee for a domestic CAR-T cell product when it becomes available is around $300,000. Most patients can’t afford it because it’s expensive, so it’s something we all look forward to if it can be covered by health insurance.