Liver cancer in China
China approved camrelizumab plus rivoceranib (apatinib) as first-line treatment for unresectable liver cancer in January 2023; the FDA has issued three complete response letters, citing manufacturing, and a resubmission was filed in October 2026. Carbon ion therapy for liver tumors is offered at Wuwei and Shanghai centers.
VerifiedLast verified
Treatments available
| Treatments | Status in China | Status in US | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camrelizumab plus rivoceranib (apatinib), first-line unresectable HCC | Approved in China | Not approved | Elevar Therapeutics / GlobeNewswireJiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals |
| Carbon ion radiotherapy | Available | Unknown | Elevar TherapeuticsGansu Wuwei Heavy Ion Center |
| Liver transplant | Available | Approved in China |
Hospitals with documented programs
Informational listings from cited public sources, not recommendations.
ShanghaiZhongshan Hospital, Fudan University复旦大学附属中山医院International deptVerified
ShanghaiFudan University Shanghai Cancer Center复旦大学附属肿瘤医院International deptReported
ShanghaiShanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center上海市质子重离子医院International deptJCIVerified
XiamenZhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University厦门大学附属中山医院International deptVerified
BeijingPeking University Cancer Hospital (Beijing Cancer Hospital)北京大学肿瘤医院No public intl deptVerified
GuangzhouSun Yat-sen University Cancer Center中山大学肿瘤防治中心International deptVerified
Hainan / Boao LechengBoao Super Hospital博鳌超级医院International deptVerified
What it costs
| Entry | Amount | Year | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver transplant · Shanghai | ¥200,000 about $28,169 | 2025 | Sixth Tone | Reported |
Clinical trials
351studies listed as recruiting with a site in China on ClinicalTrials.gov, as of 2026-10-26. See the list
We link trials only; enrollment decisions belong to trial teams. Since May 2026, charging patients to join clinical research is prohibited in China, as reported by AFP.
Frequently asked
Why is camrelizumab plus rivoceranib not approved in the US?
The FDA's July 2026 complete response letter cited CGMP deficiencies at a rivoceranib manufacturing site; Hengrui says it did not involve clinical data, safety or efficacy. Elevar resubmitted on October 9, 2026.
[1] Jiangsu Hengrui Phar…[2] Elevar TherapeuticsIs heavy ion therapy used for liver cancer in China?
The Wuwei Heavy Ion Center says it has treated over 40 conditions including liver cancer; suitability is decided by the center's clinical team.
[1] Gansu Wuwei Heavy Io…Sources
- Elevar Therapeutics Receives FDA Complete Response Letter for rivoceranib plus camrelizumab in HCC
“Camrelizumab is currently approved for eight indications in China, including relapsed/refractory classic Hodgkin's lymphoma (third-line) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.”
- Hengrui Pharma Receives Complete Response Letter from FDA for Camrelizumab in Combination with Rivoceranib
“The FDA's decision was related to deficiencies identified during a CGMP surveillance inspection of a manufacturing site associated with rivoceranib.”
- Elevar Therapeutics Resubmits NDA to FDA for camrelizumab plus rivoceranib
“Elevar resubmitted the NDA on October 9, 2026, in response to the CRL.”
- Introduction to the Heavy Ion Centers in Wuwei and Lanzhou
“Patients from across China and countries such as Belgium, South Korea, and Australia routinely seek treatment at these centers.”
- Particle therapy facilities in clinical operation
“Lists SPHIC Shanghai (proton and carbon ion, from 2014/2015), WPTC Wanjie Zibo (proton, 2004) and the Wuwei Heavy Ion Therapy Center (carbon ion).”
Information only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Talk to your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.