New Zealand man becomes first foreign patient to receive solid-tumor CAR-T in China

When: 2026-08
City: Shanghai
Total cost reported: about $139,436.62 (as reported)
Shared on: News
Patient from: New Zealand

ReportedLast verified 26 Oct 2026

Timeline

2026-06

China's NMPA approves the first CAR-T therapy for a solid tumor.

2026-07

Flies to Shanghai with his wife and son after doctors at home said treatment had failed.

2026-08-16

Ends a six-week treatment journey and flies home.

What went well

Access to a therapy not available at home

What was hard

Single CAR-T infusion cost 990,000 yuan (about $137,000 per source)
Was very weak before treatment

Individual experience; outcomes vary. This story is a summary linking to its source; follow the link for the original account.

Source

A $137,000 cancer shot brings foreign patients to China (from Caijing)
The Insight Asia / Caijing · news · accessed 2026-10-26

Information only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Talk to your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.