China now runs more CAR-T clinical studies than any other country, including the United States. We break down the published outcomes data for international oncology patients.
A landmark analysis published in the Journal of Hematology & Oncology (October 2024) confirmed what oncologists have observed for several years: China now has more CAR-T clinical studies registered than any other country in the world, surpassing the United States.
China Overtakes the US in CAR-T Clinical Trials
A landmark analysis published in the Journal of Hematology & Oncology (October 2024) confirmed what oncologists have observed for several years: China now has more CAR-T clinical studies registered than any other country in the world, surpassing the United States.
Of the 2,794 total cell therapy clinical trials registered in China between 2005 and 2024, CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapies represent 46.9% of all immune cell trials. CD19 — the target for B-cell malignancies including certain leukemias and lymphomas — is the leading target with 416 registered trials.
Published Outcomes: What Chinese CAR-T Trials Report
Beyond trial numbers, what matters for patients is efficacy. Published data from Chinese CAR-T trials demonstrates outcomes that are competitive with global standards:
Large B-Cell Lymphoma (Relapsed/Refractory)
The RELIANCE study, conducted across 10 Chinese sites from 2017 to 2022 (68 patients), evaluated relmacabtagene autoleucel (relma-cel) — a China-developed CAR-T product:
- Overall response rate (ORR): 52–74%
- One-year overall survival: 48–59%
- This is a patient population that had already failed at least two prior lines of therapy
For context, axi-cel (axicabtagene ciloleucel), approved in China in 2021, demonstrated ORRs of 79–89% in B-cell malignancies across published trials.
Multiple Myeloma
Chinese clinical trials for multiple myeloma CAR-T therapies reported 64% 12-month progression-free survival in published datasets — figures that align with globally approved products in comparable indications.
Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Chinese-First Target
A Phase I trial (NCT03874897) tested CT041 — a CLDN18.2-targeting CAR-T developed in China — in 37 patients with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies (pancreatic, gastric, esophageal cancers):
- Overall response rate: 48.6%
- Disease control rate: 73.0%
- No Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome (a common serious CAR-T side effect)
- 44.8% of responses lasting 6+ months
CLDN18.2 is a target found on gastric and pancreatic cancer cells. There is currently no approved CLDN18.2-targeting therapy in the US or EU — making this a genuinely China-first treatment option.
Access and Cost Considerations
CAR-T therapies are expensive worldwide. In China, approved products list at approximately RMB 1.2–1.5 million (USD 165,000–207,000) per infusion — significantly less than comparable US list prices of USD 370,000–530,000.
Shanghai's "Hu Hui Bao" supplemental insurance program (launched 2023) has reimbursed over 33 million RMB in CAR-T treatments, benefiting nearly 60 patients by March 2024. This reimbursement model is expanding, though it currently applies primarily to Shanghai residents.
Important Caveats for International Patients
CAR-T therapy is a complex, high-risk intervention requiring specialist management. Response rates cited above come from trial populations; real-world outcomes reflect disease stage, prior treatment history, and individual patient factors. CAR-T therapy is appropriate for a specific subset of oncology patients — your eligibility requires assessment by a specialist oncologist.
Panda Touring Care can connect you with CAR-T programs at our partner hospitals in Shanghai and Beijing, where English-speaking oncology coordinators can review your medical records and advise on trial eligibility.
Sources: Journal of Hematology & Oncology, October 2024 (PMC11476068); BioMed Research International, 2025 (PMC12547621); Lancet eClinicalMedicine, 2025; PMC11462758.