World's First Solid Tumor CAR-T: First International Patient Completes Apheresis at Jiahui
May 31, 2026
A 59-year-old New Zealand patient became the first international patient to complete T-cell apheresis in China for CT041, the first approved solid tumor CAR-T therapy.
Shanghai, July 6, 2026 — Jiahui International Cancer Center (JICC) announced that a 59-year-old male patient from New Zealand has successfully finished T-cell apheresis for Satricabtagene autoleucel (CT041). This marks the first international patient to complete T-cell collection in China for the world's first approved solid tumor CAR-T therapy, demonstrating China's global competitiveness in translational cell therapy and showcasing Chinese innovative treatments to global patients.
The patient was diagnosed with gastroduodenal adenocarcinoma. Standard therapies in New Zealand failed to halt tumor progression, with no further viable treatment options.
After researching online, he learned that CT041 — the world's first CLDN18.2-targeted solid tumor CAR-T — obtained NMPA approval on June 22, 2026, and that Jiahui International Hospital ranks among the first institutions to deliver this therapy. Having treated cancer patients from Singapore, the US, New Zealand, Russia, and more with mature CAR-T expertise, the hospital quickly connected with him. Prior to traveling, he underwent biomarker testing in New Zealand, showing 95% CLDN18.2 expression, perfectly matching CT041's indication. Leveraging New Zealand's 30-day visa-free entry policy to China, he traveled to Shanghai for treatment.
Dr. Xuan Linli, Director of Medical Oncology at JICC, stated: "We are honored to be one of the pioneering centers offering this first-in-class solid tumor CAR-T. Unlike fragmented oncology care elsewhere, JICC builds a one-stop cancer treatment platform. We have established standardized workflows covering biomarker screening, cell collection, infusion management, and adverse reaction monitoring with abundant successful cases. Our team tailors personalized CAR-T regimens for every patient with full confidence."
Apheresis is the initial step of CAR-T treatment. After cell manufacturing, the patient will receive cell infusion and continuous care managed by JICC's multidisciplinary team.
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