Immunotherapy is one of the fastest-moving areas in oncology and immune-related disease in recent years. This page sets out in one place the cell and immunotherapy services our partner institutions can provide, the conditions that must be confirmed in advance, and the cost ranges.
Cell and immunotherapy are highly regulated medical technologies. Whether they are applicable, and which protocol is used, must be determined by a licensed physician on the basis of the complete medical record and investigation results. The information on this page is intended to explain the scope of services; it does not constitute medical advice or a promise of efficacy.
Immunotherapy is not a single technology, but an umbrella term for approaches that mobilise the body's own immune system to fight disease. The following four categories are those most discussed in clinical practice.
The immune system has built-in 'brakes' that prevent overactivation. Some tumours exploit these mechanisms to evade immune attack. Checkpoint inhibitors block these inhibitory signals, enabling the immune system to recognise and attack tumour cells again. This is currently the category of immunotherapy with the most substantial clinical evidence.
T cells from the patient are genetically engineered so that they can recognise and attack tumour cells. At present, the most extensive evidence has accumulated in haematological malignancies such as lymphocytic leukaemia and B-cell lymphoma, while progress in solid tumours is still under investigation.
A vaccine-based approach that activates the immune system to fight tumours. Several technological routes remain at the clinical trial stage; these are suitable as an area to learn about during assessment, rather than an immediately available option.
Beyond CAR-T, NK cells, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and others are also being explored in research and clinical applications. The efficacy and range of indications for these approaches are still being verified and require case-by-case assessment.
The services available through partner institutions cover three areas: immune cells, mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes. The following describes the scope of services; specific protocols and availability are subject to assessment by the receiving institution.
A class of adult stem cells with self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential, obtainable from sources such as bone marrow, umbilical cord, fat and placenta. Research areas of interest include immunomodulation, anti-inflammation and tissue repair.
Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte that can recognise and kill certain abnormal cells without prior sensitisation, and also participate in immunomodulation and antiviral responses.
T cells belong to adaptive immunity and carry out immune response functions. By function they can be divided into helper, cytotoxic and memory subsets, and are the core cell type in cellular immunotherapy.
Selected cell types are modified through gene editing technology to acquire specific functions, then expanded by in vitro culture for use in individualised protocols.
Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells, carrying proteins, nucleic acids and other bioactive substances. Nebulised inhalation converts exosomes into a fine aerosol for direct delivery to the lower respiratory tract, and is one of the research pathways in the repair of respiratory system injury.
Through extraction and preparation processes, the bioactive components of exosomes are made into powder form, which facilitates storage and transport and can be used in scenarios such as nebulised administration.
Immunotherapy is not a new concept. Its current clinical standing has been built step by step over more than a century.
American surgeon William B. Coley treated some sarcoma patients with bacterial toxins, regarded as an early prototype of immunotherapy.
German scientist Paul Ehrlich proposed the concept of using the immune system against disease, along with the targeted therapy idea later known as the "magic bullet".
Intravesical BCG instillation was reported for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer, becoming one of the earlier immunotherapeutic approaches to enter clinical use.
Cytokines such as IL-2 and interferon were used for melanoma and kidney cancer; monoclonal antibody technology gradually matured and entered clinical practice.
The first immune checkpoint inhibitor was approved, and immunotherapy formally became one of the mainstream cancer treatment modalities.
CAR-T cell therapy was approved, bringing cell therapy into clinical application, and the range of related indications continues to expand.
The relevant services are delivered by teams at partner institutions. The list below is based on public information provided by the partners.
Academician Wang Fusheng and a team of clinical and research experts.
The international experts listed in the partners' public information include:
The main partner medical institutions in Shanghai:
The table below is based on the list of health management packages provided by partner institutions and is intended as an indicative range, not a quotation. The final plan and costs must be assessed by a licensed physician and confirmed in writing by the service provider.
| No. | Package contents | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NK cells — 6 billion | ¥59,800 |
| 2 | NK cells — 10 billion | ¥79,800 |
| 3 | NK cells — 10 billion × 2 sessions | ¥139,800 |
| 4 | MSC stem cells — 60 million | ¥59,800 |
| 5 | MSC stem cells — 100 million | ¥79,800 |
| 6 | MSC stem cells — 100 million × 2 sessions | ¥139,800 |
The above are indicative ranges only; they do not constitute a quotation or medical advice. Costs are in RMB. The actual plan varies according to individual circumstances, cell source, specifications and treatment course, and must be confirmed in writing with the service provider. Cell and immune therapies are generally not covered by routine medical insurance; please check with your insurer regarding reimbursement.
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