Precision Medicine
CAR-T & Proton Therapy: Two advanced cancer pathways in China
Faster access, serious cost advantages, and leading cancer technology. Sana turns eligibility, hospital selection, and record preparation into one treatment route.
700+
Active CAR-T clinical trials in China
24-96h
Typical cell preparation window in China pathways
$120k
Lower commercial CAR-T entry range vs US pricing
$30k
Proton therapy course entry range in China
Technology 01
CAR-T Cell Therapy
Why it matters
- Over 700 active CAR-T clinical trials - leading the world in dual-target and solid tumor research
- Cell prep in 24-36 hours vs. 2-4 weeks in Western systems
- Commercial cost $120,000 - $220,000 - a fraction of US pricing
- Requires navigating Grade 3A hospital protocols, S2 medical visa, and prepayment structures
CAR-T can be a high-impact route for relapsed or refractory blood cancers, but access, speed, and cost decide whether it is realistic.
China combines clinical trial density, manufacturing capacity, and top Grade 3A hospitals. SANA helps turn that ecosystem into an executable path.
| Assessment Metric | China Market (2026) | US/Western Market (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Clinical Trials | >700 active (1,006+ historical) | ~500 active (~549 historical) |
| Cell Manufacturing Cycle | 24-36 hours | 2-4 weeks |
| Estimated Commercial Cost | $120,000 - $220,000 | $373,000 - >$1,000,000 |
CAR-T Therapy at Shanghai Ruijin Hospital
Ruijin is Sana's key CAR-T pathway hospital in Shanghai, combining hematology strength, Grade 3A resources, and international patient coordination.
Key Highlights
Founded 1907, century-old prestigious hospital
Leukemia "Shanghai Protocol" with 95% cure rate
Proton Therapy Center
16-language interpreter support
21+ international insurer direct billing
Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Technology 02
Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is built for precision: concentrate dose at the tumor, reduce exposure to healthy tissue, and protect patients where radiation damage matters most.
| Assessment Metric | China Market (2026) | US/Western Market (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Cost (Full Course) | $30,000 - $80,000 | $100,000 - $200,000+ |
| Proton Centers | ~8-10 operational, rapidly expanding | ~45+ operational |
| Treatment Initiation | 1-2 weeks from consultation | 3-8 weeks from consultation |
| Technology Generation | Latest Varian ProBeam 360 with IMPT + CBCT | Mix of older and newer systems |
Proton Therapy Indications
Indications compiled from MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center (partial list):
Head & Neck
Nasopharyngeal & oropharyngeal tumors
Orbital & skull base tumors
Re-irradiation of prior radiation field
Chest
Non-small cell lung cancer
Esophageal carcinoma
Thymoma & mesothelioma
Post-surgical bilateral N2 lesions
Gastrointestinal
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)
Solitary liver metastasis (colorectal)
Urogenital
Early-stage & locally advanced prostate cancer
Solitary pelvic lymph node metastasis
CNS
Meningioma & sellar tumors
Low-grade gliomas
Craniospinal irradiation
Breast & Gynecological
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)
Pediatric
Astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma
Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma
Retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma
Sarcoma & Lymphoma
Mediastinal & paraspinal lymphoma
Total brain & spinal cord irradiation
Clinical Outcomes of Proton Therapy
Data compiled from MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center research (partial list):
Nasopharynx Cancer
Feeding tube usage down 60%
Oropharynx Cancer
Feeding tube usage down 50%
Lung Cancer
Severe complications down 57%, 3-yr survival up 32%
Hepatocellular Cancer
2-yr overall survival up 58%
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
4-yr overall survival up 54%
Chordomas
Disease control up 49%-86%
Esophagus Cancer
Lung complications down 41%, hospitalization down 20%
Breast Cancer
Better cosmetic results, fewer toxicities
Prostate Cancer
Rectal toxicities down 32%-9%, bowel problems down 50%, 5-yr survival up 14%-19%
Secondary Cancer Risk
Down 26%-39%
Proton Therapy at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center
Guangzhou Concord is Sana's proton therapy pathway hospital, built around next-generation radiation equipment and cancer-center workflows.
Key Highlights
First Varian ProBeam 360° proton system in South China
MD Anderson Cancer Center collaboration
Mayo Clinic strategic partnership
Four 360° rotating gantry treatment rooms
IMPT with pencil-beam scanning + CBCT image guidance
Da Vinci robot, PET-MRI, PET-CT, TrueBeam accelerators
NCCN + MD Anderson radiotherapy standards + JCI
International-standard private suites + Smart Hospital
World-Leading Medical Equipment
Varian ProBeam Proton System - First in South China, 4 gantry rooms, IMPT + IGPT
Da Vinci Surgical Robot - Precision minimally invasive surgery
PET-MRI - Next-gen molecular imaging
PET-CT - High-precision tumor metabolic imaging
TrueBeam LINAC - 4 rooms, world's most advanced new-gen linear accelerator
Digital Class-100 laminar flow operating rooms
Our Services
Entry Services
Visa & Arrival Support
Our team assists with medical visa applications, airport pickup, and settling into accommodation so you arrive prepared and stress-free.
Fast-Track Green Channel
Skip the Queue
Direct access to specialists without long waiting times. We pre-arrange your consultation schedule so you can see the right doctor immediately upon arrival.
Bilingual Medical Escort
Full Language Support
Professional interpreters accompany you through every step - from registration and consultation to tests, treatment, and discharge.
Recovery & Wellness Travel
Heal, Explore, Recharge
After treatment, our team can arrange guided cultural experiences and wellness tours across China's renowned destinations.