First‑ever Foreign Patient Treated with Solid‑Tumor CAR‑T Therapy Discharged from Jiahui International Cancer Center
Josh, the world’s first foreign patient to receive solid‑tumor CAR‑T cell therapy with Satri‑cel (CT041) in China, was successfully discharged from Jiahui International Hospital on August 16 after over one month of treatment. At the discharge ceremony, the Jiahui clinical team presented him with flowers and a traditional safety pendant, wishing him a safe journey home and hoping he would revisit Shanghai someday.
“Travelling 9,000 kilometres from New Zealand to Shanghai was the hardest yet most worthwhile decision I have ever made. The medical team at Jiahui not only developed a precise treatment plan for me, but also gave me confidence and strength when I felt most helpless,” Josh shared upon his departure.
The 59‑year‑old patient from New Zealand was diagnosed with gastroduodenal adenocarcinoma in late 2025. His condition kept progressing despite chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in his home country. After learning that China had recently approved the world’s first innovative CAR‑T therapy for solid tumors and that Jiahui boasted rich clinical experience in CAR‑T treatment, Josh travelled all the way to Shanghai. He underwent T‑cell collection at Jiahui on July 6.
Recalled Dr. Xuan Linli, Director of Jiahui International Cancer Center: Josh was in poor physical condition upon admission, suffering from massive malignant ascites and severe eating disorders. Before cell infusion, his daily ascites output reached 1,000 mL and peaked at 2,000 mL. On Day 10 post‑infusion, his malignant ascites subsided significantly, and the peritoneal drainage tube was removed before discharge. During treatment, the cancer centre mobilized multidisciplinary resources to build a full‑cycle personalized care plan, integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine to manage treatment‑related vomiting.
Since Josh would need ongoing care after returning home, the Jiahui team prepared a detailed follow‑up examination and treatment roadmap for him. Prior to discharge, Dr. Xuan held a conference call with Josh’s attending physician in New Zealand to hand over full clinical information, enabling seamless cross‑border medical continuity.
“Before settling on Jiahui, I received treatment proposals from hospitals in Saudi Arabia and the United States. I chose Jiahui for their prompt replies and efficient communication. This innovative solid‑tumor CAR‑T therapy was also the most accessible option for my condition,” Josh recalled. “I had never visited China before, so I was anxious. Fortunately, I met the Jiahui team, especially Dr. Xuan, who practiced medicine in the United States for two decades. Her familiarity with Western workflows and cultural norms made everything feel very approachable.”
Dr. Xuan noted that many overseas patients considering treatment in China hold concerns around language, culture, diet and religious customs. “Our team proactively listens to patient expectations from the very start and maintains consistent communication. By the time they arrive in Shanghai, they already have thorough understanding of their treatment. We also make tailored adjustments for dietary preferences, cultural traditions and religious beliefs to ease the sense of disorientation while receiving care abroad.”
Jiahui International Cancer Center has previously delivered CAR‑T therapy to oncology patients from Singapore, the United States, New Zealand, Russia, Pakistan and other nations, building substantial expertise in haematological malignancies. The successful management of this first foreign solid‑tumor CAR‑T patient marks a key milestone for Jiahui as it expands CAR‑T capabilities from blood cancers to solid tumors. Leveraging multidisciplinary strengths, multilingual services and cultural adaptability, the centre creates individualized therapeutic pathways for every cancer patient.
Josh’s successful discharge as China’s first foreign patient treated with solid‑tumor CAR‑T validates China’s global competitiveness in the clinical translation of cell therapy. It also demonstrates Jiahui International Cancer Center’s capacity to deliver internationally‑standard care for patients worldwide. Jiahui will keep building a shared cell‑therapy platform for patients across borders, bringing “China‑developed therapeutic solutions” to more people globally.
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