Xinqiao Hospital Leads Establishment of First In-Hospital Integrated Cell Therapy Platform

Background

Cell therapies like CAR-T have emerged as important options for patients with relapsed or refractory hematologic tumors such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, traditional manufacturing of autologous CAR-T cells requires approximately two weeks, which can delay treatment for critically ill patients. Additionally, these therapies can cause significant side effects, including cytokine release syndrome, necessitating specialized monitoring and support.

Xinqiao Hospital has built its hematology capabilities over 50 years. On September 9, 2025, the hospital enabled Western China's first in-hospital integrated cell therapy translational platform, aiming to bridge basic research, standardized production, and clinical validation in one setting at the Army Medical University facility in Chongqing.

What was achieved

The platform features a core "cell workshop" using advanced in-hospital preparation techniques. It reduces CAR-T cell preparation time from the traditional two weeks to 24 hours, enabling same-day preparation and next-day infusion for patients with relapsed leukemia or lymphoma. The team developed a "donor CAR-T" approach for post-transplant relapse cases, reported to have superior efficacy to traditional methods. It also implemented "universal CAR-T" for off-the-shelf availability.

Fifteen intensive care-level "concept validation wards" were established with advanced monitoring for safety. Additional innovations include what is described as the international first "CD33 CAR-NK" technology for acute myeloid leukemia cases where CAR-T may be less effective, and leading mesenchymal stem cell techniques for preventing graft-versus-host disease that have been incorporated into clinical guidelines. The center was unveiled by Academician Wu Yuzhang and Professor Zhang Xi, director of the cell therapy center. Zhang Xi noted it as a leapfrog upgrade for the hematology medical center and a high-end platform for western China.

How it works

In CAR-T therapy, T-cells, a type of immune cell, are collected from the patient or a donor. In a specialized laboratory or "cell workshop," these cells are genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) on their surface. This CAR allows the cells to specifically recognize and bind to antigens on cancer cells, such as those on B-cell lymphomas or leukemias. The modified cells are then expanded in number before being infused back into the patient, where they multiply and attack the tumor.

The new platform's in-hospital workshop optimizes activation and transduction processes to complete preparation in 24 hours rather than weeks. For donor CAR-T, cells come from a previous stem cell transplant donor. Universal CAR-T uses cells engineered to be used across patients without individual customization. CAR-NK involves similar modification of natural killer cells targeting CD33 for certain leukemias. The dedicated wards provide intensive care to manage potential adverse reactions through preemptive monitoring, intervention during treatment, and post-treatment analysis. Mesenchymal stem cells are applied to modulate immune responses and reduce GVHD risks in transplant settings. The integrated system covers the full process from preparation to long-term follow-up.

What it means for international patients

International patients seeking treatment for relapsed or refractory hematologic tumors may find the accelerated cell therapy options at this new platform of interest. Xinqiao Hospital is designated as one of Chongqing's foreign-related medical institutions and serves patients from across regions.

Availability and eligibility for specific cell therapies, including any requirements or support for international patients, must be confirmed directly with the hospital. The platform's focus on rapid preparation and safety monitoring through integrated wards and protocols could be relevant for those traveling for care, but all treatment decisions and arrangements should be made through official hospital channels.

About the hospital

Xinqiao Hospital is the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University, located in Chongqing's Shapingba District. It is a public tertiary Grade A comprehensive hospital that combines clinical care, education, and research. The hospital's Blood Disease Medical Center, established in 1975, has nearly 50 years of development with Professor Zhang Xi serving as director.

The institution is known for its expertise in hematology, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell immunotherapy, and maintains national demonstration centers for standardized diagnosis and treatment in areas such as acute myeloid leukemia and CAR-T application. Its official website is www.xqhospital.com.cn.