Crossing the Pacific to Hangzhou: a first solid-tumour CAR-T case for Zhejiang

Patient from

United States

A Chinese-American patient

Lived in the U.S. for 40+ years (name not published)

Condition

Advanced gastric cancer with widespread peritoneal metastasis

Treatment

Claudin18.2-targeted CAR-T (satri-cel)

Hospital

Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital

City

Hangzhou

Before China

The patient, who had lived in the U.S. for more than 40 years, was diagnosed with gastric cancer about two years before seeking care in China. After surgery, widespread peritoneal metastasis appeared a year later, and chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy in the U.S. did not control it.

Getting care in China

The patient travelled to Hangzhou, where Chief Physician Zheng Yu’s team at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital confirmed through pathology review, genetic testing and multidisciplinary assessment that the tumour was CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative and met the approved indication. Deputy Chief Physician Yao Junlin explained benefits, risks and steps to the patient and family.

Timeline

1. 1About two years earlier: diagnosed with gastric cancer and operated on.
2. 2A year after surgery: widespread peritoneal metastasis; U.S. treatments fail.
3. 3June 2026China approves satri-cel for CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative gastric cancer after two prior lines.
4. 4October 2026Treated at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, discharged and flown home (reported 13 Oct 2026).

Outcome

The patient tolerated the treatment well, with no serious adverse reactions reported. Mental state improved, and redness and swelling around an ulcerated abdominal-wall tumour wound eased as it began to heal. The patient was discharged and returned to the U.S. It was the first solid-tumour CAR-T case in Hangzhou.

Each story is one person’s reported experience, not a promise of results. Outcomes differ with diagnosis and the individual. This is not medical advice; treatment decisions are made with the treating hospital.