A 49-year-old patient, Ms. Liang (a pseudonym), was diagnosed two years ago with a type of tumor she had never heard of. It started as a 'large lump' on the right side of her neck. Imaging examinations revealed systemic multiple lymphadenopathy, leading to a final diagnosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL).

Residing in Zhuhai, she sought treatment at multiple hospitals in Guangzhou and Zhuhai, undergoing various therapies including chemotherapy and targeted therapy. However, her condition remained uncontrolled and showed signs of continued deterioration. She subsequently came to Foshan Chancheng Hospital, hoping that a single shot of CAR-T therapy could help her reclaim control of her life from the disease.

Recently, the Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital successfully performed CAR-T therapy for Ms. Liang. After more than 20 days of inpatient treatment and meticulous care, Ms. Liang is currently in stable condition and was successfully discharged on November 10.

Upon discharge, Ms. Liang expressed deep gratitude for the authoritative expertise and detailed care provided by the Department of Medical Oncology team. She discreetly arranged for her family to prepare a banner of appreciation, her joy beyond words.

Ms. Liang presented a banner to Director Ye Gang, Dr. Li Jinyu, and the entire medical staff of the Tumor Center on her discharge day.

Ms. Liang's condition was Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, of a high-grade 'Double-Hit' subtype – an aggressive, highly malignant lymphoma characterized by rapid progression, easy relapse, and poor prognosis. This specific subtype responds poorly to conventional 'standard' regimens, or may partially respond only to relapse quickly, which mirrored Ms. Liang's experience over the past two years.

Fortunately, CAR-T therapy has been approved for marketing, used for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma (r/r LBCL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy.

After multiple failed treatments with no improvement in her condition, Ms. Liang had nearly lost all hope. Later, through a referral, she came to Foshan. After comprehensive examination and evaluation by Director Ye Gang, Chief Expert of the Department of Medical Oncology at Foshan Chancheng Hospital Tumor Center, along with domestic and international multidisciplinary MDT expert teams, a professional and comprehensive treatment plan was finalized. This plan centered on CAR-T therapy, supported by bridging therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to ensure the smooth implementation of the CAR-T treatment.

Director Ye Gang and the domestic & international multidisciplinary MDT expert team finalizing the comprehensive treatment plan for Ms. Liang.

CAR-T therapy carries impressive labels such as "a single shot to eliminate cancer cells" and the "1.2 million Yuan anti-cancer miracle drug". How does it clear tumor cells from the patient's body?

CAR-T, fully named "Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Immunotherapy," involves collecting the patient's own T-cells, genetically engineering and expanding them ex vivo by adding a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR). This process enables the modified T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells bearing specific antigens, thereby activating the body's own immune response to combat the tumor.

Ms. Liang received treatment with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel injection, an autologous CAR-T cell therapy product from Shanghai Fosun Kite. This was also the first cell therapy product approved for market in China. Foshan Chancheng Hospital Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Center is among the first batch of nationally certified units for CAR-T cell therapy.

CAR-T therapy is highly technologically advanced. It is a new type of precision targeted therapy custom-made using T lymphocytes taken from the cancer patient – truly "personalized."

The engineered CAR-T cells, akin to "special forces equipped with tumor-targeting scopes," are reinfused into the patient. They can precisely and efficiently kill tumor cells, including those resistant to chemotherapy, and also activate other T-cells within the body to kill tumor cells.

The CAR-T manufacturing process.

While it might seem like just a single injection, the treatment demands extremely high standards from the medical team and must be conducted in a high-level comprehensive hospital.

Prior to the CAR-T infusion, Ms. Liang underwent a personalized bridging therapy regimen to reduce tumor burden and create better conditions for receiving CAR-T therapy.

Following the CAR-T infusion, Ms. Liang experienced side effects related to the cell-based immunotherapy, specifically Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fever and transient neurological toxicity.

Thanks to thorough preparation and the timely, appropriate management provided by the Tumor Center medical team and the multidisciplinary expert team from within and outside the hospital, the patient's safety was ensured, allowing her to complete the treatment smoothly and successfully.

The medical team performing the CAR-T infusion for Ms. Liang on October 24.

Ms. Liang underwent pre-treatment evaluation and T-cell collection, followed by hospitalization for pre-infusion lymphodepletion, infusion, and post-infusion observation and management. After a total of 23 days in the hospital, she was discharged successfully and entered the follow-up assessment phase.

"CAR-T cells signify that a new era in cancer treatment has arrived. Globally, over 20,000 patients have already received CAR-T therapy, with many achieving clinical cure. China's research, development, and translational application in the field of cellular immunotherapy are at the forefront globally. We believe more and more patients will benefit from this therapy," explained Director Ye Gang, Chief Expert of the Department of Medical Oncology at Foshan Chancheng Hospital Tumor Center.

Director Ye Gang sharing and communicating with patients.

Ms. Liang's CAR-T treatment journey provides confidence for thousands of cancer patients to undergo brave treatment. The pioneering application of CAR-T therapy at Foshan Chancheng Hospital enables patients with hematologic malignancies to access more precise treatment options and higher quality care during their medical journey. It holds the promise of improving the survival rate and quality of life for cancer patients, genuinely allowing local patients to treat severe and difficult illnesses without leaving Foshan, and enabling them to enjoy tumor diagnosis and treatment technical services comparable to those of leading international oncology institutions.