Fosun Guangzhou Hospital, a member of the Fosun Health system, has successfully completed the cell collection procedure for a gastric cancer patient receiving Kailimei (Satricabtagene Autoleucel Injection, R&D code: CT041) treatment in the Greater Bay Area (Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macau coastal region).

Professor Chen Tao, Director of the International Medical Center at Fosun Guangzhou Hospital, stated that completing this first patient cell collection signifies the beginning of standardized clinical application for Fosun Health's approved CAR-T cell therapy product for solid tumors. This offers a new treatment option for eligible patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers.

Cell collection is a crucial initial step in the CAR-T treatment process. Following this, the patient undergoes subsequent stages: individualized cell production, pre-infusion preparation, treatment monitoring, and long-term follow-up visits.

Medical team performs the cell collection procedure. Photo: Fosun Health

Kailimei is the first CAR-T cell therapy approved for solid tumors. Its approval marks a progression of CAR-T therapy from malignant hematological diseases to advanced gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Effective implementation of this therapy requires standardized treatment protocols and capable medical facilities.

As one of the first facilities in China certified to implement Kailimei, Fosun Health recently completed its first cell collection for a gastric cancer patient in the Greater Bay Area. This underscores its capability in applying and managing CAR-T treatment for solid tumors.

Isolated blood cells (left) and plasma (right) – actual images of blood components after separation. Photo: Fosun Health

According to a Fosun Health representative, CAR-T therapy is a comprehensive medical procedure with stringent requirements, from patient selection and cell production coordination to risk assessment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and post-treatment management. The unit has established a robust cell therapy management system to provide specialized support throughout all critical stages of the treatment process.

Previously, the patient underwent 10 rounds of chemotherapy and targeted therapy in South Korea, but disease control was not as expected. The patient then continued treatment at Fosun Guangzhou Hospital, part of Fosun Health. After a comprehensive evaluation, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) devised a protocol combining chemotherapy and interventional radiology. Following treatment, the patient's physical condition significantly improved, and ascites were controlled. The patient then entered the Kailimei treatment process, completed cell collection, and is now in the individualized cell production phase, preparing for infusion.

To implement CAR-T therapy, Fosun Health developed a closed-loop management process covering patient evaluation, cell collection and production, pre-infusion preparation, and short-term and long-term monitoring. This process is carried out by a team of cell therapy specialists in collaboration with oncology, hemodialysis, and intensive care departments, following an MDT model.

The completion of the first Kailimei cell collection in the Greater Bay Area marks a significant step in the clinical application of CAR-T therapy for solid tumors. This contributes to standardizing treatment procedures and expanding access for patients.

Medical industry science and technology park – Fosun Health Headquarters office building in China. Photo: Fosun Health

Moving forward, Fosun Health will leverage the clinical application of CAR-T therapy for solid tumors as a new starting point to further develop its professional cell therapy system, encompassing both malignant hematological diseases and solid tumors. The company aims to accelerate the translation of innovative therapies originating from China, from technological breakthroughs into standardized and accessible medical services.

By leveraging its international medical collaboration network, comprehensive lifecycle health management capabilities, and multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment system, Fosun Health commits to becoming a trusted platform connecting global patients with advanced medical resources in China. This will provide broader access to modern medicine and deliver professional healthcare services to patients worldwide.

Hai My