New Zealand patient reports lymphoma remission after CAR-T treatment in Shanghai

Dale De Penning, a 57-year-old New Zealander, travelled to Shanghai for CAR-T cell therapy after three unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy for lymphoma at home. A December 9, 2024 municipal account describes his treatment at Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital and subsequent checks.

Choosing treatment after chemotherapy failed

Dale chose the Shanghai hospital after speaking with other people about their experience. He received Yikaida, which hematology chief Lily Zhou described as China's first approved CAR-T product, manufactured in Shanghai.

CAR-T therapy is individually prepared by reprogramming a patient's own immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. At the time of the report, six CAR-T products were approved in China, four of them developed or manufactured in Shanghai.

Remission and a later PET-CT

The hospital reported complete remission one month after treatment. A later check, described in the account as three months afterwards, again showed no evidence of cancer on PET-CT.

After the check-up, the hospital discharged him.

Dale said the treatment process had been smooth and recalled celebrating his birthday with doctors and nurses. He expressed gratitude to the team and described the experience positively.

Clinical monitoring and support away from home

The hospital described CAR-T care as requiring close monitoring and collaboration among several specialties. The work includes patient selection, bridging treatment, management of side effects and symptom control.

Doctors from other departments can join the treating team when needed, and psychological support is part of the service.

SinoUnited also outlined international patient arrangements such as airport reception, attention to dietary needs and cultural background, and language support. Its chief executive Kathy Shi said these services were organized around patient needs, alongside the multidisciplinary medical care.