Jiahui International Cancer Center (JICC) provided treatment to an American patient with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complicated by Parkinson’s disease. After exhausting treatment options in the United States, he travelled to China to seek disease control with ivonescimab, a novel immunotherapy developed there. After two months of treatment, his disease is currently stable and under control.
Choosing Jiahui International Cancer Center
The patient, an American man in his 70s, had exhausted standard third‑ and fourth‑line options following care at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States. In November, his physician advised that one remaining option was an immunotherapy available only in China: ivonescimab, the first approved bispecific antibody that binds both PD‑1 (to enhance T‑cell–mediated anti‑tumor activity) and VEGF (to inhibit tumor blood‑vessel growth), aimed at improving outcomes in solid tumors including NSCLC.
While researching care options, the family learned about Jiahui International Cancer Center (JICC) and, following a video consultation in late November arranged within a week of reaching out, arranged to travel to Shanghai.
According to the patient’s family, Jiahui’s responsiveness and organized approach stood out compared to other options. That prompt engagement gave the family renewed hope and momentum to move forward.
The patient comes from a physician family, both his children are doctors, so they carefully reviewed available options and chose JICC for its clinical expertise and multidisciplinary capabilities. The first consultation exceeded expectations because it involved a multidisciplinary team: oncologists, a pharmacist, and coordinators, rather than a single physician. The Chief of Medical Oncology of Jiahui International Cancer Center, Dr. XUAN Linli’s calming presence and U.S. medical background further strengthened the family’s confidence.
“Immediately you just felt like in trusted hands; she has such a reassuring smile,” the patient’s daughter said.
Although traveling to China initially seemed like a pipe dream, the family explored every avenue, and the possibility shifted their outlook from hospice‑oriented resignation to pursuing active treatment.
Treatment Course and Multidisciplinary Response
Following admission, the patient’s family noted that the hospital facilities and care standards were comparable to those they had experienced in the United States.
During treatment, the patient developed immune-related side effects requiring urgent management and a brief stay in the intensive care unit. As part of Jiahui International Hospital, a tertiary hospital with comprehensive specialty services, JICC rapidly coordinated care across oncology, neurology, and critical care. In addition, a consultation was arranged with Dr. Zhou Caicun, a leading lung cancer expert and the principal investigator of ivonescimab, to provide further expert guidance. “Everyone was very communicative, it felt like teamwork,” said the patient’s daughter.
After stabilization, the patient was transferred from the ICU to a general ward and continued therapy. His family expressed strong satisfaction and gratitude for the quality of care and continuity of communication. JICC provided regular remote updates to the patient’s children overseas, arranged video consultations, and involved relevant specialists as needed.
The patient is currently stable and receiving ongoing care and follow-up services. Given the long-standing nature of his illness, the treatment goal remains disease control rather than cure, and the approved therapy has demonstrated meaningful clinical benefit in his case.
China’s Growing Role in Oncology Innovation
An increasing number of original cancer therapies have published clinical data and received regulatory approval in China, expanding treatment options for patients who have exhausted standard therapies elsewhere. This growing innovation has made China an increasingly attractive destination for advanced oncology care.
Tertiary, Multidisciplinary Care for Complex Cases
The combination of advanced cancer, coexisting Parkinson’s disease, and immune-related treatment complications created significant clinical complexity. As part of a tertiary hospital, JICC has access to a full range of specialties, including neurology, intensive care, pharmacy, and nursing, enabling rapid assessment and coordinated response. For medically vulnerable patients, timely access to specialists and consultation with a therapy’s lead investigator can be critical to safe and effective care.
Neurology input from Dr. CHEN Yan, Acting Chief of Neurology at Jiahui Health, addressed practical, day‑to‑day Parkinson’s needs (medication adjustments, fall‑risk management, and rehabilitation planning) that the family had not received in the US, while attentive nursing and allied staff ensured close monitoring, quick lab turnaround, and seamless doctor‑nurse communication. This comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach not only supported acute management of the immune‑related complications but also produced meaningful functional improvements and strengthened the family’s trust in the overall treatment plan.
A Smooth Experience for International Patients
Jiahui International Hospital has established streamlined pathways for overseas patients seeking advanced cancer care in China. From first contact to treatment initiation, this patient’s experience demonstrates that international patients can access care at the hospital quickly and efficiently. After an initial video consultation, visas and travel arrangements are completed within days, inpatient care is initiated promptly, and ongoing remote follow-up ensures family members abroad remain informed and involved.
The patient’s daughter said, “We are deeply grateful for the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of the entire Jiahui team — the doctors, nurses, kitchen and cleaning staff, the international team and front desk, and the ayi's. My father would especially like to express his heartfelt thanks to Cui Ayi, who has cared for him every day since his admission. Beyond her attentive bedside care, she has offered him encouragement, comfort, and hope.”
"Ayi", literally meaning Auntie, is a Chinese term used to refer to female care aides in hospitals.
Growing International Interest in JICC
Jiahui International Hospital is Shanghai’s first large-scale comprehensive international hospital, with more than 35 clinical departments. Led by senior international oncology experts, the affiliated Jiahui International Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment services aligned with international standards and has established a strategic partnership with the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.
JICC has received a growing number of inquiries regarding advanced oncology treatment from Europe, North America, Singapore, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Over the past year, the Center has evaluated and treated dozens of overseas patients and handled more than 100 international oncology inquiries from countries including the United States, Canada, France, Switzerland, Greece, Belgium, Qatar, and Russia.
By combining cutting-edge medical technology with compassionate, patient-centered care, Jiahui International Cancer Center continues to attract increasing international interest and exemplifies Shanghai’s role as a global medical-tourism destination.
Contact International Patient Services
Email: internationaloffice@jiahui.comWhatsApp: +852 4619 1904
