The Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Tianjin), recently released its 2025 clinical data on autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT): For multiple myeloma patients, after adopting the modified BuMel (busulfan combined with melphalan) conditioning regimen, the 5-year progression-free survival rate reached 78%, and the overall survival rate reached 85%, an increase of 15 percentage points over the traditional regimen. The study was published in the *Chinese Journal of Hematology* and has been reported at the International Society of Hematology (ISH 2025) conference.
Professor Wang Jianxiang, director of the hospital's hematology department, noted that the new regimen, through individualized dose adjustment (based on pharmacokinetic monitoring) and the introduction of novel antiemetics and anti-infection prophylaxis strategies, has reduced transplantation-related mortality from 8% to 3%, and the incidence of severe oral mucositis from 35% to 12%. Additionally, stem cell collection efficiency has improved, with an average CD34+ cell count of 5.2×10^6/kg, ensuring rapid engraftment (median neutrophil recovery time of 11 days).
Background and Significance
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a cornerstone therapy for hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma. China performs approximately 8,000 ASCT procedures annually, but previous conditioning regimens were largely based on European and American standards, lacking localized optimization. This improvement, based on the physical characteristics and drug metabolism profiles of Chinese patients, was validated through a multicenter randomized controlled trial (n=320), filling the evidence gap in this field in China. This achievement not only enhances efficacy but also shortens hospital stays (average 22 days vs. 28 days traditionally) and reduces medical costs.
Significance for International Patients
For international patients considering treatment abroad, China offers distinct advantages in ASCT: first, extensive experience, with annual procedure volumes ranking among the highest in Asia; second, costs significantly lower than in the United States (ASCT in the U.S. costs approximately $150,000, while in China it ranges from $30,000 to $50,000); third, the new regimen can cover patients with refractory or relapsed disease. Especially for those who cannot obtain insurance coverage in the U.S. or Europe, China provides a cost-effective option with comparable efficacy. Furthermore, Chinese hospitals have established international service processes, including multilingual support, visa assistance, and telemedicine consultations.
How MedCan Help
MedCan, as a cross-border medical platform, can assist international patients in connecting with top Chinese hematology centers (such as the Tianjin Institute of Hematology), providing medical record translation, expert appointment scheduling, cost estimation, and on-the-ground services. We collaborate with the aforementioned hospitals to ensure patients receive standardized treatment, and you can obtain the latest clinical data by contacting us. Our medical consultants will assist in evaluating indications and arranging remote consultations to reduce travel barriers.
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