How Russian Patients Can Travel to China for Cancer Treatment
Published: Sep 02, 2026
Updated: Sep 02, 2026
Published: Sep 02, 2026
Updated: Sep 02, 2026
A cancer diagnosis often leads patients and their families to explore treatment options beyond their home country. This becomes particularly important when cancer has returned, standard treatment has stopped working, a complex surgery is required, or the patient is looking for access to a specialised therapy.
For Russian patients, China has emerged as an increasingly relevant destination for oncology care. The country has developed major tertiary hospitals with expertise in cancer surgery, precision oncology, immunotherapy, advanced radiation therapy, targeted medicines, and cellular therapies. International medical services are also expanding. Shanghai, for example, has established dedicated international medical programs, and 22 public hospitals had been approved as pilot units for international medical tourism by 2026.
China can therefore offer Russian patients an opportunity to seek a specialist opinion and explore treatment options in a different healthcare system. But travelling for cancer treatment should not begin with booking a flight. The most effective approach is to first understand the diagnosis, obtain a medical opinion, identify a suitable hospital, confirm treatment eligibility and estimate the expected cost and duration.
This guide explains how Russian patients can plan cancer treatment in China and how medical travel support can make the process more organised, from the initial second opinion and hospital selection to interpreter assistance, airport transfers and follow-up.
China's oncology infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade. Major hospitals now combine multidisciplinary cancer care with advanced imaging, molecular pathology, radiation oncology, targeted treatment and innovative cell therapies.
The growing international interest is already visible. Shanghai has reported an increasing number of foreign patients, including those travelling specifically for complex and specialised treatment. In one reported case, an international patient with difficult-to-treat multiple myeloma communicated with Ruijin Hospital online before travelling to Shanghai for PET-MR, bone marrow biopsy and T-cell testing, after which a CAR-T-based treatment plan was developed.
For Russian patients, China may be particularly worth considering when:
However, an advanced treatment available in China is not necessarily appropriate for every patient. Eligibility depends on the cancer type, stage, pathology, biomarkers, previous treatment, general health and other clinical factors.
Chinese oncology hospitals treat a broad range of solid tumors and haematological malignancies.
Cancer type | Potential treatment approaches |
Breast cancer | Surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy |
Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiation | |
Gastric and GEJ cancer | Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and selected cellular therapies |
Colorectal cancer | Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiation |
Liver cancer | Surgery, ablation, interventional procedures and systemic therapy |
Pancreatic cancer | Surgery in selected patients, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and interventional approaches |
Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiation | |
Head and neck cancer | Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy |
Leukaemia and lymphoma | Chemotherapy, targeted treatment, transplantation and CAR-T in selected patients |
Multiple myeloma | Systemic therapy, targeted treatment, transplantation and CAR-T in eligible patients |
The right treatment should always be determined after a specialist reviews the patient's complete medical history rather than choosing a treatment based only on the cancer's name.
From finding the right oncologist and hospital to treatment coordination, interpreter support, airport transfers, and follow-up care, MediGence helps Russian patients organise their cancer treatment journey in China. Trusted by 100000+ patients and leading medical experts. Plan Your Cancer Treatment Journey to China
Cancer treatment is increasingly guided by the biological characteristics of the tumor.
Depending on the cancer, doctors may recommend:
These investigations can help determine whether targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be appropriate.
For international patients, sending pathology reports, imaging and previous molecular test results before travelling can be particularly useful. If necessary, the Chinese hospital may also request pathology slides or tissue blocks for review.
MediGence can assist at this stage by helping patients organise their medical records and coordinate their case for a specialist second opinion before they commit to international travel. This gives the patient an opportunity to understand whether travelling to China is medically worthwhile.
Immunotherapy has become an important treatment approach for several cancers. Depending on the cancer and biomarker profile, treatment may involve immune checkpoint pathways such as PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA-4.
China has also expanded access to innovative oncology medicines. For example, the Chinese NMPA approved zolbetuximab for use with chemotherapy in certain patients with CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal-junction adenocarcinoma.
This highlights an important point for patients: the availability of a drug does not automatically make it suitable. Biomarker status, cancer stage and previous treatment can determine eligibility.
CAR-T therapy is one of the most closely watched areas of cancer treatment in China.
The treatment uses the patient's own T cells. These cells are collected, genetically modified to recognise a particular cancer target, expanded and then returned to the patient.
China has approved CAR-T products for selected haematological malignancies, including certain lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Chinese hospitals are also developing international programs for overseas patients seeking cellular therapies. Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital, for example, launched an international CAR-T centre and reported providing support for international patients, including visa assistance and airport transfers.
China has also moved into solid-tumor CAR-Ttreatment. In 2026, Chinese authorities announced approval of a CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T therapy for advanced gastric and gastroesophageal-junction adenocarcinoma.
For Russian patients, this may create additional options in selected advanced cancers. However, CAR-T is not a universal cancer treatment. A specialist must confirm whether the patient's tumor expresses the relevant target and whether the patient meets the treatment criteria.
Chinese cancer centres offer several modern radiation techniques, including:
Shanghai's particle-therapy infrastructure is continuing to expand. The Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Centre has treated thousands of patients since opening in 2015, and an expansion project approved in late 2025 includes additional heavy-ion and proton equipment.
Whether proton or heavy-ion therapy is appropriate depends on the location and characteristics of the tumor, previous treatment, treatment objective and expected clinical benefit.
Chinese tertiary hospitals also provide complex oncological surgery, including:
The most advanced procedure is not necessarily the best procedure. The decision should be based on the tumor, patient's anatomy, disease stage and surgeon's experience.
There is no single "best" city for every cancer patient. The appropriate destination depends on the disease and required treatment.
Destination | Potential strengths |
Beijing | Major tertiary hospitals, oncology research and complex cancer care |
Shanghai | Oncology, haematology, precision medicine and advanced radiation |
Guangzhou | Specialised cancer services and international medical departments |
Shenzhen | Advanced tertiary care and specialised oncology services |
Hainan | Specialised regulatory environment for selected medicines and medical technologies |
Shanghai is already an established international medical destination. Official information lists multiple institutions providing international medical services, including oncology-focused facilities.
Rather than selecting a city first, patients should identify the specific treatment and specialist expertise they need, and then choose the hospital accordingly.
The first step is to create a complete medical file containing:
A clear treatment timeline is especially important for advanced cancer. The Chinese oncologist needs to understand not only the diagnosis but also which treatments have already been attempted and how the cancer responded.
Travelling to China before knowing whether the proposed treatment is appropriate can result in unnecessary expense and delay.
A remote second opinion can help answer:
MediGence can help coordinate the submission of medical records to appropriate specialists and facilitate a remote medical opinion. For Russian patients, this can be particularly useful when they are uncertain which Chinese hospital or oncology department is best suited to their condition.
Hospital selection should be based on the specific cancer, rather than a general ranking.
Consider:
Factor | Why it matters |
Cancer specialization | Indicates experience with the patient's specific disease |
Multidisciplinary team | Allows specialists to jointly evaluate complex cases |
Advanced diagnostics | Important for precision treatment |
Treatment availability | Confirms the proposed therapy is actually offered |
International department | Helps overseas patients navigate hospital procedures |
Language assistance | Reduces communication difficulties |
Emergency facilities | Important for complex treatments |
Follow-up system | Supports continuity after returning to Russia |
Once a suitable hospital has been identified, MediGence can help coordinate appointments and communication with the medical team so that the patient arrives with a clearer treatment pathway.
China's visa policy is an important consideration for Russian travellers.
According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa-free policy for Russian ordinary passport holders has been extended until December 31, 2027. Eligible ordinary passport holders may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for specified purposes including business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchanges and transit.
However, patients should not assume that the visa-free policy automatically covers a planned medical-treatment trip. Medical treatment is not listed among the purposes specified in the official announcement.
If the planned treatment requires an extended stay or does not fall within visa-free purposes, patients should confirm the appropriate visa or entry arrangements with the hospital and the relevant Chinese authorities before travelling.
MediGence can support patients with the administrative side of the journey by coordinating required hospital documentation and providing guidance on the travel process. Immigration requirements should always be verified against the patient's individual circumstances before departure.
Before booking flights, request a written preliminary treatment plan and estimate.
Ask whether the estimate includes:
For CAR-T or other cellular therapies, ask about cell collection, manufacturing, conditioning treatment, hospitalisation and possible additional treatment.
A patient-specific quotation is much more useful than a generic online price for cancer treatment.
Once the medical plan is confirmed, the practical side of the journey can be organised.
Russian patients may need assistance with:
For someone travelling with cancer, arriving in an unfamiliar city can be stressful. Having airport transfer and hospital transportation arranged in advance can remove some of the logistical burden.
MediGence can coordinate these components as part of the patient's medical-travel journey, allowing the patient and family to focus more on the medical process rather than managing every arrangement independently.
Even after the patient's records have been reviewed remotely, the hospital may still perform additional tests.
These may include:
This is important because treatment decisions should reflect the patient's current condition, rather than relying exclusively on older reports.
An international patient treated in Shanghai, for example, underwent additional PET-MR, bone marrow biopsy and T-cell testing after arriving for evaluation before a CAR-T-based treatment plan was finalised.
During the hospital visit, interpreter support can also be valuable when discussing consent, treatment risks, medications and discharge instructions. Where required, MediGence can help coordinate language assistance to ensure clearer communication between the patient, family, and medical team.
Treatment duration varies considerably.
Treatment | General planning consideration |
Second opinion | Usually a short visit |
Surgery | Consultation, operation and postoperative recovery |
Radiotherapy | Multiple sessions depending on treatment plan |
Chemotherapy | Multiple cycles |
CAR-T | Evaluation, collection, manufacturing, conditioning, infusion and monitoring |
Stem-cell transplantation | Prolonged treatment and monitoring |
Proton/heavy-ion therapy | Multiple treatment sessions |
Patients should avoid booking a rigid return flight until the hospital provides a reasonably clear treatment timeline.
Document/item | Importance |
Passport | Essential |
Pathology report | Essential |
Biopsy report | Essential |
CT/MRI/PET scans | Highly recommended |
Previous treatment records | Essential |
Molecular/genetic reports | Important where available |
Current medication list | Essential |
Recent laboratory reports | Recommended |
Histology slides/tissue blocks | If requested |
Discharge summaries | Recommended |
Emergency contacts | Recommended |
Keep medical records in both digital and printed formats whenever practical.
There is no single price for cancer treatment in China.
The final cost depends on:
Chinese healthcare can be cost-competitive for some international patients, but patients should not choose treatment based on price alone. Shanghai government reporting has highlighted both the efficiency and cost-effectiveness that attract international patients, while also emphasising China's specialised expertise in areas such as CAR-T and proton therapy.
For an international patient, the most useful approach is to obtain a personalised treatment estimate after medical records have been reviewed.
Language differences can make it difficult for Russian patients to communicate comfortably with doctors, understand medical instructions, complete hospital formalities, or discuss treatment options. MediGence helps bridge this gap by coordinating interpreter and language-support services for patients throughout their medical journey in China.
Russian records may need to be translated into English or Chinese. Accurate translation is especially important for pathology reports and previous treatment histories.
Treatment does not end when the patient leaves China. The discharge summary, medication plan and follow-up schedule should be shared with the patient's doctors in Russia.
The final treatment plan can change after additional investigations. Patients should therefore maintain some flexibility in their travel and accommodation arrangements.
A preliminary quotation may change if additional tests, procedures or complications arise. Patients should understand what is included and what may be charged separately.
A second opinion can answer the most important question before international travel:
Will treatment in China provide a meaningful option for this patient?
This is particularly important for patients considering expensive or technically complex therapies.
A specialist should clarify whether the proposed treatment is:
Patients should also ask what evidence supports the treatment and whether the therapy is approved for their particular cancer.
For Russian patients, the challenge is often not simply finding a hospital-it is coordinating the entire process across two countries. MediGence can support this journey by helping patients organise medical records, obtain a remote second opinion, identify suitable Chinese hospitals and specialists, coordinate appointments and clarify the proposed treatment pathway before travel.
Once the decision to proceed is made, support can extend to medical record translation, interpreter assistance, hospital admission coordination, visa-related documentation guidance, airport transfers, accommodation, and local travel arrangements.
During the treatment journey, having a coordinator available can make communication and day-to-day logistics easier, while follow-up coordination can help connect the Chinese treatment team with the patient's ongoing care upon the patient's return to Russia.
China is becoming an increasingly important destination for international cancer care, with major hospitals offering advanced oncology expertise, precision diagnostics, modern radiation therapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy and selected cellular therapies. International patients are increasingly travelling to Chinese hospitals not only for potential cost advantages but also for specialised expertise and access to advanced technologies.
For Russian patients, the process should begin with medical assessment rather than travel arrangements.
With the right preparation and coordinated support, travelling to China for cancer treatment can be a more structured and informed process. The goal is not simply to find the most advanced technology, but to identify the right treatment, at the right hospital, for the individual patient.
China's current visa-free policy allows eligible Russian ordinary passport holders to enter for specified purposes for up to 30 days and has been extended through December 31, 2027. However, medical treatment is not listed among the specified purposes in the official visa-free policy, so patients should confirm the correct entry authorisation for their individual treatment plans before travelling.
There is no single best city for every cancer. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hainan have different strengths. The best choice depends on the cancer type, required treatment, specialist expertise, and eligibility.
Potentially, yes. China has approved several CAR-T therapies for specific cancers and indications, and in 2026 approved a CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T therapy for advanced gastric and esophagogastric-junction adenocarcinoma. Eligibility must be assessed by an appropriate oncology team.
Generally, it is preferable to obtain a remote medical review first. This can help determine whether the desired treatment is available and appropriate and may reduce unnecessary travel.
Patients should confirm the hospital's accommodation, admission and visitor arrangements for an accompanying family member before travelling.
Alvina Hasan is a dedicated medical researcher and scientific writer with a strong foundation in the pharmaceutical sciences. She holds a B.Pharm from Jamia Hamdard University and an M.Pharm in Quality Assurance from DIPSAR University. With deep medical expertise and a strong interest in healthcare communication, she focuses on transforming complex clinical and scientific information into clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand narratives. She develops insightful healthcare articles and research-driven pieces designed to support both medical professionals and patients, helping bridge the gap between advanced medical knowledge and practical understanding.
Dr. Prateek Varshney is a renowned Surgical Oncologist. He has experience of more than 15+ years in surgical Oncology. He is currently practising as a consultant at Metro Mass Hospital and Cancer Institute. He was also previously associated as a consultant with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and as a professor at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute.
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