In recent years, China has taken a leading position in the world’s
research and clinical application of new anti-cancer drugs.
research and clinical application of new anti-cancer drugs.
These drugs not only extend patients’ overall survival and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, but also improve the quality of life, bringing new hope to cancer patients – even at the advanced stages.
Which Cancers Can Breakthrough Anti-Cancer Drugs Treat?
The new generation of anti-cancer drugs can act precisely on cancer cells or activate
the immune system to attack tumors, showing significant efficacy in the treatmentof various cancers
the immune system to attack tumors, showing significant efficacy in the treatmentof various cancers
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
HER2-positive or
Triple-Negative Breast
Cancer
Triple-Negative Breast
Cancer
Liver Cancer, Gastric
Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer
Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer
Kidney Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Prostate Cancer
Lymphoma, Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma
Solid Tumors with Specific Gene Mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, HER2, PD-1, BRAF, etc.)
In particular, for patients who have developed drug resistance or experienced
recurrence, breakthrough anti-cancer drugs offer a clear chance of recovery.
recurrence, breakthrough anti-cancer drugs offer a clear chance of recovery.
Mechanisms of Action of the Drugs
Based on their mechanisms of action, anti-cancer drugs are mainly divided into four categories
1. Immunotherapy
Representative Drugs
Keytruda, Opdivo, Tislelizumab
Mechanism
Blocks immune checkpoints (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4) to activate the patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells
Indications
Lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, malignant lymphoma, skin cancer
2. Targeted Therapy
Representative Drugs
Osimertinib, Alectinib, Lenvatinib
Mechanism
Precisely inhibits the genes or proteins that drive tumor growth
Indications
Lung cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer
3. Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Therapy
Representative Drugs
Trastuzumab deruxtecan, RC48
Mechanism
Delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells, reducing systemic toxicity
Indications
Breast cancer,
gastric cancer,
lung cancer
4. Cell Therapy (CAR-T, TCR-T)
Representative Drugs
Reimacabtagene, Equecabtagene
Mechanism
Reprogram the patient’s own immune cells to eliminate cancer cells.
Indications
Leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
China is home to a number of top-tier cancer hospitals that widely
apply breakthrough drugs and advanced therapies
（Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University）
（Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai)）
（Huashan Hospital Fudan University）
（Huashan Hospital Fudan University）
Comparison with Traditional Chemotherapy-Radiotherapy
| Indicator | Breakthrough Anti-Cancer Drugs | Traditional Chemotherapy-Radiotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Precisely targets cancer cells based on specific genes /proteins | Kills cancer cells and some normal tissues |
| Side Effects | Mild and controllable | Severe: hair loss, vomiting, immunosuppression |
| Efficacy | High, especially for gene-mutated cancers | Prone to recurrence and drug resistance |
| Quality of Life | Stable, minimal interference with daily life | Significantly reduced during treatment |
| Suitable Population | Suitable for advanced or recurrent patients | Mainly suitable for early-stage patients |
Reference Treatment Costs
| Therapy | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| PD-1/PD-L1 Immunotherapy | 100 – 2800 USD / shot |
| Targeted Therapy | 300 – 5700 USD / shot |
| ADC Therapy | 600 – 8500 USD / shot |
| CAR-T / TCR-T | 120,000 – 175,000 USD |
Compared with the United States, Japan, and Europe, the cost in China is only 40–60%, while the efficacy is comparable, relying on domestic drugs and continuously optimized treatment plans.
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