Multidisciplinary Tumor Care Medical Services in China

Multidisciplinary tumor care (MDT) is an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to oncology that integrates expertise from medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, molecular diagnostics, and supportive care disciplines. Rather than sequential, siloed consultations, MDT involves coordinated case review by a dedicated tumor board—typically convened weekly—to jointly formulate individualized treatment plans grounded in current NCCN or ESMO guidelines, genomic profiling, and functional imaging (e.g., PET/CT, multiparametric MRI). This model significantly improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces time-to-treatment initiation, enhances adherence to guideline-concordant therapy, and has demonstrated superior progression-free and overall survival across malignancies including lung, gastric, coloreobiliary cancers. MDT is now standard-of-care in leading Chinese tertiary hospitals accredited by the National Health Commission and certified by international bodies such as JCI.

China offers distinct advantages for international patients seeking high-quality MDT: world-class oncologists trained at institutions like Peking University Cancer Hospital and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; widespread access to cutting-edge technologies—including next-generation sequencing, proton beam therapy, robotic-assisted surgery (da Vinci Xi), and AI-powered radiotherapy planning; robust clinical outcomes supported by large-volume real-world data (e.g., 5-year OS rates for early-stage NSCLC exceeding 75% with integrated MDT); and cost efficiency—comparable care packages are typically 40–60% less expensive than in the US or Western Europe, without compromising safety or efficacy. As a dedicated medical tourism agency, we facilitate seamless access to these resources: pre-travel eligibility assessment, direct referral to MDT-certified centers, transparent all-inclusive pricing (covering diagnostics, treatment, accommodation, and interpreter services), and end-to-end coordination—from visa support and airport transfers to post-discharge follow-up. Our role ensures continuity, clarity, and clinical confidence throughout the patient journey.

Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown: Multidisciplinary Oncology Care (MDT)

I. Non-Surgical / Conservative / Systemic Therapy Options *Eligibility*: Histologically confirmed malignancy; performance status ECOG 0–2; organ function adequate for therapy.

• •Targeted Therapy (e.g., EGFR/ALK/ROS1 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors)

- *Criteria*: Biomarker-positive (NGS/IHC/FISH-confirmed); no contraindications (e.g., severe interstitial lung disease)

- *Cost (USD)*: - Tier 1 (Domestic generics): $420–$680/month (e.g., icotinib, anlotinib) - Tier 2 (Imported branded): $1,850–$3,200/month (e.g., osimertinib, crizotinib) - *Required diagnostics*: NGS panel ($380), IHC ($45–$95), FISH ($160)

• •Immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors)

- *Criteria*: PD-L1 ≥1% (for NSCLC), MSI-H/dMMR status, or approved tumor-agnostic indication

- *Cost (USD)*: $1,420–$2,750/dose (q2w or q3w; nivolumab, pembrolizumab, sintilimab) - *Monitoring labs*: CBC, LFTs, TSH, cortisol ($35); baseline CT/MRI ($290–$410)

• •Chemotherapy (IV or oral)

- *Cost (USD)*: $280–$850/cycle (e.g., paclitaxel, pemetrexed, capecitabine); includes infusion fee ($65) and antiemetics ($25)

II. Surgical / Procedural / Interventional Options *Eligibility*: Resectable tumor per MDT consensus; cardiopulmonary reserve adequate (FEV₁ >1.5 L, VO₂ max >15 mL/kg/min); no distant metastasis on staging PET-CT.

• •Minimally Invasive Resection (Laparoscopic/Thoracoscopic)

- *Cost (USD)*: $4,100–$7,300 (e.g., segmentectomy, colectomy)

- *Pre-op workup*: PET-CT ($520), pulmonary function test ($40), cardiac stress echo ($180), blood typing/crossmatch ($25)

• •Open Resection / Complex Oncologic Surgery

- *Cost (USD)*: $6,900–$11,500 (e.g., pancreaticoduodenectomy, pelvic exenteration)

- *Pre-op workup*: Same as above + endoscopic ultrasound ($220), angiography if vascular involvement ($360)

• •Image-Guided Ablation (RFA/MWA/Cryo)

- *Cost (USD)*: $2,800–$4,600 (liver/lung metastases ≤3 cm; ≤3 lesions)

- *Pre-procedure MRI/CT fusion planning*: $310

III. Special/Complex Condition Management

• •Oligometastatic Disease (≤5 mets): Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) — $2,400–$3,900/course (5 fractions)
• •Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis: Intrathecal chemotherapy + CNS-penetrating TKIs — $1,200–$2,100/month + lumbar puncture ($85/session)
• •Malignant Pleural/Peritoneal Effusion: Indwelling catheter + intracavitary chemo — $1,850–$2,600 (procedure + 1st cycle)

Quick Selection Guide

• •Age <65, high budget, biomarker+: First-line targeted therapy (Tier 2) + MDT surveillance ($3,200/mo)
• •Age ≥75, comorbidities (COPD/CHF), limited budget: Palliative chemo (Tier 1) + symptom-focused MDT ($280–$850/cycle)
• •Resectable Stage II–III solid tumor, good PS: Laparoscopic resection + adjuvant immunotherapy ($7,300 + $2,750/dose)
• •Metastatic, oligoprogressive: SBRT + continuation of systemic therapy ($3,900 + ongoing drug cost)