Lung Cancer Treatment at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital – A patient story
In April 2025, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital welcomed a special patient, Ms. Dietrich from the United States. In 2024, doctors diagnosed Ms. Dietrich with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) featuring the rare “EGFR 20-exon insertion mutation” (EGFR 20ins), and she had exhausted treatment options in multiple countries. Her journey to China marked a pivotal moment in her fight against cancer, highlighting the hospital’s global reputation for excellence in treating complex lung conditions.
In the United States, Ms. Dietrich underwent a combination of chemotherapy and treatment with Amivantamab, a bispecific antibody targeting EGFR 20ins. However, the treatment’s efficacy was limited, and she developed drug resistance over time. While researching the latest global medical advancements, she discovered that Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital had made significant breakthroughs in EGFR 20ins treatment. Impressed by the hospital’s achievements, she reached out to Professor Ren Shengxiang, Director of the Oncology Department, via email and scheduled an appointment.
Picture: Professor Ren with Ms. Dietrich who was diagnosed with NSCLC
Upon receiving Ms. Dietrich’s request, Professor Ren and his team immediately assembled a multidisciplinary team to discuss her case. Since traditional treatments weren’t working well, the team first suggested trying Sunvozertinib, a new type of drug made in China that targets a specific problem, but they wanted to evaluate her in person first.
On the day of her consultation, Professor Ren’s team efficiently completed a comprehensive series of examinations, including face-to-face consultations, CT scans, and blood tests. Based on the results of Ms. Dietrich’s genetic testing and other examinations, the team finalized a treatment plan centered around oral administration of Sunvozertinib, a cutting-edge, Chinese-developed targeted drug.
Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital’s Oncology Department has been at the forefront of clinical research on NSCLC with EGFR 20ins. The department has led numerous national and global multicenter Phase III clinical trials involving drugs such as Mobocertinib, Amivantamab, and Sunvozertinib. Their research findings have been published in top international medical journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet Oncology.
Additionally, the department has played a leading role in formulating the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of NSCLC with EGFR 20ins, providing effective treatment options and extending the survival time of patients worldwide. This progress from “Chinese-developed new drugs” to “Chinese-speed innovation” demonstrates the hospital’s rapid advancement towards becoming a world-class clinical center for pulmonary diseases.
After a course of treatment following the hospital’s protocol, Ms. Dietrich’s comprehensive assessment showed remarkable results. All her lesions significantly shrank, and some even disappeared completely. She was deeply impressed by the convenience of China’s medical services and the professionalism and authority of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital in lung cancer treatment.
Ms. Dietrich expressed her gratitude to Professor Ren, expressing her hope that this “Chinese treatment plan” could serve as a guiding light for patients worldwide, spreading hope and benefiting more individuals facing similar challenges.
This case not only showcases the effectiveness of Chinese-developed drugs and the high-quality medical services provided by Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital but also underscores China’s growing influence in global oncology research and treatment. As the hospital continues to push the boundaries of medical science, it is opening new doors of hope for patients globally, reaffirming its commitment to improving healthcare on an international scale.
Susan Hau is a distinguished researcher in the field of cancer cell therapy, with a particular focus on T cell-based approaches and cancer vaccines. Her work spans several innovative treatment modalities, including CAR T-cell therapy, TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) therapy, and NK (Natural Killer) cell therapy.
Hau's expertise lies in cancer cell biology, where she has made significant contributions to understanding the complex interactions between immune cells and tumors.
Her research aims to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies by manipulating the tumor microenvironment and exploring novel ways to activate and direct immune responses against cancer cells.
Throughout her career, Hau has collaborated with leading professors and researchers in the field of cancer treatment, both in the United States and China.
These international experiences have broadened her perspective and contributed to her innovative approach to cancer therapy development.
Hau's work is particularly focused on addressing the challenges of treating advanced and metastatic cancers. She has been involved in clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of various immunotherapy approaches, including the promising Gamma Delta T cell therapy.
