AI PATHOLOGY & GENOMICS:
PERSONALISED CANCER CARE IN CHINA

Precision oncology matches treatment to the specific molecular characteristics of each patient's cancer — rather than treating all cancers of the same type identically. China's major cancer centres have built the infrastructure to do this at scale and at lower cost.

• AI-Assisted Digital Pathology

  Whole slide imaging converts pathology slides into high-resolution digital files that AI algorithms can analyse. AI-assisted pathology has been shown to identify prognostic patterns, predict immunotherapy response, detect rare subtypes, and flag findings that might be missed under time-constrained manual review.

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

  Comprehensive NGS panels covering hundreds of cancer-relevant genes identify mutations, gene fusions, amplifications, and expression changes that guide targeted therapy selection, immunotherapy eligibility assessment, and clinical trial matching. China's domestic genomic testing laboratories offer panels at significantly lower cost than Western equivalents.

• Liquid Biopsy

  Circulating tumour DNA detected in blood samples allows tumour monitoring without repeated tissue biopsies. Liquid biopsy in China is used for treatment response monitoring, early detection of resistance mutations, minimal residual disease assessment, and in some cases as a primary diagnostic tool when tissue is not accessible.

• Molecular Tumour Boards

  Major Chinese cancer centres run molecular tumour boards — multidisciplinary committees reviewing genomic profiles of complex cases and recommending matched therapies or clinical trials. For international patients whose home institution lacks this infrastructure, access to a Chinese molecular tumour board review can significantly inform treatment decisions.

Not every patient needs comprehensive genomic profiling — but certain clinical situations make precision oncology review particularly valuable.

• Advanced or Metastatic Cancer Exploring Options Beyond Standard Treatment

  Patients who have progressed on standard chemotherapy or targeted therapy may have actionable mutations in their tumour that were not identified on initial diagnostic testing — particularly if only limited single-gene tests were done at diagnosis. Comprehensive NGS may identify new treatment targets.

• Rare, Unclear, or Difficult-to-Classify Diagnoses

  For tumours of unknown primary, rare histological subtypes, or cancers that do not behave as expected based on standard diagnosis, AI-assisted digital pathology review combined with comprehensive molecular profiling can refine the diagnosis and identify appropriate treatment.

• Patients Considering Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, or Clinical Trials

  Biomarker testing is a prerequisite for many targeted therapies and immunotherapy approaches — and a requirement for most clinical trial eligibility. Comprehensive genomic profiling at a Chinese centre may identify trial-eligible mutations or therapy-predictive biomarkers that single-gene tests missed.

• Patients Considering China for Treatment Who Want a Second Opinion on Tumour Biology

  For patients whose home institution's pathology review was limited by resource or technology constraints, a Chinese molecular pathology second opinion — including AI-assisted slide review and NGS — can provide additional confidence in the diagnosis before major treatment decisions are made.

• USD 500-2,000Comprehensive NGS Panel — Chinavs USD 3,000-8,000 for equivalent tests in the US. Includes several hundred cancer-relevant genes.
• USD 300-800Liquid Biopsy (ctDNA) — Chinavs USD 1,000-3,000 in the US. Blood-based tumour monitoring without tissue biopsy.
• 2-7 daysNGS Turnaround Time at Major Chinese CentresRapid results enable treatment planning without long diagnostic delays.
• ~100%Major Chinese Cancer Centres Using Digital PathologyAI-assisted digital pathology is standard infrastructure at national cancer centres in China.

For patients who want their tumour biology reviewed with the precision tools available at Chinese cancer centres.

1. 1

   Initial Report Review

   We review existing pathology, imaging, and any prior genomic testing to understand what has already been done and what additional information could meaningfully change the treatment picture.

2. 2

   Identify What Testing Is Needed

   We advise which precision tests — NGS, liquid biopsy, IHC for PD-L1/HER2/other markers, or AI-assisted slide re-review — would add the most clinical value for the specific case.

3. 3

   Coordinate with Chinese Laboratory or Centre

   For digital pathology review, FFPE tissue blocks or slides can be sent to China for analysis. For liquid biopsy, blood can sometimes be drawn locally and shipped. For comprehensive in-person review, we coordinate the hospital visit.

4. 4

   Molecular Tumour Board Review

   For complex cases, we facilitate submission to a Chinese molecular tumour board — providing a structured written opinion on treatment options matched to the genomic profile.

5. 5

   Treatment Pathway Coordination

   If the precision oncology review identifies a relevant treatment or trial pathway in China, CancerFax coordinates the next steps — consultation, eligibility confirmation, and admission planning.

Frequently Asked Questions