FUDAN UNIVERSITY SHANGHAI CANCER CENTER:
A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS
Prepared by the CancerFax oncology navigation team. Updated regularly based on treatment access and clinical availability.
analyticsAt a Glance
- check_circleFudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) is one of China's leading comprehensive cancer centres
- check_circleFUSCC is known for breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and surgical oncology excellence
- check_circleInternational patients are accepted โ English-speaking coordinators are available
- check_circleCancerFax supports referral, appointment coordination, medical translation, and logistics to FUSCC
Why International Patients Consider FUSCC
Most patients do not start with a hospital name. They start with a problem: a difficult diagnosis, a treatment that is not working, an option mentioned by a doctor that the family does not fully understand, or a need for a more specialist review than what is available locally. From there, families begin researching where complex cancers are managed at high volume. FUSCC tends to come up for several practical reasons. It is one of the oldest cancer-dedicated hospitals in China, with deep institutional experience across most major solid tumours. It runs high-volume oncology surgery programmes, structured multidisciplinary tumour boards, modern radiation oncology, and an active clinical research portfolio. It is also closely associated with Shanghai's broader oncology ecosystem, including proton and heavy ion therapy facilities and well-known partner institutions. For international patients, the appeal is usually a combination of three things: the depth of subspecialty expertise (separate breast, thoracic, gastric, colorectal, head and neck, urology, gynaecological, and hematology departments), the volume of cases the hospital handles each year, and access to clinical trials that may not be available in their home country.
What FUSCC Offers
Hospital overview FUSCC is a tertiary teaching hospital located in Shanghai, affiliated with Fudan University, one of China's leading research universities. The hospital functions both as a busy clinical centre and as a major site for cancer research and training, which is why patient management often reflects current evidence-based practice and ongoing trial protocols. Specialty departments FUSCC organises care through dedicated cancer-specific departments rather than general oncology. International patients are usually directed to the department most relevant to their diagnosis. Commonly accessed specialties include: Diagnostic strength Reliable cancer treatment depends on reliable diagnosis. FUSCC has strong pathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology, NGS-based profiling, and imaging services. For international patients, this matters because outside reports sometimes need to be reviewed or repeated to confirm the diagnosis before a treatment plan can be finalised. Slide review, biopsy block review, and updated PET CT or MRI may be requested as part of the admission workup. Treatment modalities The hospital offers the standard pillars of modern oncology, including: Some advanced therapies, such as proton and heavy ion therapy or specific cell therapy trials, are accessed through associated Shanghai institutions rather than within FUSCC's main campus, and CancerFax helps families understand which centre is most appropriate for their case. Research and clinical trials FUSCC is an active clinical trial site for both investigator-initiated studies and industry-sponsored trials. Patients with relapsed, refractory, or biomarker-defined cancers sometimes find that trial-based options at FUSCC or partner centres in Shanghai add to what is available at home. Trial eligibility is decided by the trial team based on protocol-specific criteria, and acceptance is never guaranteed.
Breast surgery and breast medical oncology
Breast surgery and breast medical oncology
Thoracic oncology, including lung and oesophageal cancers
Thoracic oncology, including lung and oesophageal cancers
Gastrointestinal oncology, including gastric, colorectal, he
Gastrointestinal oncology, including gastric, colorectal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic cancers
Head and neck oncology
Head and neck oncology
Genitourinary oncology, including prostate, kidney, and blad
Genitourinary oncology, including prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers
Gynaecological oncology
Gynaecological oncology
Hematologic oncology and lymphoma services
Hematologic oncology and lymphoma services
Pediatric oncology for selected paediatric cases
Pediatric oncology for selected paediatric cases
Radiation oncology
Radiation oncology
Interventional oncology
Interventional oncology
Pathology and molecular diagnostics
Pathology and molecular diagnostics
Cancer surgery, including complex and minimally invasive pro
Cancer surgery, including complex and minimally invasive procedures
Who May Be Suitable
A patient may be considered for review at FUSCC after looking at: International patients with rapidly deteriorating clinical conditions may not be safe candidates for international travel without prior stabilisation, and CancerFax flags such situations honestly during the review.
The exact cancer diagnosis and tissue type
The exact cancer diagnosis and tissue type
Stage and current disease status (newly diagnosed, post-trea
Stage and current disease status (newly diagnosed, post-treatment, progressive, or relapsed)
Pathology, immunohistochemistry, and any molecular or NGS fi
Pathology, immunohistochemistry, and any molecular or NGS findings
PET CT, CT, MRI, or other imaging that maps the current dise
PET CT, CT, MRI, or other imaging that maps the current disease
Prior treatment history and response, including surgery, che
Prior treatment history and response, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy
Organ function, blood counts, and overall performance status
Organ function, blood counts, and overall performance status
Travel fitness and ability to remain in Shanghai for the pla
Travel fitness and ability to remain in Shanghai for the planned duration
Whether the patient is looking for standard treatment, a sec
Whether the patient is looking for standard treatment, a second opinion, or trial access
Documents Usually Required for Review
The strength of a case review depends on the completeness of records. For FUSCC, typically requested documents include: Translated copies in English usually move the review process forward more quickly. Where reports are missing or unclear, CancerFax helps identify gaps before the case is sent for hospital review.
Latest medical summary and diagnosis report
Latest medical summary and diagnosis report
Pathology and immunohistochemistry reports
Pathology and immunohistochemistry reports
NGS or molecular testing reports, if available
NGS or molecular testing reports, if available
PET CT, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging reports
PET CT, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging reports
Recent blood work, including liver and kidney function
Recent blood work, including liver and kidney function
Tumour marker reports where relevant
Tumour marker reports where relevant
Detailed treatment history with chemotherapy regimens, doses
Detailed treatment history with chemotherapy regimens, doses, dates, and cycles
Surgery notes and discharge summaries, if applicable
Surgery notes and discharge summaries, if applicable
Radiation summaries, if applicable
Radiation summaries, if applicable
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy history
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy history
Current medicines and the treating doctor's most recent opin
Current medicines and the treating doctor's most recent opinion
Information on availability of biopsy blocks or unstained sl
Information on availability of biopsy blocks or unstained slides for review
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax supports international patients through a structured pathway: The role of CancerFax is to help families decide responsibly, not to push any particular hospital or treatment.
Report collection and case understanding. The team reviews d
Report collection and case understanding. The team reviews diagnosis, treatment history, current status, and the family's treatment goals to confirm whether FUSCC is a realistic fit, or whether another centre is more appropriate.
Clinical suitability check. The case is matched to the most
Clinical suitability check. The case is matched to the most relevant department at FUSCC or, where appropriate, to other Shanghai institutions for treatments that sit outside FUSCC's main scope, such as proton and heavy ion therapy or specific cell therapy trials.
Hospital review and second opinion. Records are shared with
Hospital review and second opinion. Records are shared with the appropriate oncology team for structured feedback on diagnosis, staging, and proposed treatment pathway.
Treatment planning, cost, and timeline guidance. Patients re
Treatment planning, cost, and timeline guidance. Patients receive a clear picture of likely admission steps, expected stay, estimated cost ranges, and what investigations may be repeated locally on arrival.
Travel and on-ground coordination. CancerFax supports visa d
Travel and on-ground coordination. CancerFax supports visa documentation, appointment planning, interpreter arrangements, accommodation guidance, hospital communication, and post-treatment follow-up after the patient returns home.
Where This May Be Available Within Shanghai
Shanghai's oncology ecosystem is broader than any single hospital. Depending on the case, the most appropriate setting may be: Choosing the right centre is more important than choosing the most famous name. CancerFax helps families understand which centre fits the diagnosis, the proposed treatment, and the patient's practical situation, rather than defaulting to a single option.
FUSCC's main campus in Xuhui district for most solid tumour
FUSCC's main campus in Xuhui district for most solid tumour and hematologic cases
FUSCC's newer campus in Pudong for selected services
FUSCC's newer campus in Pudong for selected services
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital for cases where parti
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital for cases where particle therapy is being considered
Other major Shanghai academic hospitals such as Renji Hospit
Other major Shanghai academic hospitals such as Renji Hospital and Ruijin Hospital for specific specialties or trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from patients and families.
Is Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center open to international patients?
Yes. FUSCC has experience treating patients from outside China, including from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Access usually requires submitting medical records in advance for review, applying for the appropriate visa, and arranging interpreter support. CancerFax helps coordinate this end to end so that families do not need to manage hospital communication, document submission, and travel logistics on their own.
Which cancers is FUSCC best known for?
FUSCC has well-established programmes in breast cancer, gastric and colorectal cancers, lung and oesophageal cancers, head and neck cancers, hepatobiliary cancers, lymphoma, gynaecological cancers, and selected paediatric cancers. Suitability for any specific patient still depends on diagnosis, stage, prior treatment, and current condition, and is decided after a formal review of medical records.
Can I get a second opinion from FUSCC without travelling first?
In many cases, yes. A preliminary review can often be arranged based on translated medical records, pathology reports, and imaging. This helps the family decide whether travel is worthwhile before committing to flights, accommodation, and time away from home. CancerFax helps prepare and submit records for this initial review and explains the response in patient-friendly language.
How much does cancer treatment at FUSCC cost for international patients?
Costs vary widely by diagnosis, treatment plan, length of stay, and whether the case involves surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or trial-based care. CancerFax provides realistic cost ranges based on the case, including hospital, diagnostics, accommodation, and stay duration, and notes that final costs depend on hospital assessment at admission. Fixed quotes before review are usually unreliable and should be treated with caution.
Are clinical trials at FUSCC free for international patients?
Trial cost structures vary. In many trials the investigational drug is provided without charge, but patients still pay for screening investigations, scans, hospital stay, supportive care, and travel. Some trials have specific eligibility rules that exclude certain prior treatments or comorbidities. CancerFax helps families understand what each trial covers, what it does not, and whether the patient is likely to qualify before applying.
What documents should I prepare before contacting FUSCC?
A latest medical summary, full pathology and IHC reports, any NGS or molecular reports, recent imaging (PET CT, CT, MRI), recent blood work, and a complete treatment history with chemotherapy regimens, doses, and dates. Surgery notes, radiation summaries, and current medicines also help. English translations move the process faster. CancerFax helps organise and translate records before submission so the review is meaningful.
Can CancerFax guarantee admission to FUSCC?
No. Admission depends on the hospital's review of the case, available capacity, and the patient's clinical condition. CancerFax can prepare the case carefully and submit it through appropriate channels, but the decision rests with the treating team. If FUSCC is not the right fit, CancerFax helps explore other suitable options rather than pushing a single centre.
Is travel to Shanghai safe for cancer patients?
For stable patients, international travel is usually feasible with proper planning. For patients with uncontrolled symptoms, recent major procedures, or active infections, travel may need to be delayed until they are medically stable. CancerFax flags safety concerns honestly and helps the family decide whether travel makes sense, or whether a remote second opinion is a better starting point.
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination โ travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
If you or a family member is considering Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, CancerFax can help organise the medical records, review whether FUSCC is the right fit, and coordinate the review with the appropriate department. If a different hospital in Shanghai or elsewhere in China is more suitable for your case, we will tell you that openly. The goal is not to push a single hospital, but to h
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist before making treatment decisions.