New cancer medicines approved in China
Includes cadonilimab, a PD-1 x CTLA-4 antibody approved in China for some persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancers. It is not approved in Canada.
Read more →← Conditions
Condition guide
Cervical cancer treatment options in China
Cervical cancer is often treated well at home, and most people never need to look further. This page explains standard care and the options in China that may be relevant if the cancer is advanced or has come back.
About cervical cancer
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Doctors stage the cancer by its size and how far it has spread, from stage 1 (only in the cervix) to stage 4 (spread to nearby organs or further away). HPV vaccination and regular screening prevent many cases, and screening finds many cancers early, when treatment works best.
What standard care at home usually looks like
Early cervical cancer is usually treated with surgery, which can often remove the cancer completely. For larger or locally advanced tumours, the main treatment is chemoradiation: external radiation and internal radiation (brachytherapy) given with chemotherapy.
If the cancer comes back or has spread, treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy such as bevacizumab, and immunotherapy. More radiation or surgery is sometimes possible. Canadian cancer centres provide good care at every stage, and clinical trials are worth asking about, especially for recurrent disease.
Options in China that may be relevant
Cancer hyperthermia
Gentle heating given alongside radiotherapy or chemotherapy for selected cervical and pelvic cancers. Not a stand-alone treatment.
Read more →Carbon-ion radiotherapy
Heavy-ion radiation sometimes considered for selected tumours that resist standard radiation. Evidence in cervical cancer is limited.
Read more →Second opinions
A review of your scans, pathology and treatment history by a specialist team before any decision.
Read more →Who might consider looking abroad
People whose cancer has come back or spread after chemoradiation or first-line drug treatment sometimes ask about options in China. The main reason is access to medicines approved there but not yet in Canada. Cadonilimab was first approved in China in 2022 for cervical cancer that had progressed after platinum chemotherapy. In 2025 its use was extended to first-line treatment with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab.
These medicines can cause serious immune-related side effects, and they do not help everyone. Hyperthermia and carbon-ion therapy are used only for carefully selected cases, and the evidence for them is more limited. Chinese hospitals decide whether they can accept you after reviewing your records. We cannot promise access or results.
Who should not travel, or should wait
- People with early or locally advanced cancer who have not yet had standard surgery or chemoradiation
- People with heavy vaginal bleeding, kidney blockage, bowel blockage or infection that is not yet controlled
- People who are very weak or need frequent hospital care
- People whose doctor advises against long flights, for example because of blood clots or low blood counts
- Anyone hoping to replace proven treatment with an unproven one
Records to gather
- Pathology report, with tumour type and any PD-L1 or other biomarker results
- MRI, CT and PET scan reports, with the images on disc
- Full radiation record, including brachytherapy dates and doses
- Surgery notes and chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapy history, with dates
- Recent blood tests, including kidney and liver function
- Current medicines, allergies and a short letter from your oncologist
Prepare and send your records
Send records securely
Upload your reports and scans for specialist review.
Read more →Medical records guide
What to ask for, and how to request it from your hospital.
Read more →Questions for your oncologist
Helpful questions before you decide on any travel.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
Is cadonilimab better than the immunotherapy available in Canada?
It has not been compared directly with the immunotherapy used in Canada. Trials in China showed benefit for some patients, but it is not right for everyone. A specialist team decides whether it suits your case, and we check its current status before any plans are made.
Can I bring the medicine home to continue treatment?
Immunotherapy is usually given in cycles over months. Bringing medicines into Canada is subject to import rules, so continuing treatment needs careful planning with your doctors before you travel. See our guide on medicines.
Does hyperthermia work on its own?
No. Hyperthermia is only used alongside radiotherapy or chemotherapy. It may help these treatments work better in selected cases, but it is not a cure on its own.
My cancer was found early. Should I go abroad?
Usually not. Early cervical cancer is treated well with surgery or chemoradiation in Canada. Starting standard treatment promptly matters most.
Will you tell me which hospital will treat me?
Only after your records are reviewed and a Chinese team has accepted your case. We confirm the details in writing before you book anything.
Do not delay or stop standard treatment while you explore options. Your oncologist at home should stay involved. Licensed doctors make every treatment decision. We coordinate the introductions, translation and travel.
Sources: Canadian Cancer Society, Treatments for cervical cancer · National Cancer Institute, Cervical cancer treatment (PDQ) · OncLive, China's NMPA approves cadonilimab plus chemotherapy in cervical cancer
Last reviewed: 12 November 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Sino Health Link is an independent coordination service, not a hospital. We do not diagnose, prescribe or treat. Licensed doctors make all medical recommendations and decisions with you.