Why Kidney Cancer Patients Choose China's #1 Cancer Hospital for a Second Opinion
- Medebound HEALTH
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Medical Editor Iris
Introduction
On the morning of August 7, 2019, at 8:00 AM, Mr. Budi Santoso, a kidney cancer patient from Indonesia, and his family conducted a video consultation with experts from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital in Beijing. The experts recommended that Mr. Budi Santoso first undergoes targeted therapy with sunitinib, and considers immunotherapy later if resistance to targeted drugs develops.
This article tells the story of Mr. Budi Santoso, a kidney cancer patient from Indonesia who faced exactly that challenge. After a local diagnosis of cancer recurrence, he needed expert guidance on his next treatment step. What he found through Medebound HEALTH changed the course of his care — and he never had to board a plane to get it.
If you or someone you love is navigating a serious cancer diagnosis and wondering whether a second opinion from a top specialist is within reach, this case shows it is. Read on to find out how it worked, what the experts recommended, and how you can access the same level of care.
Patient Background
Mr. Budi Santoso, 57 years old, had undergone radical surgery for left kidney clear cell carcinoma more than three years ago and was diagnosed with multiple pulmonary nodules three months ago.
After his surgery three years earlier, Mr. Budi Santoso paid close attention to his health and followed medical advice for regular check-ups. Three months ago, lung nodules were discovered. Given his history of kidney cancer, doctors initially suspected metastasis to the lungs. Further examination confirmed cancer metastasis in the left lung, as well as a nodule in the lower lobe of the right lung.
About Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial system of renal parenchymal urinary tubules. Its incidence varies across countries and regions. Generally, developed countries have higher incidence rates than developing countries, urban areas higher than rural areas, and men are more commonly affected than women, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2:1. It can occur at any age, but the high-risk age group is 50–70 years old.
In recent years, most kidney cancer cases are discovered during routine health check-ups when patients have no symptoms. These asymptomatic cases account for more than 50%–60% of all kidney cancer patients. Among symptomatic patients, the most common symptoms are lower back pain and hematuria, and a small number present with abdominal masses.
How Medebound HEALTH Made Expert Access Possible
Through Medebound HEALTH, Mr. Budi Santoso was connected to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital in Beijing — consistently ranked as China's top oncology institution.
Medebound's medical team reviewed his case and presented two options:
Travel to Beijing for an in-person appointment, with Medebound arranging priority scheduling to avoid long queues.
Conduct a remote video consultation from Indonesia, with the same senior experts, at a time that suited him.
Since Mr. Budi Santoso lived in Indonesia with no relatives in Beijing, and his condition made travel a concern, he chose the video consultation. Medebound's team shortlisted three of the most relevant senior specialists for his case. After reviewing their profiles, Mr. Budi Santoso selected Chief Physician Dr. Gao from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital.
Video Consultation
The video consultation took place at 8:00 AM on August 7, 2019.
Mr. Budi Santoso’s primary concern was his further treatment plan. Dr. Gao provided the following recommendations:
Targeted Therapy For kidney cancer, chemotherapy is ineffective; therefore, targeted therapy or immunotherapy should be considered. Specific targeted drugs for certain gene targets are rare in kidney cancer. Currently recommended options include sunitinib, pazopanib, and sorafenib. Among these, sunitinib is recommended as the first choice for long-term use. Dosage may need to be adjusted based on the patient’s condition during treatment. (Editor’s note: Sunitinib, pazopanib, and sorafenib are all included in the Sichuan provincial medical insurance drug list.)
Immunotherapy Immunotherapy may also be effective, but combination with targeted therapy requires careful consideration due to potential side effects. It is recommended to consider immunotherapy after the patient develops resistance to targeted therapy.
Summary of the Case
Avoiding Travel : Mr. Budi Santoso and his family lived in Indonesia and had no relatives in Beijing. Considering the difficulty of appointments and concerns about traveling, video consultation was the best option.
Top Medical Experts Medebound’s medical team recommended three of the most authoritative experts, all from China’s top-ranked oncology hospital—the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital.
Personalized Treatment Plan Mr. Budi Santoso’s main concern was his treatment plan. During the 30-minute consultation, the Beijing expert carefully explained targeted therapy and immunotherapy options and provided a tailored treatment plan.
To protect patient privacy, names in this article are pseudonyms.
Why South East Asian Patients Choose Medical Services in China
In 2026, China will continue to strengthen its position as a leading global destination for medical travel. With a combination of advanced technology, cost efficiency, fast service, and internationally trained specialists, China’s healthcare system is attracting a growing number of international patients seeking high-quality and accessible treatment beyond their home countries.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant advantages of seeking treatment in China is the substantial cost savings. Medical procedures that are extremely expensive in countries like the United States or Western Europe can often be accessed at a fraction of the price in China.
For example, diagnostic procedures such as MRI scans can cost approximately $1,500–$2,000 in the United States, while in China, the same scan may cost as little as $60–$100, depending on the facility. Even when factoring in travel and accommodation, many patients still find that the total cost is significantly lower than receiving similar care in their home country.
This affordability makes China an increasingly attractive option for patients seeking high-quality treatment without financial burden.
Efficiency & Short Waiting Times
China’s healthcare system is known for its high efficiency and fast turnaround times, especially in leading hospitals. Unlike many healthcare systems in Europe and North America—where patients may wait weeks or even months for diagnostics or specialist appointments—patients in China can often receive care quickly.
In many top-tier hospitals, patients can complete a full set of diagnostic tests—including blood tests, CT scans, and MRIs—within a single day. Results are frequently available within 24 to 48 hours, allowing doctors to promptly develop and adjust treatment plans.
This rapid process is especially beneficial for patients with serious or time-sensitive conditions such as cancer.
Advanced Technology & Professional Care
Major medical centers in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies, comparable to top international standards.
Leading hospitals in China often feature:
Advanced imaging systems and precision diagnostic tools
Cutting-edge cancer treatments, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy
Minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotic-assisted procedures
Medical professionals in these institutions are highly trained, with many having studied or trained abroad and possessing extensive clinical experience. Additionally, a growing number of hospitals now offer international patient services, including:
Multilingual support staff
Customized treatment plans
Assistance with travel and accommodation
Dedicated international patient departments
International Patient Experience
An increasing number of international patients—from regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe—are choosing China for treatment due to its combination of quality and accessibility. Hospitals like the Tanggangzi Hospital in Anshan, Liaoning Province, have also become known for rehabilitation and specialized therapies, welcoming patients from around the world.
How Medebound HEALTH Connects International Patients to China’s Top Doctors
Access to Leading Hospitals & Top Medical Experts
Medebound HEALTH has built strong strategic partnerships with some of China’s most prestigious medical institutions across major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These include renowned hospitals like the Tsinghua Changgung Hospital and top-tier Peking University Hospital system facilities.
Through these collaborations, international patients gain direct access to China’s top 1% of medical experts, advanced diagnostic technologies, and cutting-edge treatment options. This ensures that patients seeking medical travel to China receive care at the highest clinical standards, reinforcing Medebound’s position as a trusted leader in medical tourism solutions.
Comprehensive End-to-End Patient Support
Medebound HEALTH provides a dedicated China-based service team composed of medical professionals from leading Chinese universities. The team offers full bilingual support and manages every step of the patient journey to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.
Key services include:
Pre-travel teleconsultation with leading Chinese specialists
Personalized doctor and hospital matching based on the patient’s condition
Medical record translation and submission to ensure accurate evaluation
Visa application assistance for smooth travel preparation
Airport pickup and accommodation arrangements for patient convenience
On-site interpretation services during consultations and treatments
Post-treatment follow-up care, including remote consultations to monitor recovery and progress
A Seamless International Medical Experience
By integrating world-class medical expertise with personalized coordination services, Medebound HEALTH bridges the gap between international patients and China’s top healthcare resources. From initial consultation to recovery follow-up, patients receive continuous, high-quality support—making the entire medical journey more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered.
About Medebound HEALTH
For patients seeking a reliable intermediary for Medical Travel to China, Medebound HEALTH stands out as a leading choice. Founded in New York, USA, in 2015, Medebound HEALTH has 10 years of experience in cross-border teleconsultation and Medical Tourism in China, building a strong bridge between international patients and top Chinese Medical facilities.
Brand Background & Credentials: Medebound HEALTH is a U.S.-based international medical group led by a team of seasoned professionals, including Dr. Sheena Liu (founder, Columbia University Medical School PhD), former dean of New York Medical College Dr. Connolly, and Mr. Castle (director of New York-Presbyterian Hospital). The company has been recognized by Forbes for its innovative work in global healthcare and has partnered with top insurance groups (Ping An, Taikang, Pacific Life) to serve millions of patients worldwide.
Additional Service
Medebound HEALTH now offers a global new drug search system, where users can freely search for FDA-approved medications and obtain detailed drug information, especially for drugs not yet available domestically.
Disclaimer
We strive to maintain the accuracy and provide regular updates for the treatment information described in this article. However, treatment outcomes may vary between individuals. The information provided here is not intended as a diagnostic or treatment recommendation and should not replace the careful evaluation and advice of your attending physician. The service is independently operated by Medebound HEALTH and is not provided, partnered, or affiliated with any hospital center as an institution.
Comments