Updated: Oct 20
Medically reviewed by ChinaCureLink Team
Table of Content
Why This Case Matters
This case follows Nurgul (alias), a 68-year-old patient from Xinjiang, China, whose decompensated cirrhosis had progressed beyond what conventional treatment could manage, and who traveled to a hospital within Hainan's Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone for a specialized mesenchymal stem cell treatment.
For international patients facing a similar liver disease progression, ChinaCureLink can help evaluate whether the same technology may be a fit, and coordinate access to it from case review through treatment and follow-up.
Key Takeaways |
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Patient Background
Nurgul suffered severe liver damage in her later years and underwent a left hepatic lobectomy. She was subsequently diagnosed with cholestatic hepatitis alongside decompensated cirrhosis — the advanced stage of liver cirrhosis, where liver function is severely impaired and patients typically experience profound weakness, wasting, and loss of appetite. Conventional conservative treatment could only temporarily ease her symptoms; it couldn't address the underlying liver damage, and her condition carried a constant risk of worsening.
After extensive inquiries, her family learned that a hospital within Hainan's Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone had been approved to use umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat cirrhosis as an advanced technology, and decided to travel thousands of miles to Hainan to seek treatment for her.
The Care Team and Approach
Nurgul arrived at the hospital in March 2026 and was received by Director Wang Qiang (pseudonym), who led a comprehensive examination of her condition and tailored a personalized treatment plan. Her first minimally invasive stem cell infusion was completed on March 19, carried out under full medical supervision.
The treatment uses umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which work by repairing damaged hepatocytes, exerting anti-inflammatory effects to protect the liver, and helping reverse hepatic fibrosis — targeting the underlying disease process rather than only managing symptoms, which is the limitation of conventional liver disease treatment.
Treatment Timeline/ Process
Before Treatment (Xinjiang)
Suffered severe liver damage; underwent a left hepatic lobectomy
Diagnosed with cholestatic hepatitis and decompensated cirrhosis
Managed with conventional conservative treatment, which only temporarily eased symptoms
At Hainan's Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone
March 2026: Arrived and underwent a comprehensive examination; a personalized treatment plan was developed
March 19: Completed her first minimally invasive stem cell infusion
Post-treatment review found significantly improved liver function indicators, along with better appetite, sleep, and overall wellbeing
End of April: Completed a second stem cell infusion with no adverse reactions, and was safely discharged
Entered a long-term follow-up program to monitor her recovery
Outcome
Nurgul's key liver function indicators improved significantly after treatment, with her liver's metabolic and synthetic function gradually recovering. Her appetite, sleep, and general wellbeing also improved, and she experienced no adverse reactions across both infusions before being safely discharged. She remains under long-term follow-up to monitor her recovery.
How ChinaCureLink Can Help International Patients to Access This Treatment
Nurgul's story shows what this stem cell technology looks like in practice at a hospital operating within one of China's special medical pilot zones. For international patients — from Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Canada, and elsewhere — facing a similar decompensated cirrhosis diagnosis, ChinaCureLink helps evaluate whether this same treatment may be a fit for your case, and coordinates medical record translation, hospital matching, and every logistical step from first inquiry through treatment and follow-up.
Get a Second Opinion Before Fly to China
For suitable cases, ChinaCureLink can then coordinate an online consultation with the specialist to discuss the technical treatment details directly. The purpose is to help the patient understand which treatment option and which specialist center may be most appropriate before making an international treatment decision.
What Patients Say About ChinaCureLink & Medebound HEALTH
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international patients access this same stem cell treatment for cirrhosis in China?
Yes, hospitals operating within China's special medical pilot zones, like Hainan's Boao Lecheng zone, can treat international patients under the same regulatory pathway. ChinaCureLink can help coordinate a case review to evaluate eligibility.
How much does stem cell treatment for cirrhosis cost in China?
The officially filed price for a complete treatment course at the treating hospital is 150,000 yuan (roughly $20,000 USD), though costs can vary by case and hospital. ChinaCureLink can help confirm current pricing for a specific case.
Who is a good candidate for this stem cell treatment for cirrhosis?
This treatment is generally intended for diagnosed decompensated cirrhosis patients whose condition continues to progress despite conventional liver-protective treatment, including those not currently eligible for or awaiting a liver transplant. A qualified specialist should confirm eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
About ChinaCureLink
ChinaCureLink helps patients across the world access the best cancer treatment at China's top hospitals, without the delays, language barriers, and administrative confusion that typically come with seeking care abroad.
We connect patients directly with China's top cancer hospitals, ensuring that from the first case submission through to treatment and follow-up, every step is guided, translated, and coordinated by a team experienced in cross-border patient care.
ChinaCureLink is proudly affiliated with Medebound HEALTH — founded by US physicians, with over 10 years of experience and more than 3,000 patients served worldwide, Medebound HEALTH is recognized by Forbes and it is one of the most trusted patient cross-border concierge service company across North America and the Asia Pacific.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical or financial advice. Treatment eligibility, protocols, and costs vary by individual case — confirm specifics with a coordinator and treating physician before making any decisions.
