The experience behind the BBC interview
BBC World Service’s Asia Specific interviewed Harvey about travelling to Shanghai after several rounds of treatment for multiple myeloma. Her story formed part of a discussion about China’s growing role in cancer treatment and access to CAR-T.
A seven-week journey with complications and follow-up
In her own account for Myeloma Australia, Harvey described receiving dual-target CAR-T in 2025, mild cytokine release syndrome and readmission for a respiratory infection. Before leaving, a bone marrow test found no myeloma cells. Back in Australia, she continued immune support and reported improved wellbeing, while acknowledging uncertainty about how long control would last.
The access story has already changed
Myeloma Australia added that Carvykti had subsequently become available through Australia’s PBS after four prior treatment lines. Her earlier travel decision therefore should not be presented as proof that Australians have no domestic CAR-T option today.
China Care perspective
What this case helps us understand
Her account connects specialist cellular therapy in Shanghai with continuing care in Australia. It also includes the practical work around treatment: recovery, a support person and follow-up at home. This makes the story useful as a picture of an international care journey. The subsequent Australian access update adds context to the options that existed when she decided to travel.
Sources & further reading
Original reporting belongs to the publishers below. This article is an independently written account based on those sources, with editorial interpretation identified above.
- BBC World ServiceWhy cancer patients are flying to China for treatment — Asia Specific (opens in a new tab)
Official BBC episode and published episode description; not a full transcript review
- Myeloma AustraliaTravelling to China for CAR T-cell therapy — Amanda Harvey (opens in a new tab)
Treatment details, complications, follow-up and publisher’s subsequent access update
China Care did not provide the care described. This story does not imply a relationship with the patient or hospital, or that China Care can arrange the same treatment. Individual outcomes do not predict other patients’ results. This is editorial information, not medical advice.
Published by China Care on 29 October 2026. Patient experiences and treatment access reflect the dates of the cited reporting.