A search for treatment beyond the local pathway
RNZ reporting, republished by the Otago Daily Times, described Lye’s high-risk myeloma, diagnosed in 2018, and three earlier stem cell treatments in New Zealand. After another relapse, he travelled to Renji Hospital in May 2025 for CAR-T. He had already been communicating with a Shanghai haematologist. He also said the relative affordability of treatment in China influenced his choice among overseas options.
What he told the reporters
Lye described reaching a Renji hospital bed within ten days, spending seven weeks in China, including five in hospital, and receiving dual CAR-T. At the time of the September interview, he reported complete remission and was considering returning to work. This was his reported status then, rather than a confirmation of his condition today.
China Care perspective
What this case helps us understand
The resource in this story is a specialist treatment pathway reached through sustained communication with a treating team. Lye’s account links an overseas patient, a Shanghai haematologist and hospital-based cellular therapy. His reported recovery gives the pathway a human dimension, while his personal timeline remains an individual experience rather than a general scheduling commitment.
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.
- RNZ, republished by Otago Daily TimesFormer top cop joins Kiwis seeking overseas cancer treatment (opens in a new tab)
Interview by Lisa Owen and Louisa Cleave; treatment journey and patient-reported remission
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.