AXA partners with China Biotech on targeted cancer therapy

The technology is a form of targeted radiotherapy that uses a boron-containing drug.

AXA China Region Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited and AXA International Reinsurance (Shanghai) Company Limited have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with China Biotech Services Holdings to explore the use of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and related cancer treatment technologies.

The partnership aims to expand access to advanced therapies by integrating BNCT into AXA’s insurance offerings. 

BNCT is a form of targeted radiotherapy that uses a boron-containing drug and a neutron beam to selectively destroy tumour cells whilst sparing healthy tissue. 

It has shown effectiveness in treating hard-to-treat cancers such as malignant gliomas, recurrent head and neck cancers, and other resistant tumours. 

Japan approved BNCT for clinical use in 2020 under its national health insurance system.

The agreement follows a rise in head and neck cancer cases in Hong Kong, where 1,464 new cases were recorded in 2022, mainly affecting men aged 45 to 65, according to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry.

AXA said the collaboration supports its strategy of offering broader medical coverage by incorporating new treatment options into its health insurance plans.