Oncology | Day-Care Cancer Treatment: Safe and Efficient Care Without an Overnight Stay

2026-04-23

Day-care oncology services at Peking University People’s Hospital (PKUPH) are offering a more compassionate way to deliver cancer treatment. Most long-term patients with stable conditions are more suitable for this type of day treatment, which enables the patients to receive therapy during the day and return home the same evening, without compromising safety.

In recent years, thanks to continuous advances in anticancer drugs and supportive care medications, cancer treatment has changed beyond recognition — shorter treatment cycles, more manageable side effects, and less disruption to daily life. Cancer treatment is no longer the burdensome, highly toxic therapy that people once imagined. More importantly, as treatment outcomes continue to improve, patients’ survival time has been significantly extended. How to better reintegrate society and family life under scientific long-term management has become a new challenge they face.

Day-care treatment is a reasonable choice that has long been adopted in Europe and North America, and is now being expanded in China as part of efforts to improve patient experience and take them back to normal life. Most of the anti-cancer regimens, like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or short procedures are available here, which promises the standard of care for the patients. 

For eligible patients, the benefits are real. Treatment can be scheduled more efficiently, avoiding long waits for hospital beds. Shorter stays reduce overall costs, while returning home the same day helps with mental stress and allows patients to remain connected to their daily lives and family support.

The model is also supported by comprehensive safety measures. Before treatment, patients have to go through a full evaluation, including laboratory and cardiac assessments. During treatment, our oncology teams provide continuous monitoring and have full access to emergency equipment and rapid response protocols. Before discharge, patients are reassessed to ensure stability.

Follow-up care is built in. Patients receive timely post-treatment monitoring through phone or digital platforms, which offers rapid hospital admission if needed.

Day-care oncology at PKUPH is a patient-centered option that supports both clinical outcomes and quality of life by combining standardized treatment with flexible care delivery.