Immunotherapy · Biotechnology · Hope
Lung Cancer Treatment in Cuba
Cuba's Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) has developed pioneering therapeutic cancer vaccines — CIMAvax-EGF and VAXIRA (racotumomab) — that stimulate the immune system to target non-small cell lung cancer. These innovative immunotherapies are available to international patients through SMC Salud's coordinated programs in Havana.
Lung Cancer — Treatment Video
CIMAvax-EGF — Cuba's Lung Cancer Vaccine
Visual Guide
Understanding lung cancer care in Cuba
See the specialized facilities and patient-centered care that define our lung cancer treatment programs.
Specialized Oncology care in Cuba
Comprehensive international patient coordination in Havana
Clinical Evidence & Outcomes
The science behind lung cancer treatment in Cuba
Our clinical programs are grounded in peer-reviewed research and coordinated with Cuba's biotechnology institutions. Individual results vary and are confirmed during personalized evaluation.
CIMAvax-EGF®
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
CIMAvax-EGF induces antibodies against Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), depriving tumor cells of a key growth signal. More than 5,000 lung cancer patients have been treated, and international studies have indicated prolonged tumor stabilization and improved overall survival.
Source: CIM — Center of Molecular Immunology
VAXIRA® (racotumomab)
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
VAXIRA induces an immune response against N-ganglioside NeuGcGM3, a ganglioside expressed in lung tumor cells. Studied as maintenance therapy in non-small cell lung cancer in multi-center trials.
Source: CIM — Center of Molecular Immunology
Roswell Park Collaboration
U.S. Clinical Trials
Through a historic partnership with Cuba's CIM, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only U.S. facility offering CIMAvax-EGF. It blocks EGF by triggering the immune system to produce antibodies that neutralize it, depriving cancer cells of a key to growth and survival.
Source: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Outcomes shown reflect published clinical data and aggregate results. Individual results vary based on diagnosis, disease stage, and overall health, and are confirmed during a personalized medical evaluation. This page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Your Treatment Pathway
Lung Cancer Care Pathway
A coordinated, step-by-step pathway from pre-travel preparation through treatment in Cuba and post-departure follow-up.
Initial Inquiry & Records Review
Submit your medical records for expert review by our specialist team. Our international coordinators respond within 24–48 hours with an initial assessment.
- Medical records submission via secure portal
- Case review by specialist medical team
- Initial eligibility assessment
Remote Medical Evaluation
Your case is reviewed by the Cuban medical team. Additional tests or imaging may be requested remotely. A personalized treatment plan is developed and shared with you and your home-country physician.
- Specialist remote consultation
- Additional diagnostics if needed
- Personalized treatment plan issued
Program Issuance & Travel Arrangements
SMC Salud issues your official medical program letter. Our coordinators assist with visa application, flight booking, and accommodation — matched to your treatment program and family needs.
- Medical program letter issued
- Visa application support
- Flight & accommodation arranged
Immunotherapy Treatment Program
Admission to the oncology center. Baseline imaging, tumor marker assessment, and initiation of CIMAvax-EGF or VAXIRA immunotherapy. Induction doses administered in-hospital, followed by outpatient maintenance.
- Baseline oncology assessment & imaging
- CIMAvax-EGF / VAXIRA induction doses
- Multidisciplinary tumor board review
Treatment Response & Monitoring
Regular imaging and tumor marker monitoring to assess response. Maintenance immunotherapy doses on an outpatient basis. Coordination with your home-country oncologist for continued care after departure.
- Regular imaging & tumor marker tracking
- Outpatient maintenance immunotherapy
- Response assessment & plan adjustment
Discharge, Report & Follow-up
Comprehensive medical report translated into your language. Take-home medication supply provided. Telemedicine follow-up program arranged so your Cuban medical team stays connected after you return home.
- Translated comprehensive medical report
- Take-home medication supply
- Telemedicine follow-up scheduled
Our Comprehensive Approach
CIMAvax-EGF®
Therapeutic vaccine targeting the EGF pathway to starve tumor cells of a key growth signal.
VAXIRA® (racotumomab)
Induces an immune response against N-ganglioside NeuGcGM3 expressed in lung tumors.
CIMAher® (nimotuzumab)
Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody for head and neck cancers, also studied in lung cancer.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Oncology review of imaging, biopsy, tumor markers, and prior treatments to confirm eligibility.
Induction & Maintenance
In-hospital induction doses followed by long-term outpatient maintenance therapy.
International Patient Care
Full coordination: medical visa, accommodation, interpretation, and 24/7 support in Havana.
Lung Cancer — Treatment & Medication
Treatment Options Available in Cuba
Cuba's Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) developed CIMAvax-EGF® and VAXIRA® (racotumomab), therapeutic cancer vaccines that stimulate the immune system to target non-small cell lung cancer. These immunotherapies are typically used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment. They are not a cure and not every patient will benefit. Treatment suitability is determined after a full oncology review of staging, pathology, and prior treatments.
Treatment suitability is determined after medical evaluation. No therapeutic outcome is guaranteed, and not every patient will benefit. Each case is reviewed individually by the medical team.
Lung Cancer — Required Documents
Documents for Medical Evaluation
Providing these documents helps our medical team review your case before you travel. You do not need to send every document to begin — send what you have available.
Biopsy / Pathology Report
Confirmed lung cancer diagnosis and type
CT / MRI / PET-CT
Recent imaging of chest and staging scans
Oncology Reports
Specialist consultation and treatment notes
Previous Treatment Records
Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery history
Current Medications
All medications currently being taken
Recent Laboratory Results
Blood work and tumor markers
Clinical Evidence
Patient Safety
Expert Specialists
International Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions from international patients
CIMAvax-EGF is a therapeutic vaccine developed by Cuba's Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM). It works by inducing the patient's immune system to produce antibodies against Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a protein that lung cancer cells need to grow and proliferate. By depleting circulating EGF, the cancer cells are starved of a key growth signal. It is used as maintenance therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer after first-line treatment.
Find country-specific information, testimonials, and FAQs for your region.
Could This Treatment Be Right for You?
Submit your medical records for review by our medical team. We will assess your case and provide a personalized recommendation. Treatment suitability is determined only after medical evaluation.