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Oncology · Lung cancer

Lung cancer: an oncologist in Cuba reviews your file.

We translate your pathology, imaging and gene test reports into Spanish and send them to an oncologist in Cuba who treats lung cancer. We explain the doctor’s opinion in plain language and, if you decide to go ahead, plan treatment and travel with you.

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  • Preliminary review fee shown during the application
  • Specialist opinion · Target: about 4 business days
  • Support in English, Spanish, German and Turkish
A female doctor holding up a chest X-ray to the light

Who it is for

When can we help?

  • You have just been diagnosed

    Your biopsy result is in and you would like another specialist to look at the plan before treatment starts.

  • You are in treatment

    You are having chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a targeted drug. If the disease has progressed, you want an opinion before the next decision.

  • You are looking into CIMAvax

    You would like a doctor to assess whether CIMAvax-EGF or Vaxira could be suitable for you.

  • You are helping a loved one

    You can apply on their behalf. Every update comes to you.

What the doctor checks

What does the doctor check first in lung cancer?

Lung cancer comes in several forms. Treatment depends on the type of tumour, its genetic features and the stage. In your file, the doctor looks closely at these points.

A doctor reviewing imaging results on two screens
The specialist looks at your reports and imaging results together.
  1. 01

    Type of tumour

    The subtype in the pathology report, such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

  2. 02

    Tumour gene tests

    Tests for EGFR, ALK, ROS1 and other changes, and the PD-L1 result. They show whether targeted drugs or immunotherapy may be considered.

  3. 03

    Stage and spread

    Tumour size, the lymph nodes and whether it has spread to the brain, bones, liver or adrenal glands.

  4. 04

    Treatment and how you are

    How you responded to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other drugs; your breathing and how you manage daily life.

Documents

Which documents do you need?

Tick what you already have. A missing document does not stop your application; our team will tell you what is still needed.

Your reports can be in any language; we translate them for the doctor. Clear photos and PDF files are both fine.

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Your ticks are saved on this device only.

Process

From application to the doctor’s opinion in four steps

  1. About 10 minutes

    Application and payment

    You fill in the form, upload your reports and pay the preliminary review fee.

  2. After payment

    Check and translation

    We check your documents, translate them into Spanish and prepare one clear file for the doctor.

  3. Target: about 4 business days

    Specialist opinion

    An oncologist in Cuba reviews your file and may ask for more documents. We keep you updated at every step.

  4. The decision is yours

    Decision and planning

    We explain the doctor’s opinion. If you want to go ahead, we plan the hospital stay, travel and accommodation with you.

Timings vary with each file and its documents. You can follow every stage in the patient portal.

A healthcare worker on a video call with a patient on a laptop
Your file is reviewed remotely; you do not need to travel to Cuba to get the opinion.

Lung cancer in Cuba

What to know about CIMAvax-EGF and Vaxira

Oncologists in Cuba review your file in line with internationally accepted approaches to lung cancer. Three products developed in Cuba may be considered alongside these treatments for suitable patients.

These products have no US (FDA) or European Union (EMA) approval and are not yet in international treatment guidelines. The first US trial of CIMAvax-EGF started in 2017 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center under a special licence. If the tumour has a gene change such as EGFR, ALK or ROS1, or high PD-L1, targeted drugs and immunotherapy usually come first. The doctor weighs the Cuban options alongside them.

CIMAvax-EGF box and vial

Therapeutic cancer vaccine

CIMAvax-EGF

It makes the body produce antibodies against its own growth factor (EGF). This weakens a signal that drives the tumour to grow.

Who it is for
Advanced (stage IIIB/IV) non-small cell lung cancer that has not progressed after first treatment.
How it is given
Into the muscle. The schedule is set by the treating specialists.
Licence
First licensed in Cuba in 2008 by the Cuban regulator CECMED. Its licensing status in other countries differs and can change over time.
Vaxira box and vial

Therapeutic cancer vaccine

Vaxira (racotumomab)

It triggers an immune response against NeuGcGM3, a structure on the surface of tumour cells.

Who it is for
Advanced non-small cell lung cancer, as maintenance after first treatment.
How it is given
Into the skin. The schedule is set by the treating specialists.
Licence
Licensed in Cuba and Argentina.
CIMAher box and vial

Antibody, not a vaccine

CIMAher (nimotuzumab)

An antibody medicine that targets the EGFR receptor on tumour cells.

Who it is for
Maintenance in advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has not progressed after first-line chemotherapy.
How it is given
Into a vein, as a drip. The doctor sets the dose and how often it is given.
Licence
Licensed in Cuba since 2002 (CECMED); not approved in the US or the European Union.
A coordinator going through information on a tablet with a patient
We explain the doctor’s opinion and your options step by step, in English.

  • Written medical opinion

    The doctor’s assessment and suggested next step, explained to you in English.

  • Clear cost information

    If treatment is suggested, you receive hospital and treatment costs in writing.

  • Decide in your own time

    Once you have heard the opinion, you decide whether to travel.

FAQ

Questions families often ask

Is CIMAvax-EGF available in my country?

The vaccine is licensed in Cuba. Licensing and availability in other countries differ and can change. If the doctor considers it suitable, we plan in writing, before you travel, where the monthly follow-up doses will be given.

Can I apply with small cell lung cancer?

Yes. Small cell lung cancer is a different disease with different treatment, and the doctor reviews your file accordingly. The Cuban vaccines described on this page are licensed for non-small cell lung cancer.

How much is the preliminary review fee and what does it cover?

The current fee is shown during the application. It covers checking your documents, translating them into Spanish, the review of your file by a specialist in Cuba and explaining the opinion to you. For card payments, the processing fee is shown separately on the payment screen.

Is the fee refunded if the doctor finds treatment unsuitable?

Not once your file has been sent to the doctor. The preliminary review fee pays for the specialist's review of your file, not for acceptance for treatment, so it is not refunded whether the doctor's opinion is positive or negative. If you withdraw after paying but before your file is sent to the doctor, the fee is refunded. If the doctor asks for more documents during the review, there is no extra charge. To withdraw, simply write to info@cubahealthassist.com with your file number; our finance team will handle your request.

How long does the specialist opinion take?

If your documents are complete, our target for the first specialist review is about 4 business days. If the doctor asks for more documents, it may take longer. We keep you updated at every step.

Can a relative apply for the patient?

Yes, most applications are made by relatives. Contact details are taken from the applicant, and all updates go to the applicant.

My reports are not in Spanish. Do I need a translation?

You do not need to do anything. We translate your documents into Spanish, and the doctor's opinion is explained to you in your language.

Do I have to travel to Cuba?

No. Your file is first reviewed remotely. After hearing the doctor's opinion, you decide whether to travel.

More areas

Related treatment pages

All treatment areas

Are your reports ready?

The application takes about 10 minutes. If you would like to ask first, write to us on WhatsApp; we help in English, Spanish, German and Turkish.

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This page is for information only. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are made by licensed doctors. Medical disclaimer