Lung Cancer Treatment Program

LUNG CANCER TREATMENT PROGRAM:  

Lung cancer is abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in the tissue of one or both lungs, typically in the cells lining the air passages. It is usually divided into two main groups:  

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases. Subtypes include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.  

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): A more aggressive form that accounts for about 15% of cases.  

Treatment for both NSCLC and SCLC begins with onco-specific treatments. Onco-specific refers to therapies specifically designed and tailored to treat cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells. For lung cancer, these treatments include:  

• Surgery: Removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue. 

• Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. 

• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. 

• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific genetic mutations in cancer cells. 

• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.  

KEY COMPONANT OF LUNG CANCER TREATMENT IN CUBA:  

THERAPUTIC VACCINES:   

Cuba has been at the forefront of developing therapeutic vaccines for lung cancer making the Republic of Cuba a significant player in the global fight against lung cancer. Cuba’s treatment approach for lung cancer, in particular NSCLC, is distinguished by its innovative use of therapeutic vaccines and biotechnological advancements.  

Therapeutic vaccines for lung cancer are designed to treat pre-existing cancer by stimulating the body’s immune system to target and attack cancerous cells. Therapeutic vaccines are administered after cancer has been diagnosed, as opposed to preventive vaccines, which are meant to prevent disease. 

Two prominent vaccines developed in Cuba are CIMAvax-EGF and Vaxira (Racotumomab) or the treatment of NSCLC are:  

1. CIMAvax-EGF Vaccine:

    

   • Developer: Developed by the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba. 
   • Description: CIMAvax-EGF is a therapeutic vaccine that specifically targets epidermal growth factor (EGF), a protein that aids in the development and spread of cancer cells. 
   • Usage: Used as a maintenance therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have completed initial rounds of onco-specific treatment. It is administered as a series of injections to stimulate the immune system. 
   • Efficacy: CIMAvax-EGF has been shown to extend survival and improve the quality of life in patients with advanced NSCLC. It is especially effective when used after standard treatments have been completed. 
   • Accessibility: Offered to both Cuban citizens and international patients.  
2. Vaxira (Racotumomab):
   
    
   • Developer: Developed by the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) in collaboration with the Molecular Immunology and Oncology Division of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba 
   • Description: Vaxira is therapeutic vaccine that targets N-glycolyl GM3 ganglioside, an antigen found on the surface of cancer cells but not on normal cells.  
   • Usage: Used as a maintenance therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have completed initial rounds of onco-specific treatment   It is administered as a series of injections to stimulate the immune system. 
   • Efficacy: Vaxira can improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer. It is particularly beneficial as an additional therapy following standard treatments. 
   • Accessibility: Offered to both Cuban citizens and international patients.