This therapy uses internal radiation to treat cancer, offering localised treatment, minimal side-effects and non-invasive procedures.
This therapy is a non-invasive option using precise radiation for treating cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
This therapy treats tumors with high-energy protons, targeting only sick cells, sparing healthy tissues, reducing side effects.
The procedure uses advanced robotics for precise, minimally invasive surgeries, offering more control and quicker recovery.
The procedure involves removing a lung lobe, typically to treat conditions like lung cancer, improving patient health.
The procedure removes tumors in the lungs, aids with diagnosis, and generally alleviates symptoms and prolongs life.
This surgery removes a small, wedge-shaped part of lung tissue, primarily to treat localized lung cancer.
The operation removes an entire lung to treat lung diseases, enhancing breathing capacity and overall health.
This therapy targets tumors with precise radiation, avoiding damage to surrounding tissues.
This therapy is a cutting-edge radiation treatment, precisely targeting tumors while reducing harm to nearby healthy tissue.
The therapy is a treatment enhancing the body"s immune system to fight cancer, using a drug highly targeted and effective.
This surgery removes lung segments harboring cancerous cells, protecting healthy tissue.
This therapy utilizes drugs to kill lung cancer cells, often given via injection or oral tablet, enhancing survival rates.
This therapy aims to kill cancer cells in the lungs using high-energy x-rays.
This therapy uses targeted radiation to destroy lung cancer cells without surgery with minimal side-effects.
This therapy boosts your body"s natural defenses to fight lung cancer, using substances made by the body itself.
Arrival
Diagnostics
Treatment Plan Development
Treatment
Follow-Up
Rehabilitation
Please note that only a qualified doctor can determine the appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan for each individual patient. The steps provided are general and might not apply to all cases. Other diagnostic options might include MRI scans, PET scans, or Ultrasound. Other treatment options can involve radiation therapy, surgery, or palliative care. Accommodation and hospital transfers are not included and need to be arranged separately.
The cost of lung cancer treatment can range from $12,400 to $34,370:
The doctor will determine the total treatment cost based on your needs and past treatments. You may not need to redo previous tests, which could save money.
Anadolu Medical Center offers the latest treatment for lung cancer. The specialists conduct complete examination of a patient to detect the tumor type, size, and stage. Only then the treatment plan is developed. The duration of diagnostics at Anadolu takes 7-10 days.
Such treatment options as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are available.
The chemo- and radiotherapy regimens are prescribed individually for each particular case.
| Consultation of a radiologist | $165 |
| CT (computer tomography) | $500 |
| Lung segmentectomy | $15000 - $25000 |
| Lobectomy | $15837.99 - $26396.65 |
| Consultation with an oncologist | $316.76 - $422.35 |
| Extended analysis of blood | $810 |
| CT of the paranasal sinuses | $580 |
| Da Vinci Robotic System | $2500 - $5000 |
| Brachytherapy | $4800 |
The examination of a patient to develop lung cancer treatment plan is performed in the Safra Onco-Pulmonology Department at Sourasky. It includes blood tests, PET-CT, revision of biopsy material, consultation with the best lung cancer oncologist. When the results are ready, a specialist develops the individual treatment plan.
The therapeutic tactics may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or biological therapy. The combination of these options can be applied.
The treatment duration is determined individually and depends on the lung cancer stage and tumor size.
| PET/CT | $1580 |
| PET/CT in lung cancer | $1580 |
Specialists at Medipol apply multidisciplinary approach to treat lung cancer. It means that specialists from different departments participate in the development of lung cancer treatment plan. They are oncologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, etc.
Doctors apply blood tests, PET-CT, biopsy, etc. to detect the cancer stage and peculiarities of patient’ conditions.
Such treatment options are used: chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery (part of the lungs is removed).
The duration of therapies is determined according to the lung tumor type and level of metastatic spread.
| CT of the chest | $350 |
| Complex diagnostics of lung cancer | $2000 - $4000 |
| Radiotherapy for lung cancer | $8000 - $10000 |
| Lung cancer surgery | $11500 - $14000 |
| Genetic screening | $2956.42 |
| Biopsy | $2639.66 - $4751.4 |
| Da Vinci Robotic System | $20061.45 - $23229.05 |
| Lobectomy | $36955.31 - $47513.96 |
| PET/CT | $650 - $700 |
| Consultation with an oncologist | $200 |
| Extended analysis of blood | $316.76 - $1267.04 |
| PET/CT in lung cancer | $2450 - $3350 |
| Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $2639.66 - $4223.46 |
| Lung segmentectomy | $17949.72 - $22173.18 |
Fuda Hospital is a world-renown cancer hospital located in Guangzhou, China.
Fuda Cancer Hospital treats oncology at any stage, including advanced cancer. Over 10 types of minimally invasive therapies are applied instead of chemotherapy. Among them are cryosurgery, NanoKnife, vascular interventional therapy, microwave hyperthermia treatment, etc.
Fuda doctors have achieved the most significant results in cancer treatment in the late stages.
The quality of Fuda medical services is confirmed by JCI (Joint Commission International), the global standard in healthcare.
Over 30,000 patients from over 100 countries have chosen Fuda to treat cancer.
| PET/CT in lung cancer | $1440 |
| PET/CT | $1440 |
The Toracic Surgery Unit is highly specialized in surgical treatment of lung tumors. Medical staff members work in close collaboration with the Operating Units of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy. It is a reference point for the diagnosis and treatment of lung pathologies.
Senior medical staff are members of the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS). Standard patient management protocols are used according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines.
| Histopathology revision | $237.57 - $1187.85 |
| CT of the chest | $422.35 - $517.37 |
| Biopsy | $1300 - $2200 |
| PET/CT | $700 |
| CT (computer tomography) | $290 - $350 |
| Biopsy | $840 |
| Pneumonectomy | $11200 |
| Immunotherapy with (Pembolizumab) | $5800 - $6000 |
| Consultation with an oncologist | $130 |
| PET/CT | $850 |
| Consultation with an oncologist | $1000 |
| PET/CT | $750 |
| CyberKnife | $7500 |
Lung cancer treatment is performed by a team of specialists which consists of an oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, etc. The doctors take into account all the peculiarities of patient organism to provide the best treatment for lung cancer.
The therapeutic tactic is developed only after complete examination. It takes 5-10 days. The duration depends on the case complexity.
Among treatment options are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy. In most of the cases, combination of therapies is applied.
The treatment plan is individual, depends on the tumor size and cancer stage.
In case of surgery, a patient needs to stay in the Hospital for 5-14 days. The duration of operation varies from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
| Extended analysis of blood | $316.76 - $369.55 |
| Consultation with an oncologist | $527.93 |
| Lung cancer surgery | $21117.32 - $29564.24 |
| Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $3000 - $5500 |
| MRI of the chest | $709.54 |
Lung cancer treatment is performed in Liv Oncology Department. Before the development of treatment tactic, it is necessary to undergo the full diagnostics. The duration of examination is 5-7 days. A doctor detects cancer stage and assigns individual treatment program.
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy are the main treatment options. In most of the cases, the combination of these therapies are applied.
The duration of treatment varies in each particular case.
| MRI of the chest | $505 - $930 |
| CT of the chest | $395 - $580 |
| CyberKnife | $9000 - $13000 |
| CyberKnife for lung cancer | $1641 - $1969 |
Policlinico San Donato is a leading Italian clinic for cardiology and cardiac surgery.
Doctors perform over 9,400 open and minimally invasive operations on the heart and blood vessels annually. It is the largest number in the country.
Сardiology, heart surgery, arrhythmology, and rehabilitation are the top specialities in San Donato Hospital.
| CT of the chest | $364.27 - $485.7 |
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body.
There are two main groups of lung cancer:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type, accounting for about 80-85% of all cases;
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a less common but more aggressive type, with an incidence rate of 15%.
The NSCLC has a few subtypes outlining the cell structure and the overall prognosis.
| Subtype | Description | Ability to grow and spread |
| Adenocarcinoma (the most common subtype, is diagnosed in 57% of cases in women and 39$ in men). | Begins in the epithelial cells of the lung, which are responsible for producing mucus.Begins in the epithelial cells of the lung, which are responsible for producing mucus. | Moderate |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | Starts in the squamous cells, which are flat cells lining the inner surfaces of the lung airways. | Moderate |
| Large cell carcinoma | Large cell carcinoma can develop in any lung area | Fast |
Lung cancer often develops due to genetic mutations caused by exposure to harmful substances or lifestyle factors. Common causes include:
Smoking is the leading risk factor, contributing to about 85% of lung cancer cases.
Exposure to Radon Gas, which can accumulate in buildings, poses a risk.
Air Pollution means long-term exposure to polluted air, especially in urban areas.
Asbestos and other carcinogens, such as asbestos.
Family History raises the probability of getting lung cancer.
Many symptoms of lung cancer can be easily misinterpreted for something else. The treatment is more effective at the initial stages. That's why recognizing "red flags" can lead to early lung cancer diagnosis and developing successful treatment strategies.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include:
Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit;
Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or laughing;
Shortness of breath;
Hoarseness;
Loss of appetite;
Unexplained weight loss;
Frequent lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.
If lung cancer spreads to other areas, it causes location-specific symptoms.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) uses the TNM system to stage lung cancer, which takes into account:
Tumor's size and location;
Presence in the nearby lymph nodes;
Metastasis to distant organs.
There are four main stages for lung cancer patients:
Occult (hidden) cancer. The so-called "0" stage is when the doctor cannot assess cancer for several reasons. For example, when the blood tests show the presence of oncological markers, but the imaging tests are negative.
Stage I. The tumor is 1-3 cm, and it doesn't invade the nearby lymph nodes.
Stage II. The tumor is 4-5 cm, and the cancer spreads into the thoracic lymph nodes.
Stage III. The tumor is 5-7 cm, and the cancer may grow into the chest wall.
Stage IV. The cancer can be of any size, and it spreads to either (the lining around the lungs) or the pericardium (lining around the heart).
To diagnose lung cancer, doctors perform various tests:
Chest X-ray and CT Scans to visualize tumors;
A biopsy is performed to examine a tissue sample and confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Bronchoscopy to check for abnormalities and take samples from the bronchi.
Molecular Testing to detect specific mutations (e.g., EGFR or ALK) that guide targeted therapy.
Lung cancer treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Treating lung cancer involves various options, including:
🔷Surgery. For early-stage NSCLC, surgery may remove part of the lung.
🔷Radiation Therapy for both NSCLC and SCLC to target cancer cells.
🔷Chemotherapy. A standard option for SCLC and advanced NSCLC.
🔷Targeted Therapy. Targeted drugs (e.g., EGFR inhibitors) can improve cancer outcomes with specific mutations.
🔷Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, becoming a leading option for advanced lung cancers.
Radiation oncologists are integral members of the multidisciplinary teams involved in developing personalized treatment plans for lung cancer.
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for early-stage lung cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue while preserving as much lung function as possible.
Types of surgery for lung cancer include:
Lobectomy removes one of the 5 lung lobes where the cancer has spread;
Segmentectomy (or wedge resection) eliminates a part of a lobe;
Pneumonectomy removes the entire lung. This is an option if the tumor is close to the chest;
Sleeve resection aims to "re-connect" the airways if the cancer blocks them.
The best lung cancer doctors perform lung surgery in two main ways: open surgery (thoracotomy) or minimally invasive surgery. The second one includes:
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS);
Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS).
Lung cancer costs vary by country and the type of therapy required, with different treatment strategies significantly impacting these expenses. Treatment costs can range from $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the case’s complexity.
| Country | Surgery costs | Chemotherapy costs | Immunotherapy costs |
| Israel |
$25,000-$40,000 |
$8,000-$15,000 |
$60,000-$100,000 per year |
| Turkey |
$12,000-$25,000 |
$5,000-$10,000 |
$40,000-$80,000 |
| Spain |
$20,000-$35,000 |
$12,000-$18,000 |
$50,000+ |
Here’s how to find the best lung cancer hospitals:
Accreditation. Look for hospitals accredited by organizations like the Joint Commission International (JCI), ensuring high standards of care;
Multidisciplinary Team. Choose a hospital with a team of specialists (oncologists, surgeons, radiologists) working together on personalized treatment plans;
Advanced Technologies. Ensure the hospital offers technologies like the Da Vinci Robotic System for surgery and cutting-edge treatments like immunotherapy and targeted radiotherapy;
Top Hospitals. Consider leading facilities like Sourasky Medical Center in Israel or Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey, which are known for advanced lung cancer care.
If you are ever in doubt, submit a request on Bookimed to receive a personalized treatment plan from the top-rated lung cancer treatment centers.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers are elite institutions designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for their exceptional lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research expertise.
These centers are renowned for their multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists from various fields, such as:
☑️Medical oncology;
☑️Surgical oncology;
☑️Radiation oncology;
☑️Pathology.
A hallmark of Comprehensive Cancer Centers is their strong emphasis on research and clinical trials, offering lung cancer patients access to the latest and most innovative treatments. Combining cutting-edge research with patient care ensures lung cancer patients receive the most advanced and effective therapies available.
Bookimed has ranked the best lung cancer hospitals for treatment based on patient reviews, success rates, and technology. Cancer hospitals, particularly those designated as Comprehensive Cancer Centers by the National Cancer Institute, play a significant role in providing high-quality care for difficult-to-treat cancers. Some of the leading centers include:
Centro Médico Teknon, Spain;
Sourasky Medical Center, Israel;
Anadolu Medical Center, Turkey.
The medical center, accredited by the Joint Commission International, provides top-quality care for lung cancer patients. It uses the Da Vinci Robotic System for accurate, minimally invasive surgeries (the size of incisions is 1-2 cm). Treatments include comprehensive options like lobectomy and lung segmentectomy.
Advanced therapies such as immunotherapy with (Pembrolizumab), as well as targeted radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are also available to manage lung cancer effectively.
At Sourasky's Safra Onco-Pulmonology Department, patients undergo a complete evaluation to create a personalized lung cancer treatment plan. This includes:
🩸Blood tests;
🩻PET-CT scan;
🔬Review of biopsy results;
👩🏻⚕️Consultation with a top-rated pulmonologist oncologist.
The length of treatment depends on the stage of lung cancer and the tumor size and is tailored to each patient.
The leading oncologist, Bülent Karagöz, has over 31 years of experience in lung cancer treatment. Specialists thoroughly examine the tumor type, size, and stage before creating a personalized treatment plan. The diagnostic process usually takes 7-10 days.
Anadolu Medical Center provides modern lung cancer treatments. Anadolu Hospital is one of Turkey's few medical centers offering advanced radiation therapy tools:
CyberKnife. A minimally invasive procedure that irradiates a tumor with up to 0.5 mm accuracy (compared to standard methods, which are more likely to damage healthy tissues);
TrueBeam. This radiotherapy system uses advanced imaging for accuracy, enhancing effectiveness and patient comfort. TrueBeam provides detailed, real-time images of the tumor and surrounding areas. This allows for accurate targeting and adjustments during treatment.
VarianEdge. The Varian Edge moves around the patient to quickly target a tumor from multiple angles. This increases accuracy and protects healthy tissue. It takes 2-4 times less time than other radiotherapy methods, so treatment is completed 50% faster.
Selecting a lung cancer specialist involves focusing on critical factors, such as:
Credentials and Experience. Specialists with board certification in oncology or thoracic surgery, particularly those with fellowships in lung cancer, demonstrate a strong foundation in advanced care. Those working at comprehensive cancer centers are often more current with cutting-edge treatments.
Success Rates. Specialists with high cases, particularly in specific lung cancer types and stages, tend to have better treatment outcomes.
Access to Advanced Treatments. The availability of advanced therapies such as immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery highlights a specialist’s capability to offer leading-edge care options.
Patient Reviews and Referrals. Insights from patient reviews reveal details about the specialist's communication, treatment effectiveness, and patient care. Recommendations from other healthcare providers or former patients offer valuable guidance.
Involvement in Clinical Trials. Specialists engaged in clinical trials provide access to experimental therapies, offering cutting-edge options for treatment. This involvement reflects a commitment to ongoing research and innovation in lung cancer care.
Carefully evaluating these factors ensures a specialist is well-equipped to handle complex lung cancer cases with advanced knowledge and experience.
Exclusive interview with Dr. Ofer Merimsky, Israel’s leading oncologist for lung cancer treatment
Immunotherapy costs can be high, but it has revolutionized treatment for advanced lung cancer. Prices vary depending on the therapy and region. For example:
(Pembrolizumab) costs $22,674.72 for each indicated dose when given every 6 weeks;
Opdivo (Nivolumab) with the price for a treatment course of $22,293 (3 cycles of therapy).
In 2024, new advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy continue to improve survival rates for patients with stage IV lung cancer. The City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, recognized for its excellence in cancer treatment, is at the forefront of these innovations.
Emerging treatments, such as CAR-T cell therapy and combination therapies, are showing promising results in clinical trials.
Exclusive Interview with Dr. Ari Raphael TOP Israel’s oncologist for lung cancer
Cancer Staging. Comprehensive Cancer Information - NCI. URL: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging (date of access: 12.09.2024).
Global variations in lung cancer incidence by histological subtype in 2020: a population-based study. Zhang, Yanting, et al. The Lancet Oncology, Volume 24, Issue 11, 1206 - 1218
Lung Cancer Statistics | How Common is Lung Cancer? Information and Resources about Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin | American Cancer Society. URL: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html (date of access: 12.09.2024).
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