Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide mainly due to the fact that in most cases, cancer has already metastasized (spread) and is at an advanced state before it is detected. Lung cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in one or both lungs.
It is usually divided into two main groups: non-small cell lung cancer (85% – 90% of all cases) and small cell lung cancer (10% – 15% of all cases) the main difference being is on the size of the cancer cells and the speed of spreading consequently different treatment is prescribed to each lung cancer group. Due to the aggressive nature of small cell lung cancer, surgery is often not a recommended procedure. Nevertheless, it is considered as an option if the cancer is a single lung tumor and has not spread to the lymph nodes and/or other organs.
As with all cancers, Lung cancer medical program depends on the size of cancer, how far it has spread and on the overall health of the patient.
Pneumonectomy: This Lung Cancer Medical Program involves a major surgical procedure for the removal of a lung in its entirety to extract tumorous lung tissue. This is usually performed if the tumtum or too close to the center of the chest or if smaller portions of the cancer cannot be removed. A pneumonectomy is an open chest technique. Lobectomy: The surgical removal of one lobe (section) of the lung that has cancerous cells in non-small cell lung cancer. It is the most common and most effective surgery for this type of lung cancer. Pancoast Tumour Resection: The removal of cancer tumour found on the top of the lung. 95% of pancoast tumours are part of the non-small cell lung cancer.
CimaVax-EGF is the result of a 25 years research program developed by the Center for Molecular Immunology and the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Cuba.
It is the world’s first stage 3 and stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer vaccine and is usually administered after chemotherapy and radiotherapy have already been given. CimaVax EGF works by targeting epidermal growth factor (EGF) which is a protein found naturally in the body. In a healthy body, EGF gives signals to cells to grow and divide by attaching to the receptors on the cell’s surface. In certain types of cancers such as with non-small cell lung cancer, the body produces too much EGF forcing the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. In order for cancer cells to grow to an extent as to be able to deceive the immune system, it has to be able to overcome the immune response. For a vaccine to have any effect it must be able to produce an immune response that did not take place naturally. CimaVax EGF stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that are specifically targeted for EGF and bind with it. Since the EGF no longer attaches itself to the receptors on cancer cells, the signal to grow and divide is no longer received thus slowing down the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. CimaVax EGF does not prevent cancer from developing, rather it sets in motion a mechanism whereby the uncontrolled growth and division of cancer cells are more restrained transforming a late-stage aggressive lung cancer into a chronic disease.
The CimaVax Vaccine Lung Cancer Medical Program includes the following:
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION: