Shanghai's precision treatment for lung cancer has improved rapidly, with the cost of targeted and immunotherapy being only one-third of that in Europe and the US, attracting many international patients. Individualized treatment based on genetic testing gives more advanced lung cancer patients the opportunity for long-term survival.
Core concept of precision treatment
Precision treatment of lung cancer is based on genetic testing: by detecting driver gene mutations such as EGFR, ALK and ROS1, corresponding targeted drugs are selected; for patients without driver mutations or with drug resistance, the benefit of immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) can be evaluated.
Compared with traditional chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapy have fewer side effects and more durable efficacy, and some advanced patients have significantly prolonged survival.
Treatment cost comparison
Shanghai has a complete range of lung cancer targeted drugs, many of which are included in medical insurance, greatly reducing patients' out-of-pocket ratios. Overall treatment costs are usually about one-third of equivalent European and US plans, with obvious cost-effectiveness advantages.
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Many hospitals in Shanghai have established lung cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDT), with experts from thoracic surgery, oncology, radiotherapy, pathology and imaging jointly developing individualized plans to ensure patients receive the most appropriate comprehensive treatment.
Advice for international patients
Patients are advised to complete genetic testing first and bring complete pathology and imaging data for remote consultation. MedBridge can connect patients with lung cancer experts in Shanghai, providing testing arrangements, interpretation accompaniment and follow-up services.