Author： Medical Editor Jalen
Seeking Lung Cancer Treatment in the USA: Benefits & Advancements
Leading Hospitals & Expert Physicians for Lung Cancer in the USA
Real-Life Case: Chinese Patients' Remote Consultations with US Experts
How MedeboundHEALTH Supports You in Your Lung Cancer Treatment Journey
The Value MedeboundHEALTH Brings to Patients with Lung Cancer & Other Critical Illnesses
Understanding Lung Cancer: Definition & Incidence Rates
What is lung cancer? It's one of the most common malignancies globally. What causes it? Smoking, air pollution, or genetic factors often play a role.
How common is lung cancer? It's a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Each year, about 1.8 million new cases are reported worldwide. Its incidence is rising, especially in developing countries and among high-risk populations. Poor air quality and high smoking rates make the situation worse.
How is Lung Cancer Treated?
How do we treat lung cancer? The treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's condition. Surgical resection is a common method. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are also used. Recently, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have gained attention.
For early-stage lung cancer, surgical resection is often the most effective. For advanced stages, a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and personalized targeted therapies can help control tumor growth, alleviate symptoms, and extend survival.
Is Complete Cure Possible for Lung Cancer Patients?
It's hard, but not impossible. Early detection and treatment are key.
Early-stage lung cancer,particularly for limited small cell lung cancer or early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), can be cured with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Most are diagnosed late, so treatment focuses on extending life and improving quality.
Seeking Lung Cancer Treatment in the USA: Benefits & Advancements
The US tops the world in lung cancer treatment, especially with innovative drugs and therapies. Forbes says, "The US has the best cancer survival rates because of its high-tech equipment, drugs, broader screenings, and aggressive treatments. Its survival rates are higher than other countries at the same cancer stages."
Hence, the US is the go-to destination for global elites and high-net-worth individuals seeking cancer treatment.
Here are some new lung cancer treatment advancements in the US for 2024:
Non-chemotherapy combo
In August, the FDA approved a non-chemotherapy combo of Lazcluze and Rybrevant for advanced NSCLC, extending disease-free survival beyond standard treatments.
Lorlatinib
The CROWN trial in July showed Lorlatinib prevents new brain metastases in ALK-positive lung cancer, which often spreads to the brain.
Alecensa
Alecensa, approved by the FDA in April, stops tumor growth by inhibiting ALK activity in NSCLC patients with mutations or overexpression.
Imfinzi
Imfinzi, already used for extensive-stage SCLC, extended survival in early-stage patients in a June clinical trial.
DZD9008
In April, DZD9008 received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for first-line treatment of certain lung cancers.
Other notable developments in lung cancer treatment in 2024 are:
The groundbreaking trial of the first-ever mRNA lung cancer vaccine.
By training the body to identify and eliminate cancer cells, this vaccine holds the promise of saving numerous lives. The vaccine garnered significant attention in 2024, aiming to halt or prevent lung cancer progression. If proven successful, it would mark a monumental achievement in lung cancer treatment, potentially transforming the lives of countless patients.
Leading Hospitals & Expert Physicians for Lung Cancer in the USA
Leading medical institutions in the United States, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, possess world-class lung cancer experts and cutting-edge equipment. By integrating advanced treatment techniques with precision medication therapy, they have been able to prolong the survival of many lung cancer patients who were previously deemed untreatable, and even achieve remarkable treatment outcomes.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
MD Anderson Cancer Center features a lung cancer team comprising renowned international experts who focus on delivering comprehensive treatment plans, incorporating precise genetic testing, immunotherapy, and innovative targeted therapies.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is at the forefront of clinical research and new drug development for lung cancer, offering numerous groundbreaking treatment options.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, established in 1947 and affiliated with Harvard Medical School, is a designated comprehensive cancer treatment center by the US federal government. It provides professional and top-notch medical services for cancer patients and leads the world in clinical areas such as cancer gene-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, biotherapy, and vaccines, with over 700 clinical trials conducted annually.
Michael S. Rabin, MD, the former Clinical Director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating chest tumors, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymic cancer. His research spans both basic and clinical studies of chest tumors, focusing on chemotherapy and targeted therapy for lung cancer, drug resistance mechanisms, treatment of brain metastases, clinical trials, symptom management, prognosis, and quality of life.
Financial Aspects of Lung Cancer Treatment in the USA
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that the cost of treating lung cancer in the US can vary significantly based on individual conditions, hospital choice, and treatment plans. The primary expenses encompass:
Initial Consultation: When visiting a hospital for the first time, a consultation fee is charged to gather the patient's basic information and medical history.
Diagnostics and Examinations: Depending on the patient's specific situation, various diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans may be necessary, each with its own cost.
Treatment Expenses: This includes surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other specialized treatments. Variations in treatment plans can lead to substantial differences in the overall cost.
Medication Fees: Certain specialty or targeted therapies, especially those still under patent protection, can be very expensive.
Hospitalization and Nursing: If hospitalization is needed, additional costs for the ward and nursing services will apply.
Ancillary Costs: Services such as translation, transportation, and accommodation, while not direct medical expenses, are crucial for overseas patients.
In essence, treating lung cancer in the US can cost anywhere from ＄100,000 to ＄200,000. Hence, before deciding on overseas treatment, it's essential to consult multiple medical institutions thoroughly and obtain detailed quotation sheets.
Unique Hurdles Faced by International Lung Cancer Patients
For families coping with a major illness diagnosis, accessing advanced treatment options in the United States frequently appears to be beyond reach.
Challenge 1: High Costs and the Absence of Insurance Coverage
Treatment for lung cancer in the United States incurs costs ranging from at least ＄100,000 to ＄200,000 per treatment cycle, excluding expenses related to long-distance travel, accommodation, and daily living. Notably, 95% of international patients lack insurance coverage to bear these financial burdens.
Challenge 2: The Necessity for a Long-term Stay in the US or Frequent Travel Between Countries
Cancer treatment is a prolonged process, and temporary remission is not synonymous with long-term recovery. Depending on the cancer stage, some patients may find themselves needing to stay in the United States for an extended period or endure frequent travel between their home country and the US.
Is there a viable solution to ease the financial and logistical pressures faced by these patients?
Real-Life Case: Chinese Patients' Remote Consultations with US Experts
Absolutely, there is a solution!
A patient from Asia, diagnosed with lung cancer, overcame their predicament with the help of Medebound HEALTH.
Medebound HEALTH, a global second opinion and medical tourism company with more than nine years of experience, specializes in facilitating patient access to top hospitals in both the United States and China.
For this patient, we arranged an international remote consultation, enabling them to engage in a video discussion with experts from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a prestigious hospital in the United States. Through this consultation, the patient was able to conveniently obtain advanced treatment plans tailored to their condition, all from the comfort of their own home.
Case Details:
In October 2019, Ms. Li's (pseudonym) mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, a diagnosis that shattered the happiness of their family, despite her being at a deserved age of retirement at 62.
Ms. Li sought multiple treatments for her mother in China, but the disease continued to progress, with multiple metastases leaving them helpless.
Fortunately, they stumbled upon Medebound HEALTH, a reputable company with nine years of experience and a 95% patient satisfaction rate.
Through Medebound HEALTH's arrangements, Ms. Li was able to consult with Dr.Michael, a renowned lung cancer expert at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Scene of the Remote Second Opinion Consultation
Based on the patient's current condition, Dr.Michael recommended further diagnostic tests such as PET-CT scans, bronchoscopies, and genetic testing to determine the activity of the disease and to gather more information on potential new treatment options and clinical trials available in the United States.
He also suggested adjusting the medication regimen, using a combination of third-generation EGFR inhibitors and other drugs, rather than monotherapy.
Lastly, he provided dietary advice, telling the patient to maintain her weight through a reasonable diet and engage in activities such as tai chi, yoga, and swimming.
After the consultation, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dr.Michael and Medebound HEALTH. She now had a clear plan for her mother's next steps of treatment and felt more confident about her mother's future care.
Three months later, the patient and her family traveled to the United States. With Medebound HEALTH's meticulous arrangements, the patient received treatment with the latest generation of targeted therapy at a U.S. hospital and achieved progress in her staged treatment and symptom control.
The patient deeply appreciated Medebound HEALTH's assistance in arranging both the remote second opinion and the U.S. medical travel services. She stated,
"The two services complemented each other perfectly, allowing us to choose the best treatment path and the optimal time for U.S. treatment. We are incredibly grateful to Medebound HEALTH for their dedication and efforts in helping us achieve our current disease remission."
How MedeboundHEALTH Supports You :
1. Initial Consultation: Connect with us to discover your needs. Our dedicated care team will concisely outline all treatment options, ensuring you understand each choice without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
2. Doctor Consultation: We'll arrange a remote video consultation with an expert from a prestigious U.S. hospital. Language barriers are no issue, as we provide professional translation services to facilitate clear and comfortable communication between you and the doctor about your condition and recovery goals.
3. Tailored Treatment Plan: Following the doctor's consultation, we'll help you devise a personalized treatment plan. We'll clearly explain which treatments may be advantageous for you, the duration of treatment, associated costs, and expected outcomes.
4. Travel Facilitation: If traveling to the U.S. for treatment is necessary, we'll streamline the process for you. We'll handle visa applications, flight bookings, accommodations near the hospital, airport transfers, and all travel arrangements for your family.
5.Hospital Arrival Support: Upon arrival at the U.S. hospital, our team will be there to guide you through every step. We'll assist with doctor communication, explain treatment plans, support your family, and leverage our years of partnership with U.S. hospitals to secure the maximum discount for you, which can sometimes reach 15%-50%—far surpassing the discounts patients can typically negotiate on their own.
6. Ongoing Recovery Support: Even after returning home, our care continues. We'll support your rehabilitation efforts, monitor your recovery progress, arrange follow-up doctor consultations as needed, and be with you every step of the way until you achieve your recovery goals.
Medebound HEALTH: Bridging You to Premier Global Medical Resources
Seeking world-class treatment for complex medical conditions? Medebound HEALTH is your ideal partner. Leveraging our partnerships with prestigious US healthcare providers, we offer end-to-end support for telehealth consultations and overseas treatment in the US.
Contact Medebound HEALTH today and discover how we've helped thousands of families access top-tier mental healthcare.
Website: https://www.medeboundhealth.com/
Toll-Free US Number: +19173101780
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