Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. China records more than 1 million new lung cancer cases each year, and this large patient population has contributed to the continued development of clinical experience in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

For international patients, China’s appeal goes beyond medical technology. From video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to targeted therapy and immunotherapy, China offers a wide range of modern lung cancer treatment options, while the costs of some treatments and medicines can be 60%–85% lower than in the United States and other markets.

This has made China a medical destination of interest for international cancer patients. In this guide, DengYueMed covers the key aspects of seeking lung cancer treatment in China, including treatment costs, hospitals, treatment options, and considerations for international patients.

How Much Does Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in China Compared With the United States?

Medical costs are an important consideration for international patients exploring treatment in China. Costs can vary significantly between hospitals, regions, and treatment plans. The following figures are provided as reference ranges to illustrate general differences.

Treatment	Reference Cost in China	Reference Cost in the United States	Reference Difference
VATS lobectomy (early-stage)	RMB 70,000–130,000	RMB 280,000–560,000	Approximately 75%–78%
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)	RMB 42,000–84,000	RMB 210,000–420,000	Approximately 80%
PD-1 immunotherapy (per cycle)	RMB 21,000–56,000	RMB 84,000–140,000	Approximately 60%–75%
Osimertinib (monthly)	RMB 14,000–28,000	RMB 105,000–140,000	Approximately 80%–87%
Chemotherapy (per cycle)	RMB 10,000–28,000	RMB 70,000–210,000	Up to approximately 85%
Complete treatment course for Stage III/IV disease	RMB 105,000–280,000	RMB 700,000–1.75 million	Approximately 80%–85%

The figures above are for reference only and do not represent standardized charges. Actual costs may vary depending on the hospital, cancer stage, treatment plan, medicines, length of hospitalization, insurance coverage, and other factors.

In addition to cost, another feature of lung cancer treatment in China is the broad range of available medical resources. International patients can explore different types of healthcare institutions, including specialized cancer hospitals, general hospitals, and international medical centers, depending on their condition and treatment needs.

What Lung Cancer Treatment Options Are Available in China?

Surgery

For some patients with early-stage lung cancer, surgery is an important treatment option. Depending on tumor location, disease stage, and the patient’s overall condition, doctors may consider procedures such as lobectomy or segmentectomy. Some major hospitals in China also perform video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can be used in the treatment of lung cancer at different stages. Common techniques include:

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

For some patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are not suitable candidates for surgery, SBRT may be a treatment option.

Targeted Therapy

China has access to many major lung cancer drugs, including targeted therapies used in the treatment of lung cancer. Domestic generic medicines and national drug price negotiations have also contributed to lower treatment costs for some therapies. Commonly used targeted medicines include osimertinib, gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, alectinib, and lorlatinib.

Immunotherapy

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are widely used for certain patients with lung cancer. Examples include pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab, as well as China-developed medicines such as sintilimab and toripalimab. In many cases, the cost of immunotherapy in China is generally lower than in Europe and the United States.

Clinical Trials

Lung cancer clinical research in China covers areas including novel targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination treatment approaches.

For eligible patients, clinical trials may provide additional treatment options. Whether a patient is suitable for a specific trial depends on the trial’s inclusion criteria and an assessment by qualified medical professionals.

Leading Hospitals for Lung Cancer Treatment in China

China has a wide range of lung cancer medical resources across different cities. International patients can explore hospitals based on their medical condition and treatment needs.

Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences — Beijing

The Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences is part of the National Cancer Center system and has strong oncology expertise. Its multidisciplinary resources cover thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and medical imaging, supporting comprehensive lung cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as a range of clinical research programs.

Guangzhou Royallee Hospital — Guangzhou

Guangzhou Royallee Hospital is a JCI-accredited international tertiary cancer hospital with resources in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and related specialties. Its lung cancer services include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other treatment approaches, with experience in serving international patients.

Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center — Shanghai

Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center is a major specialized cancer hospital in Shanghai. Its lung cancer-related resources include thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and molecular diagnostics, supporting multidisciplinary assessment for patients with different treatment needs.

Fuda Cancer Hospital — Guangzhou

Fuda Cancer Hospital focuses on comprehensive cancer care and services for international patients. The hospital has JCI accreditation and provides oncology-related services including medical oncology, surgery, and various comprehensive treatment approaches.

Peking Union Medical College Hospital — Beijing

Peking Union Medical College Hospital is a major tertiary general hospital with extensive multidisciplinary medical resources. These resources can support lung cancer patients who have complex underlying conditions or require assessment and coordination across multiple medical specialties.

Foresea Yihe International Medical Center — Guangzhou

Foresea Yihe International Medical Center is an international medical service platform with an oncology center and a respiratory disease diagnosis and treatment center. It integrates multidisciplinary medical teams and provides comprehensive medical and long-term health management support.

How Should International Patients Prepare for Lung Cancer Treatment in China?

For international patients considering lung cancer diagnosis or treatment in China, it is important not to make decisions about a hospital or treatment plan based solely on information found online. From preparing medical records and communicating with hospitals to arranging travel and follow-up care, several aspects need to be planned in advance.

First, patients should organize complete medical records, including pathology reports, imaging examinations, previous treatment records, and genetic testing results. These materials can help Chinese medical institutions better understand the patient’s condition.

Patients can then communicate remotely with relevant medical institutions or undergo a case assessment to learn more about their areas of expertise, available medical resources, and whether they can provide services relevant to the patient’s condition. Based on this information, patients can further discuss potential treatment options, hospitalization arrangements, costs, and international patient services.

In addition to treatment itself, international patients should also consider arrangements after cross-border medical care, such as: How long will I need to stay in China? How will follow-up care be arranged after I return home? How will medical information be shared between the Chinese hospital and my local doctors?

These are important considerations to plan before traveling to China for treatment. Because medical communication, medical-record preparation, and travel arrangements can involve multiple steps, some patients may also seek assistance from professional service organizations to coordinate these aspects.

DengYueMed: Connecting International Patients With Healthcare Resources in China

For international patients planning to seek lung cancer-related care in China, the process may involve multiple steps, from preparing medical records and exploring hospitals to remote communication and travel arrangements.

DengYueMed is committed to connecting international patients with healthcare resources in China. Based on individual needs, DengYueMed can assist patients in exploring relevant hospitals and specialized medical services, while providing support with remote communication and the translation and organization of medical records, helping make cross-border healthcare communication more efficient.

During the trip to China, DengYueMed can also assist with visa documentation, language interpretation, accommodation, and travel arrangements, helping international patients manage the various arrangements involved before, during, and after their medical journey to China.

Our goal is not simply to facilitate a single medical connection, but to connect China with global healthcare needs, giving more international patients the opportunity to learn about healthcare resources in China and helping quality healthcare services cross borders and connect the world more seamlessly.