What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, accounting for more deaths than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. It is broadly classified into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — which includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma — and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is less common but more aggressive. Shanghai's oncology centers, particularly Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Ruijin Hospital, are at the forefront of precision lung cancer treatment in Asia.
Symptoms
Lung cancer symptoms often appear only in advanced stages, underscoring the importance of early screening for high-risk individuals:
- Persistent cough that worsens over time
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
- Recurrent respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
- Bone pain or headaches (in metastatic disease)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Smoking — responsible for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Radon gas exposure — a leading cause in non-smokers
- Occupational exposures — asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel
- Air pollution — particularly relevant in urban Asian populations
- Genetic mutations — EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS mutations are common in Asian non-smokers
- Family history of lung cancer
Diagnosis
Precision diagnosis is the foundation of effective lung cancer treatment. Shanghai's oncology teams use:
- Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening — recommended for high-risk individuals aged 50–80 with significant smoking history
- PET-CT scan — for comprehensive staging and detection of distant metastases
- Bronchoscopy with biopsy — for centrally located tumors
- CT-guided percutaneous biopsy — for peripheral lung nodules
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) — for mediastinal lymph node sampling
- Comprehensive molecular profiling (NGS) — testing for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, MET, BRAF, RET, NTRK mutations to guide targeted therapy
- PD-L1 expression testing — to determine immunotherapy eligibility
- Liquid biopsy (ctDNA) — for non-invasive mutation detection and treatment monitoring
Treatment Options
Shanghai's lung cancer teams offer the full spectrum of precision oncology treatments:
- Surgical resection — lobectomy, segmentectomy, or pneumonectomy via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or robotic-assisted approaches for early-stage disease
- EGFR-targeted therapy — Osimertinib (Tagrisso), Gefitinib, Erlotinib for EGFR-mutant NSCLC; highly prevalent in Asian patients
- ALK inhibitors — Alectinib, Brigatinib, Lorlatinib for ALK-rearranged NSCLC
- Other targeted agents — Crizotinib/Entrectinib (ROS1), Sotorasib (KRAS G12C), Capmatinib (MET exon 14), Selpercatinib (RET)
- Immunotherapy — Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Atezolizumab as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy
- Platinum-based chemotherapy — Carboplatin/Paclitaxel, Cisplatin/Pemetrexed for NSCLC; EP regimen for SCLC
- Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT/SABR) — for early-stage inoperable tumors or oligometastatic disease
- Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) — for SCLC patients achieving complete response
- Antiangiogenic therapy — Bevacizumab, Anlotinib for advanced NSCLC
Why Treat Lung Cancer in Shanghai?
- Asian patients, particularly East Asians, have a significantly higher prevalence of EGFR mutations — Shanghai oncologists have unparalleled experience managing EGFR-driven lung cancer
- Access to the latest generation targeted therapies and immunotherapy combinations, often at 50–70% lower cost than in Western countries
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center is one of China's premier comprehensive cancer centers with dedicated thoracic oncology multidisciplinary teams
- Rapid access to NGS molecular profiling — results typically available within 7–14 days
- Clinical trial access for novel agents not yet approved in other markets
Our Specialist Network
CMCS works with leading thoracic oncologists and surgeons across Shanghai's top cancer centers, including Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Ruijin Hospital, and Zhongshan Hospital. Our network includes specialists in thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and interventional pulmonology to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care.
How CMCS Can Help
A lung cancer diagnosis requires fast, expert action. China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) can rapidly coordinate your care — reviewing your imaging and pathology, arranging priority specialist consultations, facilitating molecular testing, and coordinating treatment at Shanghai's leading cancer centers. We provide full medical interpretation, logistical support, and ongoing case management throughout your treatment journey.
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