Oncology & Immunotherapy
Cuba's pioneering cancer vaccines (CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, CIMAher) help the immune system recognize and fight certain tumors.
Oncology & Immunotherapy
Cuba's pioneering cancer vaccines (CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, CIMAher) help the immune system recognize and fight certain tumors.
Read our in-depth guide: Lung Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Breast Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Melanoma
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Prostate Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Cervical Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Cancer Treatment in Cuba
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Immunotherapy Abroad
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Read our in-depth guide: Liver Cancer
Symptoms, diagnosis, stages, Cuban treatment approach, eligibility & costs
Cuba's Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) has developed a family of therapeutic cancer vaccines. Unlike preventive vaccines (which stop disease before it starts), these therapeutic vaccines are given to people who already have cancer. They work by training the body's own immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. Cuba's cancer vaccine program has drawn international attention, including a historic collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in the United States.
Your Patient Journey
What to expect before, during, and after your treatment in Cuba.
- Step 1
Before You Arrive
Send your medical records for review. Our coordination team confirms eligibility, builds a personalized plan, and assists with visa and travel arrangements.
- Free remote medical records evaluation
- Visa and travel coordination
- Personalized treatment plan
- Step 2
During Treatment
Receive your treatment at one of our partner centers in Havana. A dedicated coordinator supports you at every appointment and procedure.
- Admission to partner center
- Specialist consultations and procedures
- On-site coordinator support
- Step 3
Aftercare & Recovery
Continue your recovery with a structured discharge plan, follow-up coordination, and remote check-ins with your Cuban medical team once you return home.
- Structured discharge and care plan
- Follow-up appointment scheduling
- Remote check-ins with your team
Outcomes & Recovery
An overview of documented outcomes and what to expect during and after treatment. Individual results vary and are confirmed during your personalized evaluation.
Success Rates & Experience
Typical Recovery Timeline
Induction phase
Several weeks of in-hospital care in Cuba to initiate the immune response and monitor tolerance.
Maintenance phase
Ongoing doses, often on an outpatient basis, over months as determined by your oncology team.
Follow-up
Ongoing monitoring of disease status and quality of life, coordinated with your home physician.
These figures reflect clinical experience and published studies. Individual results vary and are confirmed during a personalized medical evaluation.
Cuban Biotech vs. Standard International Care
A side-by-side look at what makes this treatment distinctive compared with conventional options abroad.
| Aspect | SMC Salud (Cuba) | Standard International Care |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment approach | Therapeutic cancer vaccines — CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, and CIMAher — that train the patient's own immune system to target tumors. | Conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drugs; newer immunotherapies limited by cost and regional approval. |
| Mechanism of action | Induces antibodies against EGF and NeuGcGM3 ganglioside, starving tumor cells of the growth signals they need to proliferate. | Cytotoxic cell killing or broad pathway inhibition, which can affect healthy as well as cancerous cells. |
| Side-effect profile | Generally well-tolerated with lower systemic toxicity than chemotherapy, thanks to its immune-based action. | Significant systemic side effects — nausea, fatigue, and immune-related adverse events. |
| Role in treatment | Used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment to prolong tumor stabilization and survival. | Maintenance immunotherapy is less widely offered outside of clinical trials. |
| Track record | 5,000+ lung cancer patients treated with CIMAvax-EGF; registered in 7 countries. | Newer immunotherapies have shorter real-world track records and high per-patient cost. |
| Accessibility | Available to international patients through SMC Salud regardless of their home country's approval status. | Access to the latest immunotherapies often restricted by regional approval and price. |
Treatment approach
SMC Salud (Cuba)
Therapeutic cancer vaccines — CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, and CIMAher — that train the patient's own immune system to target tumors.
Standard International Care
Conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drugs; newer immunotherapies limited by cost and regional approval.
Mechanism of action
SMC Salud (Cuba)
Induces antibodies against EGF and NeuGcGM3 ganglioside, starving tumor cells of the growth signals they need to proliferate.
Standard International Care
Cytotoxic cell killing or broad pathway inhibition, which can affect healthy as well as cancerous cells.
Side-effect profile
SMC Salud (Cuba)
Generally well-tolerated with lower systemic toxicity than chemotherapy, thanks to its immune-based action.
Standard International Care
Significant systemic side effects — nausea, fatigue, and immune-related adverse events.
Role in treatment
SMC Salud (Cuba)
Used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment to prolong tumor stabilization and survival.
Standard International Care
Maintenance immunotherapy is less widely offered outside of clinical trials.
Track record
SMC Salud (Cuba)
5,000+ lung cancer patients treated with CIMAvax-EGF; registered in 7 countries.
Standard International Care
Newer immunotherapies have shorter real-world track records and high per-patient cost.
Accessibility
SMC Salud (Cuba)
Available to international patients through SMC Salud regardless of their home country's approval status.
Standard International Care
Access to the latest immunotherapies often restricted by regional approval and price.
Recommended Cuban Products
Cuban medications and supplements related to this treatment, available through our pharmacy service.
CIMAvax-EGF®
Injection · conjugate + adjuvant vials · 0.8 mL each
Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (maintenance therapy)
Therapeutic cancer vaccine (rhEGF-rP64K conjugate in Montanide ISA 51) developed by Cuba's Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM). Induces antibodies against Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), starving tumor cells of a key growth signal. Hospital use only.
VAXIRA® (Racotumomab)
Injection · 1 mL vial
Advanced non-small cell lung cancer · immunotherapy
Therapeutic cancer vaccine (anti-idiotype antibody) developed by Cuban and Argentine scientists. Helps the immune system recognise and attack lung cancer cells. Indicated for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer after first-line treatment. Hospital use only.
HEBERSaVax® (Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine)
Injection · amber vial
Therapeutic cancer vaccine · tumor immune response
New therapeutic cancer vaccine developed by Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB). Recombinant protein vaccine that helps the immune system recognise and attack tumor cells, reducing tumor growth. Represents decades of Cuban research and innovation in oncology immunotherapy.
Vidatox® 30CH
Homeopathic drops · 30 mL bottle
Palliative oncology · pain relief · quality of life in cancer patients
Natural homeopathic medicine derived from the blue scorpion (Rhopalurus junceus) venom, developed by Labiofam Cuba. Widely used as a complementary therapy in cancer care for analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour supportive effects. Sublingual drops, prescribed alongside conventional oncology treatments.
These products are shown for informational purposes and may be prescribed or purchased through SMC Salud's pharmacy service. Prescription items (Rx) require a valid medical prescription; vaccines and biologics are administered under medical supervision only. Always consult your treating physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about the medical procedure and the full range of patient support services we provide for this treatment.
About the Procedure — Oncology & Immunotherapy
Patient Support Services
Cuban Biotech Therapies
Medically Reviewed
SMC Salud Medical Review Board
Board-certified physicians and specialists in oncology, neurology, dermatology, and endocrinology
Last reviewed: January 15, 2025
This content has been medically reviewed by qualified physicians and follows SMC Salud's editorial policy for health information. Medical content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
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Treatment suitability depends on specialist evaluation. Individual treatment plans apply.