Doctors and researchers in Cuba have developed a lung cancer vaccine.

Specifically, they have created the therapeutic vaccine known as CIMAvax-EGF. It is often called Cimavax.

This immunotherapy was developed by the Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM) in Havana, Cuba.

The life-changing vaccine targets non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against epidermal growth factor (EGF). This protein helps cancer cells grow.

The vaccine doesn’t prevent lung cancer in healthy people (it’s not a preventive vaccine like those for viruses).

Instead, it’s a treatment for advanced stages (IIIB/IV) to help control the disease. It serves to extend survival and improve quality of life. This is often as maintenance therapy after chemotherapy.

Key facts: It has been in use in Cuba since around 2011. It is approved in Cuba for adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Clinical trials (including Phase III and IV) in Cuba showed it to be safe with minimal side effects.

It extended survival in many patients (e.g., some studies reported survival months to years longer than with standard care alone, especially in younger patients).

It’s approved in several countries (e.g., Cuba, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Paraguay).

Thousands of patients have received it worldwide. Over 5,000 were reported in earlier data. In Cuba, it’s provided free or at very low cost.

In the US, it’s not yet fully approved by the FDA for general use. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York has conducted clinical trials. These started around 2016–2017. This was through a historic US-Cuba collaboration.

It is available to eligible patients in those trials. Ongoing research explores combinations with other immunotherapies and the preventive potential in high-risk groups.

Recent updates (as of 2025–2026) show continued interest.

This includes real-world use studies confirming safety and effectiveness, joint ventures (e.g., with Russia), and availability for medical tourism in Cuba for lung and other cancers.

Claims sometimes exaggerate it as a ‘cure’ or universal preventive. While it is not a ‘cure,’ the core statement is accurate.

Cuban doctors and researchers developed a lung cancer vaccine. It is well-documented in scientific literature, clinical trials, and partnerships like with Roswell Park.

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