The most recent breakthroughs in Cuban medical science, within the field of genetic engineering, have produced several cancer vaccines. This treatment has shown that even in advanced stages of the disease, it can offer a better quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, Cuban biotechnology researchers have achieved significant progress in developing new medicine and treatments against the fight in cancer, converting it from a terminal into a chronic disease.

By 2013, Cuba’s biotechnology centers had patented three cancer vaccines, Nimotuzumab or CIMAher for head, neck as well as gastrointestinal cancer(GI); CIMAVAX-EGF and Racotumomab or Vaxira (for non-small cell lung cancer), developed at the Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM).Since the announcement of the discovery of these vaccines, which are therapeutic and not preventive, their worldwide demand has been enormous.

In 2016, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the oldest Cancer Center in the United States, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct the first American trial on Cuban lung cancer vaccine CimaVax. Thus, becoming the first US institution to give CimaVax to American patients. Roswell Park is also in the process to acquire Racotumomab.

*Note: Keep in mind that Cuba continues to follow the standard treatments for cancer through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in combination with the explained immunotherapy. However, the treatment is determined by the type, stage of the cancer and related to the general health of the patient.