What is SMC International?

SMC International connects international patients with 50+ expert doctors across 8 crucial wellness and investment pages, simplifying global healthcare access.

Can Americans travel to Cuba for cancer treatment?

Yes. U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories. SMC Salud provides all necessary documentation, including the letter of medical necessity and treatment confirmation, to support travel authorization. Direct charter flights are available from Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale.

How does Cuba's cancer immunotherapy compare to U.S. immunotherapy (Keytruda, Opdivo)?

Cuba's therapeutic cancer vaccines (CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira) and U.S. checkpoint inhibitors (Keytruda/pembrolizumab, Opdivo/nivolumab) work through fundamentally different mechanisms. Checkpoint inhibitors release the brakes on T-cells to attack cancer; Cuban vaccines induce the patient's own immune system to produce antibodies that starve tumor cells of growth signals or target tumor-specific antigens. CIMAvax-EGF is used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment, while checkpoint inhibitors may be used as first-line therapy. A direct head-to-head comparison trial has not been completed. The Cuban oncology team evaluates each patient's cancer characteristics to determine which approach is appropriate.

Can I receive Cuban immunotherapy instead of chemotherapy?

No. Cuban cancer immunotherapy (CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, CIMAher) is used as maintenance therapy AFTER completion of first-line treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or immunotherapy). It is not a first-line treatment and should not be used instead of standard U.S. oncology care. Patients who have not completed first-line therapy should pursue standard treatment with their U.S. oncologist before considering Cuban immunotherapy. The Cuban oncology team requires documentation that first-line therapy has been completed before confirming eligibility.

Does U.S. health insurance or Medicare cover cancer treatment in Cuba?

No. Medicare, Medicaid, and U.S. private health insurance typically do not cover treatment in Cuba. Patients are responsible for the full cost. However, HSA/FSA funds may be usable for qualified medical expenses abroad — consult your plan administrator. Medical expenses may also be tax-deductible if they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. The secure payment gateway accepts U.S. credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex).

How long do I need to stay in Cuba for cancer immunotherapy?

The induction phase typically requires 2–4 weeks in Cuba, during which initial immunotherapy doses are administered and the immune response is monitored. After the induction phase, maintenance doses are administered on an outpatient basis — some patients return to Cuba periodically for maintenance, while others coordinate monitoring with their U.S. oncologist. The exact duration depends on your individual treatment plan, determined after medical review. SMC Salud coordinates all logistics including accommodation for the patient and accompanying family member.

Will my U.S. oncologist be involved in my Cuba treatment?

Yes. The Cuban immunotherapy is complementary to — not a replacement for — your U.S. oncology care. Your U.S. oncologist remains your primary treating physician. Before travel, the Cuban team reviews your medical records to determine eligibility. During treatment, the Cuban team can communicate with your U.S. oncologist as needed. After treatment, you receive a comprehensive medical report designed to be shared with your U.S. oncologist, and telemedicine follow-up allows ongoing coordination. SMC Salud facilitates all communication between the two medical teams.

How quickly will we see results from the immunotherapy program?

Cancer immunotherapy works gradually. For CIMAvax-EGF, the Cuban oncology team monitors anti-EGF antibody titers and EGF blood levels throughout the induction phase to confirm that the immune response is developing. Disease response is assessed through follow-up imaging (CT/PET) performed in the U.S. and shared with the Cuban team via telemedicine. Tumor stabilization — rather than shrinkage — is often the goal of maintenance immunotherapy. The timeline for observable clinical benefit varies by individual and cancer characteristics.

What happens if the immunotherapy doesn't help?

Every patient is individually evaluated before acceptance. If the Cuban oncology team determines during the medical record review that immunotherapy is unlikely to provide meaningful benefit — for example, if the cancer type is not appropriate, if first-line treatment has not been completed, or if there are contraindications — they will communicate this honestly and will not recommend treatment. Transparency about expected benefit is a core principle. Not every cancer patient is a candidate for Cuban immunotherapy.

How long is the cancer immunotherapy program in Cuba?

The induction phase typically requires 2–4 weeks in Cuba, with initial immunotherapy doses administered in the clinical facility and the immune response monitored. After the induction phase, maintenance doses are administered periodically — some patients return to Cuba for maintenance, while others coordinate monitoring with their U.S. oncologist. The exact duration and schedule depend on the individual treatment plan, which is determined after medical review and confirmed during the in-person oncology evaluation.

What is the follow-up timeline after returning home from Cuba?

After returning to the U.S., the patient continues under the care of their U.S. oncologist, who receives a comprehensive treatment report from the Cuban team. Follow-up imaging (CT/PET) is typically performed in the U.S. at intervals recommended by the Cuban team and the U.S. oncologist. Telemedicine follow-up consultations with the Cuban oncology team allow ongoing monitoring, review of imaging results, and adjustments to the maintenance plan. The frequency of telemedicine follow-ups depends on the individual treatment protocol.

How does maintenance therapy work after returning to the U.S.?

The Cuban oncology team designs a maintenance therapy plan tailored to the patient's treatment. Some patients return to Cuba periodically for maintenance doses of CIMAvax-EGF or Vaxira; others coordinate monitoring with their U.S. oncologist. The comprehensive treatment report includes maintenance recommendations and a clear schedule. Telemedicine follow-up consultations allow the Cuban team to monitor progress, review follow-up imaging performed in the U.S., and adjust the maintenance plan as needed. SMC Salud's coordinators facilitate scheduling of return visits and telemedicine consultations.

How long does the medical review take before we can travel to Cuba?

After submitting medical records (pathology reports, staging imaging, treatment history, biomarker results, and current medications), the oncology team reviews them and responds with a treatment proposal within 5–10 business days. If the proposal is accepted, travel coordination — including travel authorization documentation, flight booking, and accommodation — typically takes an additional 2–4 weeks. Most patients complete the full process from submission to arrival in Havana within 4–6 weeks.

Who is eligible for cancer immunotherapy in Cuba?

Eligibility is determined through individual medical review. CIMAvax-EGF and Vaxira are indicated for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have completed first-line therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or immunotherapy) and achieved stable disease, partial response, or complete response. CIMAher is indicated for patients with EGFR-expressing cancers including head & neck cancer, glioma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients must be medically stable enough to travel (ECOG performance status 0–2) with adequate organ function. The multidisciplinary team reviews each case individually — acceptance is based on cancer type, stage, prior treatment response, and overall health, not on a fixed checklist.

Is there a cancer type or stage that is not suitable for the Cuban program?

Yes. Patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), early-stage NSCLC eligible for curative surgery/radiation, active uncontrolled infections, severe uncontrolled comorbidities, or poor performance status (ECOG 3–4) may not be suitable. Patients who have not completed first-line therapy should pursue standard U.S. treatment first. The Cuban oncology team evaluates cancer type, stage, prior treatment response, and overall health during the medical review. If the team determines the program would not provide meaningful benefit, they communicate this honestly. This is why the pre-travel medical review is essential.

What medical records are required for the eligibility evaluation?

The medical review requires: (1) pathology report confirming cancer type and subtype, (2) staging documentation (CT/MRI/PET reports, preferably within 3 months), (3) complete treatment history (chemotherapy regimens with drugs/dates/response, radiation, surgery, prior immunotherapy or targeted therapy), (4) molecular profiling (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, PD-L1 if available), (5) tumor markers including EGF levels if available, (6) current medications and overall health status, (7) ECOG performance status, and (8) your U.S. oncologist's contact information for coordination. All records can be submitted securely through our online upload portal.

Can I receive Cuban immunotherapy if I'm currently on Keytruda or Opdivo?

Your case will be reviewed by the Cuban oncology team to determine compatibility with prior and current treatments. Having received checkpoint inhibitors does not automatically disqualify you, but the medical team needs to evaluate your complete treatment history, response to prior therapies, and current health status. CIMAvax-EGF is typically used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment is completed. Each case is evaluated individually — the team will determine whether Cuban immunotherapy is appropriate alongside or after your current U.S. treatment.

Does a family member need to accompany the patient?

It is strongly recommended that a family member or caregiver accompany the patient, particularly given the emotional and logistical demands of international cancer treatment. Accommodation for one accompanying family member is included in the program. English-speaking coordinators provide support throughout the stay. While not always mandatory, companion participation significantly improves the patient experience and ensures someone is available to help coordinate care and communication with the U.S. oncologist.

What does the CIMAvax-EGF treatment protocol involve?

The CIMAvax-EGF protocol has two phases. Induction: initial vaccine doses are administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection over 2–4 weeks in Havana, with the immune response monitored via anti-EGF antibody titers and EGF blood levels. Maintenance: after the induction phase, periodic booster doses are administered to sustain the anti-EGF antibody response — some patients return to Cuba for maintenance, while others coordinate monitoring with their U.S. oncologist. The vaccine is used as maintenance therapy after completion of first-line treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery), not as a first-line treatment.

What does the Vaxira (racotumomab) treatment protocol involve?

The Vaxira protocol follows the same induction–maintenance structure as CIMAvax-EGF. Vaxira is administered by subcutaneous or intradermal injection and induces an immune response against the NeuGcGM3 ganglioside — a tumor-specific antigen abundantly expressed on lung tumor cells but largely absent from normal human tissues. The induction phase (2–4 weeks) establishes the immune response, followed by periodic maintenance doses. The Cuban oncology team determines whether CIMAvax-EGF or Vaxira is more appropriate based on the patient's specific cancer characteristics and biomarker profile.

What does the CIMAher (nimotuzumab) treatment protocol involve?

CIMAher is administered by intravenous infusion, typically in a clinical facility in Havana. Unlike the therapeutic vaccines (CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira), CIMAher is a monoclonal antibody that directly targets the EGFR receptor on tumor cells. Its bivalent binding mechanism gives it preferential affinity for high-EGFR tumor cells, resulting in significantly less skin toxicity than U.S. EGFR inhibitors like cetuximab (Erbitux). CIMAher is used for head & neck cancer, glioma (brain tumors), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and other EGFR-overexpressing solid tumors. The treatment schedule and duration are determined individually based on cancer type and treatment history.

How does the Cuban oncology team determine which protocol is right for me?

The multidisciplinary tumor board reviews each patient's pathology reports, staging imaging, molecular profiling (EGFR mutation, PD-L1, ALK, ROS1), tumor markers (including EGF levels), complete treatment history, and overall health. Based on this review, the team determines whether CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, or CIMAher is most appropriate — or whether none is suitable. CIMAvax-EGF and Vaxira are indicated for advanced NSCLC after first-line therapy; CIMAher is indicated for EGFR-expressing cancers including head & neck and glioma. The choice depends on cancer type, subtype, stage, biomarker profile, and prior treatment response. Each case is evaluated individually.

Who is eligible for the CIMAvax-EGF protocol?

CIMAvax-EGF is indicated for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — Stage IIIB or IV — who have completed first-line therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or immunotherapy) and achieved stable disease, partial response, or complete response. Patients with higher baseline EGF levels may benefit more, as the vaccine works by depleting circulating EGF. Patients must have ECOG performance status 0–2 and adequate organ function. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients and early-stage NSCLC patients eligible for curative treatment are generally not candidates. Eligibility is confirmed through individual medical review.

Who is eligible for the CIMAher (nimotuzumab) protocol?

CIMAher is indicated for patients with EGFR-expressing cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, glioma (high-grade brain tumors), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and other EGFR-overexpressing solid tumors. Eligibility is determined by cancer type, EGFR expression status, prior treatment history, and overall health. The Cuban oncology team reviews pathology reports, EGFR expression data, staging imaging, and treatment history to confirm suitability. CIMAher may be used alone or in combination with other therapies, depending on the individual case.

Can the Cuban immunotherapy protocols be combined with my current U.S. cancer treatment?

Cuban immunotherapy is designed to complement — not replace — standard U.S. oncology care. The Cuban oncology team evaluates compatibility with any ongoing treatments during the medical review. CIMAvax-EGF and Vaxira are typically used following completion of first-line therapy, not concurrently with chemotherapy. CIMAher may be used in combination with radiation therapy in certain cases. The team coordinates with your U.S. oncologist to ensure the Cuban protocol integrates safely with your overall treatment plan. Patients should never discontinue or alter their U.S. oncologist's prescribed treatment without explicit guidance.

What are the phases of the international patient treatment program?

The program has three structured phases. Phase 1 — Arrival & Oncology Evaluation (3–5 days): comprehensive review of all medical records, physical examination by a Cuban oncologist, blood tests (including EGF levels and tumor markers), treatment plan confirmation, and informed consent. Phase 2 — Induction (2–4 weeks): initial immunotherapy doses administered in the clinical facility with medical monitoring of immune response and side effects. Phase 3 — Maintenance (ongoing): periodic booster doses administered on an outpatient basis, either during return visits to Cuba or coordinated with the patient's U.S. oncologist. SMC Salud coordinates all logistics throughout every phase.

How long do international patients typically stay in Cuba for treatment?

The initial stay typically ranges from 3–5 weeks: 3–5 days for the arrival and oncology evaluation phase, followed by 2–4 weeks for the induction phase during which initial immunotherapy doses are administered and the immune response is monitored. The exact duration depends on the specific protocol, the patient's cancer type and stage, and their individual treatment plan — all determined after the medical review and confirmed during the in-person evaluation. Accommodation for the patient and one accompanying family member is included throughout the stay.

How frequently do patients need to return to Cuba for maintenance doses?

Maintenance dose frequency varies by protocol and individual treatment plan. After the induction phase, the Cuban oncology team designs a personalized maintenance schedule — typically involving periodic doses (monthly or as determined by the team). Some patients return to Cuba for maintenance doses; others coordinate monitoring with their U.S. oncologist and receive maintenance during scheduled return visits. Telemedicine follow-up consultations allow the Cuban team to monitor progress, review follow-up imaging performed in the U.S., and adjust the maintenance schedule as needed. There is no fixed return frequency — it is determined individually.

What monitoring is performed during the immunotherapy protocol?

Throughout the protocol, the Cuban oncology team performs regular monitoring tailored to the specific immunotherapy. For CIMAvax-EGF, this includes anti-EGF antibody titer measurements (to confirm the immune response is developing), EGF blood level monitoring (to confirm EGF depletion), tumor marker tracking, and periodic restaging imaging (CT/PET) — the latter typically performed in the U.S. and shared via telemedicine. For all protocols, the team monitors treatment tolerance, side effects, and overall health. This biomarker-driven approach is consistent with precision oncology and helps the team assess whether the immunotherapy is producing the intended biological response.

Cancer Immunotherapy in Cuba for U.S. Patients | CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira & CIMAher

Is This Program Right for You?

Who Benefits from Cancer Immunotherapy in Cuba

Cuba's cancer immunotherapy program serves American patients across several cancer types and treatment stages. If any of these describe your situation, Cuba's international treatment program may offer options worth exploring.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Patients with advanced NSCLC who have completed first-line therapy and are seeking maintenance immunotherapy options — CIMAvax-EGF and Vaxira are designed for this indication.

Patients Who've Exhausted U.S. Options

Cancer patients who have progressed through standard U.S. therapies — chemotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapy — and are exploring additional international treatment options.

Head & Neck Cancer Patients

Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck seeking CIMAher (nimotuzumab) — an EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody with a gentler skin-toxicity profile than U.S. alternatives.

Families Seeking Additional Options

When standard U.S. oncology care has been maximized, or a patient's cancer has progressed despite treatment, Cuba offers a fundamentally different immunotherapy approach.

Maintenance Therapy Seekers

Patients who have completed first-line treatment and want to maintain disease control — Cuban therapeutic vaccines are designed as maintenance immunotherapy, not first-line treatment.

Roswell Park Trial Candidates

American patients aware of the Roswell Park–CIM collaboration who want direct access to Cuban immunotherapy without waiting for U.S. trial enrollment or FDA approval.

Cancer Immunotherapy Options

Cuban Therapeutic Vaccines & Targeted Immunotherapy

Cuba's Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) has developed a portfolio of therapeutic cancer vaccines and targeted monoclonal antibodies that take a fundamentally different approach from U.S. checkpoint inhibitors — active immunotherapy that induces the patient's own immune system to fight the cancer.

CIMAvax-EGF Therapeutic Vaccine

Cuba's CIM-developed therapeutic cancer vaccine for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Induces anti-EGF antibodies that deplete circulating Epidermal Growth Factor, starving tumor cells of a key growth signal. Used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment. Not FDA-approved, not available in the U.S.

Vaxira (Racotumomab)

Cuba's second therapeutic lung cancer vaccine, targeting the NeuGcGM3 ganglioside on tumor cells. An active immunotherapy that stimulates the patient's own immune system to attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Not FDA-approved.

CIMAher (Nimotuzumab)

Cuba's EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody for head & neck cancer, glioma, and other EGFR-expressing tumors. Its bivalent binding mechanism results in significantly less skin toxicity than U.S. EGFR inhibitors like cetuximab (Erbitux). Not FDA-approved.

Comprehensive Oncology Evaluation

Full oncology review — pathology confirmation, staging imaging, tumor markers, biomarker profiling, and multidisciplinary tumor board assessment to determine treatment suitability and design a personalized plan.

Dual-Team Care Coordination

Cuba's oncology team coordinates directly with your U.S. oncologist — sharing treatment proposals, progress reports, and maintenance plans so your American physician remains your primary treating physician throughout.

Immune Response Monitoring

For CIMAvax-EGF patients, anti-EGF antibody titers and EGF blood levels are monitored throughout treatment to confirm immune response and guide maintenance dosing — a biomarker-driven precision approach.

No treatment cures cancer or guarantees survival in all cases. Cuba's immunotherapies are maintenance therapies used after first-line treatment. CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, and CIMAher are investigational and not FDA-approved. Treatment suitability is determined after individual medical evaluation. Individual outcomes vary.

CIMAvax-EGF Therapeutic Vaccine

Cuba's Pioneering Lung Cancer Vaccine

CIMAvax-EGF is Cuba's therapeutic cancer vaccine for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), developed by the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) in Havana. It works by a unique mechanism: inducing the patient's immune system to produce antibodies against Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), depleting circulating EGF and starving cancer cells of a key growth signal. More than 5,000 patients worldwide have been treated.

Active immunotherapy — stimulates the patient's own immune system to produce anti-EGF antibodies
Targets EGF (the growth factor) rather than EGFR (the receptor) — a fundamentally different approach
Used as maintenance therapy after completion of first-line treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery)
Phase III trial showed overall survival benefit, particularly in patients with high baseline EGF levels
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center conducted the first U.S. clinical trial
Registered in Cuba, Argentina, Bosnia, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Paraguay, Peru — not FDA-approved

Learn About Lung Cancer Treatment

5,000+

patients treated worldwide with CIMAvax-EGF

U.S. checkpoint inhibitor cost$100K–$150K+/yr

Cuba immunotherapy approachActive vaccine

AdministrationIM / SC injection

U.S. clinical trialRoswell Park

The Roswell Park Collaboration

U.S.–Cuba Cancer Research Partnership

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York — an NCI-designated cancer center — conducted the first U.S. clinical trial of CIMAvax-EGF. The Phase I trial confirmed that the vaccine is safe and biologically active in American patients, who mounted an anti-EGF antibody response similar to Cuban patients. This validates that CIMAvax-EGF works in a U.S. population and represents a landmark in U.S.–Cuba scientific collaboration.

First U.S. clinical trial of a Cuban cancer vaccine
Confirmed safety and immunogenicity in American patients
NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Buffalo, NY
Foundation for potential future FDA evaluation

Learn About CIMAvax-EGF

Cancer Second Opinion Abroad

Seeking a Second Opinion from Cuba

Many American cancer patients seek a second opinion from Cuba's oncology team — particularly when U.S. treatment options have been exhausted, when the cancer has progressed despite standard therapy, or when maintenance immunotherapy options are desired after completing first-line treatment.

Independent assessment by Cuba's multidisciplinary tumor board
Review of pathology, staging imaging, and complete treatment history
Evaluation for CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira, or CIMAher suitability
Comprehensive treatment report for your U.S. oncologist
No obligation to travel — review is complimentary with submission

Request a Second Opinion

Cancer Immunotherapy Comparison

Cuba's Therapeutic Vaccines vs. U.S. Immunotherapy

The most significant difference is the mechanism of action and treatment phase. Cuba's therapeutic cancer vaccines are active immunotherapies used as maintenance therapy, while U.S. checkpoint inhibitors are passive immunotherapies often used as first-line treatment. Understanding this helps American patients make informed decisions.

Aspect	U.S. Standard Care	Cuba's Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy Type	Checkpoint inhibitors (Keytruda, Opdivo) — passive immunotherapy	Therapeutic cancer vaccines (CIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira) — active immunotherapy
Mechanism	Releases brakes on T-cells to attack cancer	Induces antibodies to starve tumor cells of growth signals (EGF) or target tumor antigens (NeuGcGM3)
Treatment Phase	First-line or second-line therapy	Maintenance therapy after first-line treatment is completed
Administration	Intravenous infusion in hospital/clinic	Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (less invasive)
U.S. Availability	FDA-approved and widely available	Not FDA-approved; available only in Cuba (Roswell Park trials ongoing)
Annual Cost	$100,000–$150,000+ per year (checkpoint inhibitors)	All-inclusive program — transparent pricing after medical review
Skin Toxicity (EGFR)	Severe acneiform rash with cetuximab (80%+)	CIMAher — significantly less frequent and less severe skin toxicity

Cancer Treatment Outside the USA — By State

State-by-State Cancer Treatment Guides

We've prioritized the 10 U.S. states with the largest populations and highest cancer prevalence. Each state page includes local cancer statistics, travel logistics, departure airports, and state-specific context for patients considering immunotherapy in Cuba.

Florida

View state guide

Texas

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California

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New York

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Pennsylvania

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Ohio

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Michigan

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Georgia

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North Carolina

View state guide

Illinois

View state guide

Louisiana

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Maryland

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Mississippi

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South Carolina

View state guide

Oklahoma

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Southeastern United States

View state guide

Southern United States

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Eastern United States

View state guide

East Coast

View state guide

International Cancer Treatment Program

From U.S. Home to Havana and Back

SMC Salud coordinates every step — from medical record review to travel authorization, oncology evaluation, immunotherapy treatment, and telemedicine follow-up after you return home.

01

Submit Medical Records

Send pathology reports, staging imaging (CT/MRI/PET), treatment history, biomarker results, and current medications. The oncology team reviews and responds within 5–10 business days with a treatment proposal.

02

Travel to Havana

Direct charter flights from Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. SMC Salud provides travel authorization documentation and airport reception in Havana.

03

Oncology Evaluation & Treatment

Comprehensive oncology evaluation, induction-phase immunotherapy (2–4 weeks), immune response monitoring, and coordination with your U.S. oncologist — all in English.

04

Return Home with a Plan

Comprehensive treatment report for your U.S. oncologist, personalized maintenance therapy plan, and ongoing telemedicine follow-up with the Cuban team.

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Estimate Your Oncology Treatment Timeline in Cuba

Answer three quick questions to see a personalized timeline covering the medical review, travel coordination, in-person evaluation, induction-phase immunotherapy, and telemedicine follow-up — so you know what to expect at every step.

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Which immunotherapy protocol are you considering?

Treatment Protocols, Eligibility & Program Duration

Available Protocols, Who Qualifies & How Long It Takes

Detailed answers about the three Cuban immunotherapy protocols, protocol-specific eligibility, and the typical program duration for international patients traveling to Havana for cancer treatment.

Cuba's CIM offers three immunotherapy protocols for international patients: (1) CIMAvax-EGF — a therapeutic vaccine for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that induces anti-EGF antibodies to deplete circulating Epidermal Growth Factor; (2) Vaxira (racotumomab) — a therapeutic vaccine targeting the NeuGcGM3 ganglioside on lung tumor cells; and (3) CIMAher (nimotuzumab) — an EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody for head & neck cancer, glioma, and other EGFR-expressing tumors. All three are used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment and are not FDA-approved or available in the United States.

Protocol details, eligibility criteria, and program durations are general in nature. The specific protocol, eligibility, and timeline for any individual patient are determined only after a full medical review by the Cuban oncology team. No specific outcome is guaranteed.

Meet the Oncology Team

The Specialists Behind Cuba's Cancer Immunotherapy Program

Cuba's cancer immunotherapy program at the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) is led by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, immunologists, and clinical researchers with decades of experience in therapeutic cancer vaccine development and EGFR-targeted therapy.

CV

Dr. Carlos Valdés

Lead Medical Oncologist — Immunotherapy

Medical Oncology · Cancer Immunotherapy

26+ yearsof clinical experience

Credentials

Specialist in Medical Oncology, University of Havana
Senior clinician, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM)
Member, Cuban Society of Oncology

Clinical Focus

CIMAvax-EGF therapyTherapeutic cancer vaccinesMaintenance immunotherapy

2,100+

International patients treated

40+

Peer-reviewed publications

LM

Dr. Laura Méndez

Clinical Immunologist — CIM Researcher

Tumor Immunology · Vaccine Development

21+ yearsof clinical experience

Credentials

PhD in Immunology, University of Havana
Research lead, CIM Therapeutic Vaccines Unit
Contributor to CIMAvax-EGF clinical trial program

Clinical Focus

EGF pathway immunologyAnti-idiotype vaccinesImmune response monitoring

1,600+

Patients in immunotherapy protocols

21

Years in cancer immunology

RG

Dr. Ramón Gómez

Head & Neck Oncology Specialist

Head & Neck Surgery · EGFR-Targeted Therapy

23+ yearsof clinical experience

Credentials

Specialist in Head & Neck Surgery, University of Havana
Lead clinician, CIMAher (nimotuzumab) treatment program
Member, International Head & Neck Cancer Research Group

Clinical Focus

Nimotuzumab therapyHead & neck cancerEGFR-targeted treatment

1,400+

Head & neck patients treated

23

Years in oncology surgery

The full multidisciplinary team also includes radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and patient coordinators. Individual team composition is assigned based on each patient's cancer type and clinical needs after medical evaluation. Specialist availability is subject to the program schedule.

Request a Consultation View All Specialists

Travel, Cost & Payment for U.S. Patients

What American Patients Need to Know

Travel Authorization

• U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories
• SMC Salud provides letter of medical necessity
• Direct charter flights from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale
• Connecting flights via Mexico, Canada, or Bahamas
• Airport reception and ground transport in Havana

Cost & Insurance

• All-inclusive program (treatment + medical care + accommodation + meals)
• Transparent pricing after medical review
• U.S. insurance & Medicare do not cover Cuba treatment
• HSA/FSA funds may be usable — consult your plan administrator
• Medical expenses may be tax-deductible (over 7.5% AGI)

Payment Methods

• Secure online gateway — U.S. credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)
• International bank transfers in EUR, GBP, or CAD
• USD bank transfers are not accepted
• Itemized invoices provided for HSA/FSA reimbursement
• Comprehensive medical documentation for tax purposes

Cancer Immunotherapy Abroad — Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from American Patients

Cuba offers three immunotherapies developed by the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) that are not FDA-approved and not available in the United States: CIMAvax-EGF — a therapeutic vaccine for non-small cell lung cancer that induces anti-EGF antibodies to deplete circulating Epidermal Growth Factor; Vaxira (racotumomab) — a therapeutic vaccine targeting the NeuGcGM3 ganglioside on lung tumor cells; and CIMAher (nimotuzumab) — an EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody for head & neck cancer and glioma with a gentler skin-toxicity profile than U.S. EGFR inhibitors. These are used as maintenance therapy after first-line treatment, not as first-line treatments.

Cancer Immunotherapy — Treatment Expectations, Timelines & Eligibility

What to Expect from Cuban Cancer Immunotherapy

Detailed answers about treatment expectations, recovery timelines, and eligibility criteria for international patients considering Cuba's cancer immunotherapy program at the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM).

Cuba's therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to prolong disease control, maintain quality of life, and potentially extend survival — not to cure cancer. CIMAvax-EGF works by depleting circulating EGF, starving tumor cells of a growth signal. The Cuban Phase III trial demonstrated a statistically significant overall survival benefit compared to best supportive care, particularly in patients with high baseline EGF levels. However, individual outcomes vary significantly based on cancer type, stage, prior treatment response, overall health, and immune response to the vaccine. No specific outcome is guaranteed. The Cuban oncology team evaluates each patient individually and provides an honest assessment of expected benefit before acceptance.

All eligibility and treatment-expectation information is general in nature. Individual suitability is determined only after a full medical review of the patient's cancer type, stage, imaging, treatment history, and current clinical status. No specific outcome — including survival benefit — is guaranteed.

Patient Assessment Form

Start Your Medical Evaluation

Complete this secure assessment to help Cuba's oncology team understand your condition and determine whether an international treatment program may be appropriate. All information is confidential.

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Condition Details

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Review & Submit

Step 1 of 5 — Your Information

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Ready to Explore Cancer Immunotherapy in Cuba?

Submit your medical records for a complimentary review by Cuba's oncology team. Receive a personalized treatment proposal within 5–10 business days — no obligation to travel.

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Cancer Immunotherapy in CubaCIMAvax-EGF, Vaxira & CIMAher for U.S. Cancer Patients

Who Benefits from Cancer Immunotherapy in Cuba

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Patients Who've Exhausted U.S. Options

Head & Neck Cancer Patients

Families Seeking Additional Options

Maintenance Therapy Seekers

Roswell Park Trial Candidates

Cuban Therapeutic Vaccines & Targeted Immunotherapy

CIMAvax-EGF Therapeutic Vaccine

Vaxira (Racotumomab)

CIMAher (Nimotuzumab)

Comprehensive Oncology Evaluation

Dual-Team Care Coordination

Immune Response Monitoring

Cuba's Pioneering Lung Cancer Vaccine

U.S.–Cuba Cancer Research Partnership

Seeking a Second Opinion from Cuba

Cuba's Therapeutic Vaccines vs. U.S. Immunotherapy

State-by-State Cancer Treatment Guides

From U.S. Home to Havana and Back

Submit Medical Records

Travel to Havana

Oncology Evaluation & Treatment

Return Home with a Plan

Estimate Your Oncology Treatment Timeline in Cuba

Which immunotherapy protocol are you considering?

Available Protocols, Who Qualifies & How Long It Takes

The Specialists Behind Cuba's Cancer Immunotherapy Program

Dr. Carlos Valdés

Dr. Laura Méndez

Dr. Ramón Gómez

What American Patients Need to Know

Travel Authorization

Cost & Insurance

Payment Methods

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What to Expect from Cuban Cancer Immunotherapy

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