How lung cancer is treated in Korea

Outcomes, confirmed by national statistics

For people diagnosed with lung cancer in Korea between 2019 and 2023, the 5-year relative survival rate is 42.5% — 30 percentage points higher than in 1993–1995. These figures come from the national cancer registry, not from one hospital. In US SEER data, the 5-year relative survival rate for lung and bronchus cancer is 29.5% (diagnosed 2016–2022).

Survival has risen for two reasons. National low-dose CT screening has increased the share of cancers found early, and targeted drugs matched to markers such as EGFR and ALK, together with immune checkpoint inhibitors, have changed outcomes in advanced disease. EGFR mutations are especially common in people of Asian descent, so targeted therapy tends to be particularly effective.

For patients coming from abroad, this means that alongside your stage, whether you have marker test results is central to the review. If you do not, tissue slides can be sent and the testing done in Korea.

The treatment path depends on stage and markers

For stage 1–2 non-small cell lung cancer, surgery is the foundation. A lobe of the lung is removed thoracoscopically or robotically along with the lymph nodes, usually with a hospital stay of 5–7 days. Early cancer that cannot be operated on can be treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), finished within a few days.

Stage 3 combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and adding immunotherapy before or after surgery is becoming standard. Stage 4 starts with a targeted drug (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and others) or a combination of an immune checkpoint inhibitor and chemotherapy, depending on markers; oral medication can be continued at home.

Small cell lung cancer centers on chemotherapy and radiation, with immunotherapy added. Proton and carbon-ion therapy are considered for some lung cancers, but they are not right for every case, and the written opinion tells you whether they apply to yours.

What international patients actually pay

Based on published hospital prices, thoracoscopic lobectomy runs roughly USD 15,000–25,000, and robotic resection costs more. For targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the total varies widely by drug and number of cycles, and marker testing (NGS) is billed separately.

The estimate lists tests, surgery, hospital stay, medication, interpretation, and accommodation as separate line items, and for drug therapy it separates the first cycle from later cycles. If you proceed to treatment after a pre-arrival review, the review fee is credited against your medical bill.

What is possible in your case

Is your stage operable? Which marker tests are needed? Is there a targeted drug for you? Is immunotherapy a good fit? Does particle therapy apply? The written opinion answers in that order.

Send us your CT and PET imaging, biopsy results (including marker testing if available), pulmonary function tests, and your diagnosis. Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists will review them and give you a written opinion within 5 business days.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to repeat marker testing in Korea?

If you have results from home, we use them as they are. If not, tissue slides can be sent for NGS testing in Korea, or the testing can be done after you arrive.

Can I take oral targeted therapy home with me?

In many cases you can take a set supply home along with the prescription. Our coordinators check the import rules for your country.

Is immunotherapy suitable for everyone?

No. It is decided based on PD-L1 expression, other markers, and your general condition. If it is not a good fit, we do not recommend it.

How long a stay should I plan for?

About two weeks for surgery, ten days for stereotactic radiation, and 2–3 weeks for the first cycle of drug therapy. Particle therapy takes 4–6 weeks.

Is treatment harder if the cancer has spread to the brain?

Some targeted drugs penetrate the brain well, and stereotactic radiation can treat the metastatic sites separately. The written opinion sets out the order of treatment.