Best Lung Cancer Hospitals in the World and United States

Asbestos exposure causes around 4% of lung cancer cases, leading to over 9,000 new diagnoses in the U.S. each year. Due to the long latency period of asbestos-induced lung cancer, symptoms can take decades to appear, complicating timely diagnosis. With the average age of lung cancer diagnosis at about 70, patients and their families often feel overwhelmed when seeking the best treatment options and hospitals.

Lung cancer treatment is rapidly advancing, with hospitals constantly adopting the latest medical procedures and technologies. To assist those facing a diagnosis, Lung Cancer Center has compiled a list of the best lung cancer hospitals in the U.S. and worldwide, ensuring access to the most effective care available.

5 Best Lung Cancer Hospitals in the U.S.

Hospitals offer different benefits and drawbacks depending on each patient’s needs. At Lung Cancer Center, we highlight the best lung cancer hospitals in America for their advanced lung cancer treatments and pivotal clinical trials specific to lung cancer. These top-tier facilities excel in several key areas, including:

  • Overall Patient Experience: A focus on compassionate, personalized care.
  • Staffing: Highly experienced doctors, nurses, and support staff.
  • Technological Advancements: Access to cutting-edge medical technologies and treatments.
  • Volume of Patients: Extensive experience treating a high volume of lung cancer patients.

Top lung cancer hospitals are distinguished by their expert staff, including oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists, who are among the leading specialists in mesothelioma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis in the United States. This combination of exceptional patient care, advanced technology, and specialized expertise makes these hospitals the best choice for lung cancer treatment.

Mayo Clinic – Renowned Lung Cancer Department

Mayo Clinic, with campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota, is renowned for its specialized lung cancer departments. These departments offer a wide range of services, from palliative care and pulmonary medicine to lung radiofrequency ablation. With over 65 cancer specialists, Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, treating more than 6,000 lung cancer patients annually.

Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive cancer center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, recognizing its high-quality, thorough, and multidisciplinary cancer treatment programs. The clinic is known for its innovative approaches to early diagnosis through advanced screening programs and for making surgeries less invasive with techniques like microlobectomy and robotic lobectomy.

Mayo Clinic is conducting a clinical trial on the effects of radiation therapy compared to immune therapy treatment (atezolizumab) for patients with small-cell lung cancer. Although this study is currently closed for enrollment, its goal is to compare the impact of adding radiation therapy to the standard maintenance therapy with atezolizumab versus using atezolizumab alone. This study focuses on patients who have already received a combination of atezolizumab and chemotherapy for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer, where the cancer has spread beyond the lung to other parts of the body.

University of Colorado Denver Hospital

University of Colorado Health (UCHealth) specializes in treating cancers of the lung and thoracic (chest) cavity, including non-small cell lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma) and small cell lung cancer. Their Comprehensive Cancer Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus is one of only 51 elite cancer centers in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute, renowned worldwide for developing and setting new standards in lung and related cancer treatments. According to the National Cancer Institute, UCHealth boasts a five-year lung cancer survival rate 15.5% higher than the national average, underscoring its leadership among hospitals in the nation.

At UCHealth facilities, a multidisciplinary team of doctors and support professionals collaborates to develop the best care plan for each patient. This team remains with you from your initial appointment through treatment and aftercare, ensuring comprehensive and continuous support.

UCHealth Denver is conducting an innovative clinical trial focusing on early rebiopsy to identify mechanisms and biomarkers of tumor cell survival following systemic therapy for lung cancer. This study compares baseline tumor characteristics in oncogene-driven cancers to those observed after an early response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) targeted treatments. By identifying early adaptive mechanisms of cell survival, the research aims to facilitate the targeting and termination of these survival and resistance pathways before they fully develop. The goal is to improve patient outcomes through rational combinations of therapeutic agents that address these pathways effectively.

UCLA Medical Center – California Lung Treatment

UCLA Medical Center is recognized for exceptional healthcare in California and Los Angeles, consistently ranked on the National Honor Roll for “Best Hospitals” for an impressive 35 consecutive years. Recognized highly by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, it also holds a top-five ranking nationwide for pulmonology and lung surgery by U.S. News & World Report. These accolades underscore UCLA Health’s commitment to excellence.

UCLA Health offers a multispecialty team, precision medicine, convenient care options, and access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials. With over 20 locations across Southern California and robust telehealth services, UCLA physicians deliver personalized lung cancer care plans tailored to each patient’s needs, regardless of location.

UCLA Health is actively involved in national cancer research groups and holds a prestigious designation as a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in lung cancer. Notably, UCLA’s clinical trials include a collaborative screening protocol developed by the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium (LCMC) and supported by the Thoracic Surgery Oncology Group (TSOG). This protocol aims to evaluate the feasibility of comprehensive molecular profiling for detecting actionable oncogenic drivers in patients with suspected early-stage lung cancers, optimizing diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center – California Lung Care

Cedars-Sinai Cancer is consistently ranked among the best lung cancer programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and has been recognized as one of Healthgrades’ America’s 50 Best Hospitals.

The expert lung doctors at Cedars-Sinai provide specialized treatment plans that include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Beyond traditional treatments, Cedars-Sinai offers comprehensive support services such as spiritual care (interfaith chaplains, meditation, and Reiki), psychiatric services, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Cedars-Sinai is also at the forefront of lung cancer research, offering clinical trials. One of their recent clinical trial studies focuses on patients with non-small cell lung cancer, aiming to determine the effects of targeted or immunotherapy treatments on specific genes and proteins in the patient’s tumor. This research is crucial in developing personalized treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes.

Cleveland Clinic – Ohio Premier Cancer Center

With over 300 locations nationwide and a dedicated lung cancer hub in Florida, Cleveland Clinic is a premier cancer care center for lung cancer patients. The lung cancer division boasts over 30 specialized doctors, including medical oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiologists, all committed to advancing lung cancer treatment and support.

Cleveland Clinic utilizes advanced radiology tools that provide high-resolution imaging of the lungs for the most detailed views. Each cancer center is an American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer®-accredited program. Additionally, the Maroone Cancer Center at Weston Hospital has earned the Florida Department of Health Cancer Center of Excellence designation for three consecutive years.

Cleveland Clinic is also at the forefront of lung cancer research, hosting numerous clinical trials. These trials cover a range of innovative treatments, from biomarkers and genomic sequencing to immunotherapy and monotherapy.

One notable clinical trial is the study of APG-115, both as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanomas or advanced solid tumors. To learn more about this lung cancer medication trial and see if you qualify, visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

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5 Best Lung Cancer Hospitals in the World

While the U.S. offers excellent lung cancer care, seeking treatment abroad can provide significant benefits. Countries in Europe and Asia often offer advanced treatments at a fraction of the cost, making it a viable option despite transportation expenses. Additionally, American insurance may not fully cover lung cancer treatment, prompting patients to consider more affordable international options.

International centers also typically have shorter wait times and access to innovative treatments, ensuring timely and effective care. By exploring global treatment options, patients can receive high-quality care while potentially reducing their financial burden.

Charité Universitätsmedizin – Berlin, Germany

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, stands as one of Europe’s leading university hospitals, offering cutting-edge care from world-renowned physicians and researchers. The institution boasts a rich history, proudly claiming more than half of all German Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine, including leaders like Emil von Behring, Robert Koch, and Paul Ehrlich.

Spanning four campuses, Charité comprises over 100 departments and institutes organized into 17 distinct CharitéCenters. Celebrating its 300-year anniversary in 2010, Charité has grown to become one of Berlin’s largest employers, reflecting its pivotal role in medical research, education, and patient care.

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, is one of the most advanced hospitals in the world for lung cancer treatment, offering a wide range of treatments in a modern setting. As one of the first comprehensive cancer centers in Germany, Charité has established a strong platform for clinical trials and overall cancer treatment. Charité also has a deep-rooted and comprehensive network of cancer partners that provide cutting-edge insight into the latest treatment tools and options available in the area.

Additionally, thanks to state regulation of prices, the cost of lung cancer treatment in Germany is significantly lower than in the United States. In Germany, doctors are not involved in the pricing process, ensuring transparency and fairness. German doctors focus on providing only the necessary procedures and examinations, avoiding unnecessary treatments. This approach not only ensures high-quality care but also keeps costs manageable for patients.

Institut Gustave Roussy – Paris, France

Located in Paris, France, this hospital has some of the most experienced and skilled doctors and prides itself on providing treatment for adults and children suffering from both rare and frequent diseases. In addition to traditional methods such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, Institut Gustave Roussy also offers immunotherapy and targeted therapy for late-stage cancers. These newer methods have shown to be very effective in treating lung cancer, and patients at Institut Gustave Roussy have access to the clinical trials.

Asan Medical Center – South Korea

Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, employs some of the country’s top medical professionals with decades of experience in diagnosing and treating chest and lung diseases. The center’s multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, collaborates to create customized treatment plans for each lung cancer patient.

Asan’s cancer specialists convene twice a week to discuss and determine the most effective treatment methods for their patients, ensuring a thorough and personalized approach to care. Serving over 20,000 international patients annually, Asan Medical Center is an excellent option for Americans seeking high-quality medical treatment abroad.

Samsung Medical Center – Seoul Korea

The Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, is a world-class facility renowned for its expertise in lung cancer treatment, particularly in minimally invasive surgery and advanced diagnostic techniques. The center developed CancerSCANTM, a cutting-edge genomic diagnostic technology that can detect over 500 gene mutations in a single test. This innovation allows experts to analyze cancer cell genes comprehensively, paving the way for the development and implementation of curative treatments.

Beyond its leading diagnostic and treatment capabilities, Samsung Medical Center prioritizes patient comfort. The medical center offers detailed outlines of inpatient services and provides rooms equipped with a bed, bathroom, TV, and refrigerator, ensuring a comfortable stay for patients.

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – Toronto, Canada

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario, stands as one of Canada’s top hospitals for cancer treatment and the largest provider of integrated cancer research in the country. The Lung Site Group at Princess Margaret hosts Canada’s most comprehensive program for treating lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, caring for over 800 new thoracic cancer patients annually.

Princess Margaret offers more than 100 clinical trials for lung cancer treatment, aiming to improve life expectancy for patients with stage IV lung cancer. This commitment to innovative research and patient care makes the center a leader in the fight against lung cancer.

How to Choose the Most Successful Cancer Treatment

Selecting the right lung cancer treatment program is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. Here are the top five tips to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Evaluate Treatment Options and Expertise: When searching for cancer centers, look for those that offer diverse treatments, a team of specialists for personalized plans, and access to clinical trials for the latest lung cancer treatments.
  2. Consider Location and Accessibility: Check if the treatment center offers transportation services for out-of-town patients. If not, we can help you find travel assistance, lodging, and other support services.
  3. Assess Financial Assistance and Insurance Coverage: It’s also important to check if the treatment center accepts your insurance and provides assistance with insurance claims. Consider looking into financial aid options and charity programs to help cover treatment costs. Additionally, consider legal resources for seeking compensation for treatment fees if your lung cancer is related to occupational hazards.
  4. Review Patient Experience and Support Services: When choosing a treatment center, remember to consider patient reviews, support services, and holistic care options.
  5. Understand the Legal and Compensation Options: If your lung cancer is related to occupational hazards or other factors, you may be entitled to legal compensation. We can help connect you with legal experts who specialize in such cases to ensure you receive the financial support you deserve.

We understand that navigating lung cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with the information and resources you need to make the best decision for your health and well-being. Whether it’s connecting you to top treatment centers, assisting with transportation and financial resources, or helping you explore legal compensation options, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Download our free lung cancer guide to learn more about treatment and legal options.