Have you been told that your cancer is “inoperable” or cannot be treated with chemotherapy?
Because of age, impaired cardiopulmonary function, or tumor location
Symptoms, staging and treatment methods of lung cancer | Special topic on lung cancer - China Uni-Asia Hospital
Are you facing any of these challenges?
If any of the following reflects your situation, contact us today.
Your case is well suited to our expertise and we may be able to help
Your case is well suited to our expertise and we may be able to help
Unable to tolerate general anesthesia or open-chest surgery
Poor cardiopulmonary function, breathless with even the slightest movement
Concerned about serious side effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Hair loss, nausea, bone marrow suppression, and immune-system impairment
The tumor has invaded critical structures, such as the vertebrae, esophagus, or major blood vessels
Conventional treatment options have been deemed too risky
UNI-ASIA International Lung Cancer Center seeks solutions for seemingly intractable complex lung cancer through minimally invasive interventional care.
From initial diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, an MDT team supports you throughout your care.
6000+
Lung cancer patients treated
95%
Clinical treatment effectiveness rate
Top 3
Experts from leading tertiary hospitals in China
* Clinical treatment effectiveness rate: the proportion of inpatients who complete at least 95% of the planned treatment, show significant improvement during follow-up, and have an average survival extension of more than 10 months.
Which types of lung cancer do our experts treat?
Whatever type of lung cancer you have, our expert team can assess suitable minimally invasive interventional options.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Locally advanced / unresectable
Adenocarcinoma · Squamous cell carcinoma · Large cell carcinoma
The tumor involves the mediastinum, chest wall, or vertebral body, or lies close to major blood vessels, making complete surgical removal unsuitable.
A core strength of our expert team
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
Limited-stage / extensive-stage disease
Residual disease or recurrence after radiotherapy and chemotherapy
For patients who do not respond well to conventional radiotherapy or chemotherapy, cannot tolerate systemic treatment, and need precise local control.
Comprehensive combination interventional treatment
Pulmonary metastases
Solitary / oligometastatic disease
The primary tumor is controlled, but one or a few metastases have appeared in the lungs
Cryoablation or radioactive seed implantation can precisely inactivate lesions while avoiding repeated open-chest surgery.
Precise, minimally invasive ablation
Postoperative recurrence or residual disease
Recurrence after open-chest surgery or residual disease at the surgical margin
Patients who cannot undergo a second operation
Radioactive seed implantation or local ablation may be used to manage residual lesions and avoid additional surgical trauma.
Radioactive seed implantation · Ablation
Lung cancer in the elderly
≥75 years · Poor cardiopulmonary function
Combined with COPD, coronary heart disease, and emphysema
Minimally invasive treatment under local anesthesia can avoid general anesthesia while helping preserve cardiopulmonary function.
A priority option for older and high-risk patients
Bone metastases or vertebral invasion
Thoracic vertebral metastases · Severe bone pain
Tumor invades the spine, ribs, and pelvis
Vertebroplasty with bone cement, combined with radioactive seed implantation, may rapidly relieve pain and stabilize the spine.
Vertebroplasty · Pain relief
Leading Chinese experts in minimally invasive tumor treatment
Your care is supported by a multidisciplinary team from leading Chinese hospitals. They bring extensive experience in minimally invasive tumor treatment and work together to shape your treatment plan.
Liao Zhengyin
Senior Specialist, Cancer Center, West China Hospital
“Founder of the West China MDT team for complex tumors, with extensive experience in treating complex cases that are difficult to manage elsewhere.”
- More than 30 years of clinical experience
- More than 40,000 related procedures completed
Patient stories...
"On my way home, I watched the mountains fade beyond the window. I had never felt so at ease. I could return to the farm and the market—my life felt alive again. Professor Liao gave me a clear path forward. If I keep going, there is still a long road ahead."
"Now I can go to the garden and play a few games of chess with my old friends. When the wind blows, my chest feels clear. I had not felt that relief in two years. The tumor is no longer active, and I am still living. Thank you, Professor Liao, for not giving up on me. At last, I can breathe again."
Outstanding Multidisciplinary (MDT) Team for Complex Cancer Cases
China Minimally Invasive Association Certificate
China Embolization Therapy Conference Certificate
Member of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
Vice President of the Provincial International Medical Promotion Association
Member of the International Society of Cryosurgery
Deputy Director of the China Medical Research Association
West China Outstanding Contribution Award
Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award
Appointment as Standing Committee Member of the Municipal Anti-Cancer Association
CCIO Lecture Certificate
At UNI-ASIA Hospital, your attending physician is not just one doctor but an “anti-cancer team” comprising specialists in surgery, interventional medicine, targeted therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine.
*Swipe left through the section below to view more oncology specialists.
Zhang Jinshan
Professor · M.D. · Doctoral Supervisor · Chief Physician · Director of the Department of Former Radiological Diagnosis at Chinese PLA General Hospital⁽¹⁾ · Ph.D. of Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan
He is very involved in treating tumors and blood vessel diseases, focusing on less invasive procedures for issues like liver cancer, cirrhotic portal hypertension, Budd–Chiari syndrome, narrowing and blockage of peripheral blood vessels, both benign and malignant tumors, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. He was among the first in China to perform advanced techniques such as TIPSS and B-ORTO, filling multiple domestic gaps in the field. He also pioneered temporary hepatic vein occlusion combined with hepatic arterial embolization for the treatment of liver cancer, led the development of standardized treatment protocols for liver cancer, and has made significant contributions to the advancement of interventional medicine in China.
Xiao Yueyong
Professor · M.D. · Chief Physician · Doctoral Supervisor
Doctor Xiao has an expertise in the individualised minimally-invasive ablation of solid tumors including liver cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer under the guidance of CT/MRI. Doctor Xiao is proficient in radiofrequency, microwave, cryoablation, and nanoknife ablation technologies, and operates more than thousands of operations annually. Especially, Dr. Xiao has abundant experiences in the precise treatment of the tumors in special anatomical sites such as hepatic hilar region, retroperitoneum, and mediastinal lymph nodes. Further, Dr. Xiao is rather good at combining chemical ablation and seed implantation therapies.
Hu Xiaokun
Professor · Doctoral Supervisor · Postdoctoral mentor · Chief Physician · Deputy Director of the Interventional Medicine Center of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University · Director of the Qingdao Tumor Interventional Minimally Invasive Technology Innovation Center. · Visiting Scholar at Harvard Medical School, USA
Specializes in the treatment of solid tumors, including lung cancer, liver cancer, glioma, and pancreatic cancer, with a particular focus on radioactive iodine-125 seed implantation combined with multimodal ablation techniques such as microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation (NanoKnife). Also possesses extensive experience in the management of non-neoplastic diseases, particularly vertebroplasty and minimally invasive treatments for intervertebral disc disorders.
Luo Xiaoping
Associate Professor · M.D. · Chief Physician · Master’s Supervisor · Group Leader of the Group of Intervention of Radiological Diagnosis in The Second Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University · Member of the Expert Panel for the Medical Quality Control Center
Expertise in precision vascular interventional oncology procedures, (TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma), TIPS, interventional management of Budd–Chiari syndrome, biliary stent placement, and emergency embolization for acute bleeding.
Yi Cheng
Ph.D. in Medicine · Professor · Doctoral Supervisor · Chief Physician · Grade 1 Expert（2） in the Department of Medical Oncology at West China Hospital, Sichuan University（1） · PhD in Oncology, Fudan University, China · Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada · Pioneer in the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Specializes in chemotherapy for gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers, as well as the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Skilled in the integrated application of traditional Chinese medicine with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, he advocates an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine approach to tumor treatment and possesses extensive expertise in anti-angiogenic chemotherapy and the development of traditional Chinese medicine–based antitumor drugs.
Li Zhiping
Professor · M.D. · Chief Physician · Doctoral Supervisor · Director of the Discipline of Abdominal tumors,West China Hospital（1） · Expert in the Promotion of Precision Radiotherapy Technology in China
Professor Li Zhiping is especially adept at the radiation therapy and chemotherapy of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer; the radiation therapy and chemotherapy for the urogenital system tumors of both male and female; the targeted therapy and immunotherapy for the abdominal tumor molecules. Meanwhile, Prof. Li is proficient in the application of new radiation therapy technologies including 3D conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), imaging-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (X-knife), image fusion technology, and respiratory gating technology in the treatment of abdominal tumors; meanwhile covering the radiation therapy and chemotherapy of head and neck tumors and breast cancer. Also, Prof. Li has had abundant treatment experience of uncommon and rare cases of tumors.
He Weibing
Associate Chief Physician · Director of the International Campus,
Proficient in NanoKnife and argon-helium tumor ablation techniques, with extensive clinical experience in minimally invasive treatment of liver, lung, kidney, and pelvic tumors. He is especially skilled in ablation therapy for common malignant tumors such as liver, lung, and retroperitoneal tumors, combined with interstitial brachytherapy using iodine-125 seed implantation.
Zhang Junxi
Associate Chief Physician · Vice President of the Zigong Campus of Uni-Asia Hospital (Zigong High-Tech Oncology Hospital) and Director of Ward I
Proficient in the full range of tumor ablation techniques, including chemical ablation, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, argon-helium cryoablation, and NanoKnife ablation. He specializes in intravascular and non-vascular interventional treatment for solid tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Wu Chaobo
M.Med. · Associate Chief Physician
Proficient in minimally invasive techniques including microwave ablation, cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and iodine-125 seed implantation. He has extensive experience in the treatment of various solid tumors, including liver cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. He is especially skilled in combining ablation with seed implantation to achieve precise local treatment with minimal trauma and faster recovery.
Bai Xing
M.Med. · Associate Chief Physician
Skilled in the essentials of standardized oncology diagnosis and treatment as well as precision therapy. Proficient in flexibly applying advanced minimally invasive techniques including microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, argon-helium cryoablation, and interventional infusion embolization. He has also accumulated extensive experience in treating benign and malignant conditions such as uterine fibroids, liver/kidney/ovarian cysts, hemangiomas, and various types of cancer pain.
Guo Donghua
Associate Chief Physician
Dr. Guo is proficient in both vascular and non-vascular minimally invasive interventional techniques. He specializes in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and continuous arterial chemotherapy infusion, and is highly skilled in core techniques such as iodine-125 seed implantation, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation. He is also able to perform stent implantation, PTCD, bone cementoplasty, puncture biopsy, and other procedures. Focusing on individualized comprehensive treatment combining interventional therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for solid tumors such as liver cancer and lung cancer, he has extensive experience in minimally invasive treatment for middle- and late-stage tumors, as well as in managing complications and critical conditions, providing patients with safe, precise, and efficient minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment plans.
Zhou Liang
Associate Chief Physician · Minimally Invasive Interventional Oncology Specialist at Chengdu UNI-ASIA Cancer Hospital
Highly experienced in percutaneous cryoablation, NanoKnife ablation, and iodine seed implantation for various solid tumors, including thyroid tumors, breast tumors, lung tumors, pancreatic tumors, and liver tumors. Skilled in puncture biopsy, molecular targeted therapy, and comprehensive interventional treatment for primary and metastatic tumors. Also experienced in interventional treatment for hepatic hemangioma, drainage for obstructive jaundice, minimally invasive interventional treatment for massive gastrointestinal bleeding and traumatic bleeding, ablation for lower-extremity varicose veins, interventional treatment for arteriovenous thrombosis of the limbs and lower-extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans, as well as interventional treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Consultation Model
Breaking down the limitations of single-department care, we bring together specialists in minimally invasive intervention, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, laboratory medicine, and other fields to discuss every case in depth and develop a precisely tailored, optimal treatment plan for each patient.
Core Treatment Methods
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
It is primarily used for the palliative treatment of intermediate to advanced-stage primary liver cancer, liver metastases, and hypervascular tumors in areas such as the head, neck, and lungs. It can also be used as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy to help reduce the risk of local recurrence.
NanoKnife Ablation Technology
It is primarily indicated for solid tumors located in anatomically complex regions adjacent to major blood vessels, bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, the intestines, or nerves—such as locally advanced pancreatic cancer, hilar hepatic tumors, renal hilar tumors, and prostate cancer. This technique offers a safe and effective option for curative or cytoreductive treatment in patients with unresectable lesions or tumors unsuitable for conventional thermal ablation.
* Swipe the modules below to the left to view more treatment technologies
Iodine-125 Seed Implantation Technology
It is primarily indicated for solid tumors that are unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, including primary liver cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer, as well as recurrent or metastatic tumors of the head and neck and pelvic regions.
Argon-Helium Knife Ablation Therapy
It is widely used in the treatment of liver cancer, lung cancer, renal cancer, as well as bone and soft tissue tumors. The technique is particularly suitable for lesions adjacent to the thoracic or abdominal wall, adrenal glands, and multiple metastatic tumors, making it an important component of the minimally invasive ablation system for solid tumors.
Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy
It is indicated for solid tumors such as solitary or multiple liver cancers and liver metastases measuring ≤5 cm in diameter, primary and metastatic lung cancers, renal cancers, and osteoid osteomas. For unresectable or recurrent tumors, it can also serve as an important palliative cytoreductive strategy to prolong survival.
Microwave Ablation Therapy
It is widely used in the treatment of liver cancer, liver metastases, lung cancer, adrenal tumors, and other solid malignancies. The technique is particularly advantageous for hypervascular tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter or those located adjacent to major blood vessels. It is also commonly combined with vascular interventional therapies and immunotherapy to achieve enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Stent Placement
It is widely used for the palliative treatment of malignant luminal obstructions, including dysphagia caused by esophageal cancer, obstructive jaundice due to malignant biliary obstruction, dyspnea resulting from tracheal stenosis, malignant colorectal obstruction, and superior vena cava syndrome.
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
It is a cornerstone approach for maintaining spinal stability and improving quality of life in various conditions, including vertebral metastases, multiple myeloma with vertebral involvement, aggressive vertebral hemangiomas, and painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
Chemotherapy combined with Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
It is widely used across various common solid tumors—including non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer—in the first-line, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant settings, consistently improving survival and quality of life.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Primarily indicated for benign and malignant solid tumours such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, bone metastases and fibroadenomas of the breast. It is particularly suitable for patients unsuitable for surgery or those with a strong desire to preserve organ function, and has been extended to palliative debulking of solid tumours such as pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.
Drug-loaded microsphere embolisation
Primarily used for the interventional treatment of well-vascularised tumours, such as mid- to late-stage primary liver cancer and liver metastases from colorectal cancer. It is often combined with ablation, targeted therapy and immunotherapy to improve local control rates and prolong patient survival.
Radioactive Microsphere Embolisation
Primarily indicated for primary liver cancer and liver metastases that cannot be surgically resected, particularly in patients with portal vein tumour thrombi, poor hepatic reserve, or those unresponsive to chemotherapy. This approach can significantly prolong survival and improve quality of life.
Four key advantages of UNI-ASIA
We offer differentiated support for patients with complex lung cancer.
Leading experts oversee every stage
Leading specialists participate directly in MDT consultations, treatment planning, and care delivery.
Minimally invasive treatment without open-chest surgery
Treatment may require only a needle-sized puncture and can avoid general anesthesia, offering an option for older patients and those with impaired cardiopulmonary function.
Reduced risk of severe systemic side effects
When clinically appropriate, treatment can avoid systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Comprehensive international patient support
Coordinated support includes multilingual medical interpretation, visa assistance, private transfers, halal meals, and insurance-claim assistance.
Why do more lung cancer patients choose treatment in China?
China is a major center for minimally invasive tumor intervention and an increasingly considered destination for international patients.
01
Expert team from top tertiary hospitals
Our treating specialists come from leading Chinese hospitals, including major public medical centers such as the People's Liberation Army General Hospital and West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
02
Experience gained from a large volume of cases
China records more than one million new lung cancer cases each year. Our expert team has gained extensive experience in managing complex cases through high-volume clinical practice.
03
Advanced minimally invasive interventional technology
China has developed a range of guidelines and techniques in cryoablation, radioactive seed implantation, and vascular intervention. Mature technology and advanced equipment support the management of complex cases.
04
Reasonable costs · Transparent pricing
Compared with many countries in Europe and North America, specialist medical care in China can be more affordable; cost details are disclosed clearly and transparently, without hidden charges.
UNI-ASIA International Lung Cancer Center helps international patients access minimally invasive tumor treatment services in Asia.
China is an option worth considering for lung cancer treatment.
Why choose UNI-ASIA? Key advantages of our expert team
Each advantage is supported by the team's strong expertise and extensive clinical experience.
Top MDT consultation
Multi-disciplinary joint strategy
Brings together expertise from multiple disciplines for in-depth collaboration, comprehensive assessment, and individualized treatment planning.
Minimally invasive treatment without open-chest surgery
Only a needle-sized puncture may be required
Treatment can avoid open-chest surgery and general anesthesia while addressing lesions precisely with minimal trauma.
Millimeter-level precision
Less than 0.5 mm deviation to help protect healthy tissue
Real-time CT/DSA guidance helps target tumors precisely while limiting impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Protects cardiopulmonary function
Reduced burden from systemic treatment
May reduce the risk of severe systemic side effects, helping older patients or those with impaired cardiopulmonary function pursue treatment with greater confidence.
Designed for older and high-risk patients
Additional options for difficult cases
May offer additional treatment options for patients with complex or difficult-to-treat lung cancer who are not suitable for surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.
Real cases · MDT expert collaboration
From “no treatment options” to renewed hope
Each complex lung cancer case reflects the collective expertise and close collaboration of our multidisciplinary team.
Consulting specialists Liao Zhengyin · Xiao Yueyong · Luo Xiaoping · Hu Xiaokun
Locally advanced mediastinal lung squamous cell carcinoma · Combined interventional treatment
Patient condition: An older male patient had a tumor involving the second and third thoracic vertebrae and the esophagus, causing severe pain and emphysema. He had been declined for treatment by multiple hospitals.
Expert team plan: Following several MDT discussions, the expert team selected a combination of chemoembolization, vertebroplasty, and radioactive seed implantation, without systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Treatment outcome:Pain and other symptoms completely disappeared on the 3rd day after surgery. After more than 2 years of follow-up, PET-CT showed that the tumor was inactive and the patient has returned to normal life.
* This plan was jointly formulated by an expert group and reflects the clinical value of MDT collaboration
Consulting specialists Zhang Jinshan · Li Zhiping · Yicheng · Xiao Yueyong
88 years old · Tumor close to the descending aorta · Argon-helium cryoablation
Patient condition: An 88-year-old woman with extremely poor cardiopulmonary function, unable to open the chest, and the tumor is close to the descending aorta.
Expert team plan: After careful review, the expert team developed an argon-helium cryoablation plan under local anesthesia to preserve cardiopulmonary function and control the tumor precisely.
Treatment outcome:Post-treatment imaging showed complete ablation of the lesion, with no damage to the descending aorta or surrounding lung tissue.
* This plan was individualized by the expert team for an older, high-risk patient.
As of publication, the hospital has treated more than 3,000 similar patients, with a clinical treatment effectiveness rate of 95%*.
Clinical treatment effectiveness rate: The proportion of inpatients who complete at least 95% of the planned treatment, show significant improvement during follow-up, and have an average survival extension of more than 10 months.
Real cases that reflect the hope of treatment:
Zhang Guangshun · Lung Cancer
A 68-year-old Chinese man sought care for persistent chest and back pain. Examination found a lesion in the posterior mediastinum, close to the descending thoracic aorta. Another hospital considered surgical risk extremely high and the lesion unresectable. After arriving at UNI-ASIA Hospital in Chengdu...
Expert-led minimally invasive treatment system for lung cancer
Our expert team combines interventional techniques flexibly according to each patient's condition to create a synergistic effect “1+1>2”.
*Swipe left to view more of the table
| Treatment technology | Technical principle | Relevant team expertise | Suitable patient group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemoembolization (BACE/TACE) | Blocks tumor blood supply and delivers high-concentration chemotherapy locally | Liao Zhengyin · Zhang Jinshan · Li Zhiping | Advanced lung cancer in patients unable to tolerate systemic chemotherapy |
| Radioactive seed implantation (125I) | Continuous low-dose internal radiation | Luo Xiaoping · Liao Zhengyin · Hu Xiaokun | Tumors involving the vertebral body, esophagus, or major blood vessels |
| Argon-helium cryoablation | Ultra-low temperatures of up to -140°C induce tumor necrosis | Xiao Yueyong · Zhang Jinshan · Yicheng | Older patients, impaired cardiopulmonary function, and early or recurrent lesions |
| Vertebroplasty with bone cement | Injects bone cement to stabilize the spine | Liao Zhengyin · Luo Xiaoping · Hu Xiaokun | Severe pain caused by vertebral metastasis or invasion |
| Combined interventional plan | Flexible combination of multiple techniques | Developed jointly by the MDT team | Multifocal, complex, or difficult-to-treat lung cancer |
Treatments are performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation, with less trauma and faster recovery, while the expert team supports patients throughout the process.
Focus on Recovery—Leave Everything Else to Us
Cross-border medical care does not have to be difficult. We provide home-like support throughout your journey:
Create Medical File
Submit your basic information, medical history, examination reports, and other materials to create a health record.
Online Consultation
Meet specialists online for an assessment of your condition.
Receive Treatment Plan
A personalized treatment plan is developed based on the diagnosis.
Appointment Booking
Confirm the consultation time and receive fast, priority scheduling support.
Pre-Travel Assistance
Receive a medical invitation letter and confirm the documents and medical records required before travel.
Treatment
Complete treatment according to the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Dedicated Care
Receive attentive medical nursing and concierge-style service.
Health Guidance
Receive post-treatment rehabilitation guidance and a health plan.
Settlement and Discharge
We assist with payment settlement and insurance claim documents.
Remote Follow-Up
After discharge, remote consultation, follow-up, and revisit support remain available.
Medical interpreter throughout treatment
Visa support
Airport transfer service
Comfortable premium environment
Multicultural care
International insurance claims support
Leading Chinese experts in minimally invasive tumor treatment
Book a consultation with our expert team
We will assemble a dedicated MDT team to support your diagnosis and treatment plan, helping ensure that every step is carefully coordinated and safe.
Free medical-record review · Book an expert consultation
