Scientist Gisela Gonzalez said Tuesday in Havana that the product, called CimaVax EGF, is the first registered vaccine in the world designed to battle lung cancer.

The researchers also said the vaccine is based on proteins that trigger an immune response from the patient's body and has no side effects. Development of the vaccine began in 1992.

The Cuban researchers say the drug is undergoing clinical trials in other countries and is likely to be approved next in Peru.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. - VOA News

Lungcancer.org reports that "People respond in different ways when they learn they have been diagnosed with cancer. Some people want to learn all they can about their disease, while others try not to think too much about it.

"Most health care professionals want you to be an active partner with them in making decisions. They know that you will better be able to cope with the challenges of treatment if you have a sense of control over the process. ... One thing to keep in mind: even though there are common approaches to lung cancer treatment, the treatment plan for each patient is individually designed for the patient by his or her physician."