Differences in Lung Cancer-related Clinical Practice and Basic Research Background between Japan and China: A Narrative Review

Intern Med. 2025 Sep 1;64(17):2524-2533. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.4808-24. Epub 2025 Mar 1.

Abstract

With its increasing incidence, lung cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, posing a great threat to the health and lives of patients. Due to varying economic and cultural backgrounds, there are significant differences in clinical treatment practices and related basic research on lung cancer between Japan and China. These differences are mainly reflected in many aspects, such as cancer prevention, cancer treatment, provision of medical insurance, patient compliance, medical education system, and sources of research funding. By understanding these differences, Japan and China can learn from each other, make progress together, and strengthen further exchanges and cooperation, which will help improve the long-term efficacy of lung cancer treatment and improve patients' clinical outcomes.

Keywords: basic research; clinical practice; health insurance; lung cancer; risk factor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research* / trends
  • China / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'* / trends