Seoul National University Bundang Hospital Lung Cancer Center Surpasses 10,000 Cumulative Lung Cancer Surgeries

Bundang Seoul National University Hospital Lung Cancer Center Surpasses 10,000 Cumulative Lung Cancer Surgeries

Seongnam, South Korea — December 11, 2025

Bundang Seoul National University Hospital (SNUBH) announced on December 11 that its Lung Cancer Center has surpassed a major milestone of 10,000 cumulative lung cancer surgeries since its establishment in 2003, reaffirming its leading position in lung cancer treatment both domestically and internationally.

Following the achievement of 5,000 cumulative surgeries in 2020, the center has demonstrated rapid and sustained growth, performing an average of more than 900 lung cancer surgeries annually in recent years.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Korea. The overall five-year survival rate for lung cancer stands at 40.6%, significantly lower than the average five-year survival rate for all cancers (72.1%), largely due to late diagnosis, frequent recurrence, and metastasis.

To improve both treatment outcomes and patients’ quality of life, the SNUBH Lung Cancer Center has been a pioneer in the adoption of minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery. Since scientifically demonstrating in 2008 that thoracoscopic surgery offers superior survival outcomes and shorter hospital stays compared to conventional open thoracotomy in early-stage lung cancer, the center has continuously expanded its use of minimally invasive techniques.

Today, 98.9% of lung cancer surgeries at the center are performed using thoracoscopic or robotic approaches. Under the leadership of Professor Kim Kwan-min, a world-renowned thoracic surgeon who has performed more than 10,000 thoracic surgeries, the center has significantly improved long-term survival outcomes for lung cancer patients.

As a result, the five-year survival rate for patients with stage I–III lung cancer who underwent surgery at the center has reached 76.8%, while patients with stage IIIA lung cancer, traditionally associated with poor prognosis, have achieved a five-year survival rate of 64.8%, outcomes considered to be among the best globally.

The center has also recently introduced segmentectomy, a surgical technique that precisely removes only the necessary lung segments based on tumor location and spread, thereby maximizing preservation of lung function and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Research is currently underway to evaluate the safety of even less invasive procedures, including wedge resection.

These achievements are supported by a robust multidisciplinary care system, involving close collaboration among pulmonology, medical oncology, radiology, pathology, radiation oncology, and other related specialties. Advanced treatments such as combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy, and cryotherapy are also provided to patients with advanced lung cancer.

In addition, a research team led by Professor Jung Jin-haeng of the Department of Pathology conducted the world’s largest prospective study on spread through air spaces (STAS), identifying it as a critical risk factor for recurrence and reduced survival. The findings were validated by multinational institutions and played a decisive role in prompting the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Staging Committee to recommend incorporating STAS into the T classification of lung cancer.

Beyond clinical treatment, the center places strong emphasis on patients’ emotional well-being. Founded in 2006, the patient support group “Sumsori Association” provides peer support, counseling, and volunteer activities, fostering hope and solidarity among patients and survivors.

“Reaching 10,000 lung cancer surgeries is the result of multidisciplinary collaboration, continuous research, and comprehensive patient support,” said Professor Kim. “We will continue striving to provide world-class medical care and emotional support for our patients.”

 Source:
Kang, Jung-mo. “Bundang Seoul National University Hospital Lung Cancer Center Surpasses 10,000 Cumulative Lung Cancer Surgeries.” Financial News (FnNews), December 11, 2025.
https://www.fnnews.com/news/202512110920354393