Research & Innovation

Science That Shapes Global Standards

Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital is not only a clinical leader — it is one of China's most prolific research institutions in thoracic medicine.

Our physicians are physician-scientists who publish in the world's most prestigious journals and lead international clinical trials that shape how lung disease is diagnosed and treated globally. This research commitment means our patients benefit from the latest advances — often before they become widely available.

2
Publications in Nature
1
Publication in Cell
1,200+
SCI-Indexed Research Papers
77
Papers with Impact Factor >10
14
International Multi-Center Trials Led
2019
National Science & Technology Progress Award
Surgical team
National Recognition

National Science & Technology Progress Award

In 2019, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital received the National Science and Technology Progress Award, Second Prize — one of China's highest honors for scientific achievement — for its work on lung cancer precision diagnosis and treatment.

This recognized SPH's pioneering contributions to improving how lung cancer is detected, diagnosed, and treated — work that has directly improved outcomes for patients and set new standards for thoracic oncology.

Research Focus Areas

Where We're Advancing the Science

Lung Cancer Precision Diagnosis

Award-winning research on early detection and precise characterization of lung cancers — enabling more targeted treatments and better outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Innovation

Developing VATS and uniportal techniques that reduce patient trauma, shorten recovery, and expand treatable conditions through minimally invasive approaches.

Immunotherapy for Thoracic Cancers

National collaborative innovation projects for cancer immunotherapy, bringing cutting-edge treatment options to patients through clinical trials.

Pulmonary Nodule Guidelines

SPH authored China's national consensus on ground-glass nodule management — defining the standard of care for millions of patients with incidental CT findings.

Lung Transplantation Science

Shanghai Lung Transplant Engineering Research Center — advancing organ preservation, transplant techniques, and immunosuppression protocols.

Tuberculosis & Infectious Disease

Continuing our founding mission with research into drug-resistant TB, emerging respiratory infections, and novel treatment protocols.

Clinical Trials

Access to Tomorrow's Treatments

Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital is one of China's most active clinical trial sites for thoracic medicine — conducting over 200 active drug trials, including 14 international multi-center studies led by SPH.

For patients seeking access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available — including novel immunotherapies, targeted molecular agents, and innovative surgical techniques — our clinical trials program may offer options unavailable elsewhere.

To explore whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for your condition, contact our international patient team.

Academic Standing

Why Our Research Matters to You

When a hospital publishes in Nature and Cell — the world's two most prestigious scientific journals — it signals the institution is operating at the frontier of medical knowledge. Fewer than a handful of thoracic medicine departments worldwide have achieved this distinction.

For patients, this matters practically: our physicians are not just skilled surgeons — they are researchers who understand lung disease at the deepest level. They know which treatments are emerging, which techniques are being validated by data, and how to apply the latest evidence to your individual case.

Our research output — over 1,200 peer-reviewed papers, including 77 with impact factors above 10 — reflects a culture of continuous inquiry and evidence-based practice that directly benefits every patient.

Benefit From World-Leading Research

Our international patient team can help you understand whether our clinical capabilities and research programs are right for your condition.

Request a Consultation