Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India: Costs, Hospital & Success Rate
Tired of the side effects of traditional cancer treatments? Find relief with affordable immunotherapy for lung cancer in India. Discover leading hospitals & oncologists. Read more!
What Is the Cost of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India?
Immunotherapy for lung cancer in India starts from USD $1,200 and can go upto $85,000 for more advanced immunotherapy treatments.
- Stay and meals for the patient during the treatment plan
- Complete therapy (including all lab work, blood work, and genetic alterations)
- Consultation of the main specialist and full team
- All medications as per the treatment plan
- Additional stay and meals post-treatment plan
- Investigation and follow-up phases of the treatment
- Additional surgery or procedure
- Consultation with a doctor of an unrelated specialty
- Medication apart from the treatment plan
- Extra specialized equipment & PPP are required
Immunotherapy in the US starts from $15,000 and can go over a whopping $400,000, which is up to 80% more than in India.
Explore the table below for a detailed cost breakdown.
| Type of Immunotherapy | About the immunotherapy | Cost in India* | Cost in the US* |
| Non-Specific Immunotherapy | Administering general drugs to increase the immune system | Starts at $1,200 | Ranges between $15,000 - $30,000[1][2] |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | Man-made proteins that are inserted in the body to act like antibodies | $1,500[3] | Over $100,000[4] |
| Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors | Medication boosting immune system by removing all checkpoints in fighting cancer | $82,000[5] | $250,000[6] |
| T-cell Therapy (CAR T-cell therapy) | Use of a part of the patient’s white blood cells, modified in a lab to fight cancer | $50,000 - $85,000 | Over $400,000[7] |
*Prices are in USD and are subject to change.
Read on to discover the cost of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer in India.
Cost of Other Treatments for Lung Cancer in India
Other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for lung cancer in India cost from $4,000 to $10,000. In contrast, the same treatments cost around $200,000 in the US. This is devoid of medications, which can cost an additional $10,000.
Here's how these savings and quality of care translate into real benefits for you
| Other lung cancer treatments | Cost in India (Starts at) | Cost in the US | Savings |
| Chemotherapy | $10,000 | $10,000 to $200,000 | 95% |
| Surgery | $10,000 | $15,000 to over $30,000 | 67% |
| Radiation therapy | $4,000 | Over $9,000 | 56% |
*Prices vary on each case and treatment type.
Read Immunotherapy for Cancer in India to learn about the benefits, prices, and more of this advanced treatment.
Source: Verywell Health[8]
Overview of Immunotherapy for Cancer in India
Immunotherapy is a promising approach for cancer patients in India. This treatment uses the patient’s immune system to fight the disease, strengthening the body's defences against cancer cells.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer by:
- Boosting your immune system so it can find and attack cancer cells better.
- Using lab-made substances to improve your immune system's ability to fight cancer.
Immunotherapy is now a key part of cancer care, offering new hope and options for patients.
Ongoing research aims to make this therapy more effective and accessible.
Source: Cancer[9]
Different Types of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy offers various ways to fight cancer, each with its unique approach:
- Checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. They block certain proteins called checkpoints,allowing your T-cells to destroy the cancer cells.
- CAR T-cell therapy: This advanced treatment modifies the patient's T-cells and adds a layer of protein called CAR. The altered T-cells are injected back into the patient's body to target cancer cells directly.
- Cytokines: This therapy boosts the immune system to fight cancer by using small proteins.
- Immunomodulators: These drugs help strengthen specific parts of the immune system to fight cancer.
- Cancer vaccines: They trigger an immune response against cancer cells, either preventing or treating the disease.
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs): These artificial proteins enhance or mimic the immune system and target specific parts of cancer cells.
- Oncolytic viruses: Modified viruses infect and destroy certain tumour cells, offering a new way to treat cancer.
After a thorough medical check-up, our expert oncologists in India will recommend immunotherapy tailored to your needs.
Source: Cancer[10]
Immunotherapy and Lung Cancer
Lung cancer starts in the lungs and can spread to lymph nodes or other organs, like the brain. There are two main types: small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer (which includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). These types grow and are treated differently, with non-small-cell lung cancer being more common.
The good news is that immunotherapy is a good option for treating lung cancer. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that it has led to long-term survival for 15% of patients.
Get all the details about lung cancer immunotherapy in India before your trip with us.
Source: NCBI[11]
You can also discover immunotherapy for prostate cancer in India which highlights similar advancements and success stories.
Procedure: Complete Guide to Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India
Explore our guide to access immunotherapy care in India for lung cancer treatment. Discover preparation tips, eligibility criteria, benefits, potential side effects, and more.
Scroll down for all the details.
Plan Your Travel
- Overseas patients can get safe and affordable immunotherapy treatment for cancer in India. Immunotherapy can be done alongside other cancer treatments or when other treatments fail.
- Our medical advisors contact you and collect all your existing reports, initial medical files and scans to evaluate.
- Upon examination, our team finds the perfect immunotherapy centre in India for your needs.
- Specialists in India check patients' gene test results to see if immunotherapy is needed. If so, a treatment plan is created, and the patient travels to India.
- Our medical advisors are connected with the patient throughout the journey, ensuring travel paperwork and the journey are seamless.
- Once in India, our team helps find accommodation and handles all logistics to make the patient journey comfortable.
- Doctors conduct more tests to determine whether the patient is eligible for advanced levels of immunotherapy.
Candidate for Immunotherapy in India for Lung Cancer
Not all patients with cancer can get immunotherapy.
To be eligible for the treatment, your physician will conduct several tests, including Biomarker Testing or Gene Testing.
Biomarker Testing identifies specific changes in the patient's DNA caused by cancer, determining the best treatment options. For example, an important indicator to do immunotherapy is the presence of PDL1 biomarkers in the patient.
PD L1 is a molecule that usually keeps our immune system in check. However, in cancer patients, PDL1 can allow the cancer cells to escape the T-cells trying to attack them.
PD L1 interferes with the body's anti-cancer immune response and does not allow the body to become healthy.
By giving immunotherapy drugs and inhibitors, the PDL1 interference can be stopped, making the body healthy again.
This is why it is important to identify biomarkers and other blood tests to determine whether a patient is eligible for immunotherapy.
Prepare for Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India
To prepare for immunotherapy, patients need to follow some protocols:
- Tests before treatment: The patient will undergo specific gene tests, such as biomarker tests, to assess eligibility for immunotherapy. Pre-therapy tests could also include routine blood tests and imaging scans to assess the patient’s health.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption can gravely harm your body.
- Eat Healthy: A balanced diet is imperative to boost a person’s immune system. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Follow the doctor’s recommendations on diet.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water removes toxins and helps the immune system stay strong.
- Support: The therapy has side effects and can make the patient weak. International patients are welcome to bring a family member along with them.
Benefits of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy for lung cancer opens new possibilities for health. It boosts the immune system, helping the body recognize and fight cancer cells.
Here are some key benefits of immunotherapy for lung cancer:
- Improves survival outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with minimal side effects.[12]
- Stimulates your immune system to find and attack cancer cells.
- Uses lab-created substances similar to immune system components to enhance the immune system's ability to target cancer.
- Helps the immune system recognize cancer cells that it might not normally identify as foreign.
- Often results in fewer severe side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
- Includes cutting-edge treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
- Personalized treatment tailored to a patient’s unique immune system and cancer characteristics.
- Provides prolonged cancer control, keeping the disease at bay for longer periods.
While immunotherapy offers great benefits, it's also important to be aware of possible side effects. Let’s explore these in the next section.
Source: Cancer[13]
Side-Effects of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy can have side effects because it boosts the immune system to fight cancer and can also affect healthy tissues.
Side effects of immunotherapy can include
- Skin reactions like pain and swelling.
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, weakness, and muscle aches.
- Severe allergic reactions or lung inflammation like shortness of breath rarely occur and require immediate attention.
Each person's reaction to immunotherapy varies. Consult your doctor in India for information on your specific treatment and its side effects.
Source: Cancer[14]
What is the Success Rate of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India?
The success rate of immunotherapy for lung cancer in India is 95% in over 36 months with drugs like pembrolizumab. This news brings comfort in the battle against the disease, showing promising results in improving survival.
Ongoing research aims to enhance its effectiveness further.
Source: Journals LWW[15]
Best Hospital for Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India
The JCI-accredited facility is one of the largest private clinics in Delhi and ranks among the top 10 multi-specialty hospitals.
As part of the Max Healthcare Group, a leading provider in India, it caters to both domestic and international patients.
The hospital specializes in cancer treatment, bariatric surgery, and cardiology, using advanced equipment that meets European hospital standards.
- 60+ Years of Experience
- JCI Accredited
- NABH Accredited
- Advanced technology medical oncology like immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy
- Leading medical oncology specialists with organ-specific expertise
- Round-the-clock critical care with OPD services, which are designed for an organ-specific approach
With advanced diagnostic units, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, is a renowned 250-bed hospital in South Delhi, India.
It has 12 modular theatres, emergency care, Tesla MRI and Cath Labs and 50 critical beds. The hospital offers Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Urology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.
With 300+ specialists working here, it is a highly sought-after healthcare centre.
- NABH Accredited
- 300+ Doctors
- 22+ Departments
- JCI-accredited with high-tech equipment like Da Vinci Robot, Novalis Tx for IMRT/IGRT, Radiosurgery, HIPEC and SRS/SRT for oncology care
- Pioneers in all kinds of cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, hormone therapy and stem cell transplant
- Highly skilled oncology team, including specialists with over 4 decades of experience
Considered as one of the best hospitals in Delhi-NCR, Max Super Specialty Hospital is situated in Vaishali, Ghaziabad
Renowned for its world-class infrastructure, advanced technology, and stringent health and safety standards, it has earned multiple awards and industry accreditations, establishing itself as a leader among healthcare providers.
- NABH Accreditation
- NABL Accreditation
- 28+ Specialities
- State-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive support services for patients undergoing advanced immunotherapy like CAR-T cell therapy.
- Top haematology experts who provide advanced oncology care to patients.
- NABH-accredited multidisciplinary hospital with over 260 leading specialists.
Best Specialists for Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India
Dr. Pramod Kumar Julka
Dr. P.K. Julka is a renowned oncologist, author, and cancer researcher. Dr Julka was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013, India's fourth highest civilian honor.
He has also received the "Leading Scientist of the World 2005" award from the International Biographical Centre of Cambridge.
He has been a WHO fellow at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, and Long Beach Memorial Cancer Centre in California, US.
Educación
Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
Membresías
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- National Advisory Committee of Global Cancer Summit
Dr. Esha Kaul
American board-certified, Dr. Kaul is the Director of Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, and BMT at Max Hospital.
As a DNB in Hematology from Tufts Medical Center, USA, she is among the few doctors in India offering advanced treatments in her field.
Educación
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Tufts Medical Center, USA
Membresías
- American Society of Hematology
- American Society of Transplant and Cellular Therapy
- International Myeloma Society
Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar
Dr. Dodagoudar was awarded the Best Resident Doctor at RGCI & RC from the Honourable Vice President of India.
He has also received the Bharat Jyoti Award from NGO - India International Friendship Society.
Educación
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
Membresías
- Delhi Medical Council
- Karnataka Medical Council
Dr. Meenu Walia
Dr. Meenu Walia leads the Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology at Max Super Specialty Hospital. She was the first in India to achieve a DNB in Medical Oncology.
Dr, Walia has received the Bharat Jyoti Award and multiple awards from IMA for Medical Excellence. She was featured in the book titled “Luminaries In Healthcare” by Mail Today in December (2015).
Educación
University of Delhi, India
Membresías
- Indian Medical Association (IMA)
- American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO)
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
Dr. Gopal Sharma
He is a Senior Medical Oncologist in Northern India, specializing in Haemato-medical Oncology. Dr. Sharma is a part of the Indo-American Cancer Association (IACA).
He specializes in haematological malignancies and targeted chemotherapy for solid cancers.
Educación
Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India
Membresías
- Oncology Forum, Delhi NCR
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
- Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology (ISMPO)
Conclusion
Immunotherapy for lung cancer in India offers up to 80% cost savings and a 95% success rate. Contact us today to get treated at top hospitals by leading oncologists.
Why MTC Partners in India Have the Best Immunotherapy Program for Lung Cancer?
MTC partners in India have the best immunotherapy program for lung cancer because they offer
- Comprehensive diagnostic tests: Our JCI-accredited hospitals perform thorough tests, including biomarker gene tests, blood tests, biopsies, and MRI scans, to determine if immunotherapy could work for you.
- Cutting-edge techniques: We use the latest diagnostic tools like Bronchoscopy, Chest X-ray, and Pulmonary Function Test - PFT, to plan your lung cancer treatment.
- Holistic patient preparation: We support you through the process, from consultation to pre-treatment evaluations and emotional support.
- State-of-the-art facilities: To improve lung cancer treatment, our partner hospitals use advanced technology and facilities such as
- Robotic Surgery,
- Total Body Irradiation,
- TomoTherapy
- Combination therapies: We offer combination therapies that may enhance the immunotherapy for lung cancer, such as chemo or targeted therapy, for better outcomes.[16]
- Personalised care: We provide complete lung cancer treatment with a team approach, combining medical, surgical, and radiation experts to create the best treatment plan for each patient.
FAQs
Yes, our partner hospitals in India offer immunotherapy for cancer. These hospitals strive to provide the latest treatments for better patient outcomes.
If considering immunotherapy, consult a healthcare provider to determine its suitability for your case.
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are both common treatments for cancer, but they work differently. Chemotherapy acts quickly, shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells, while immunotherapy takes longer, boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer over time.[17]
Both treatments have their benefits, and it's important to discuss with your doctor which option or combination is best for you.
Yes, lung cancer can come back after immunotherapy. Treatments before and after surgery can improve survival rates, with a study showing a 70.2% event-free survival rate at 18 months for non-small cell lung cancer.
However, there's still a chance the cancer might return. Regular check-ups are important to catch and manage any recurrence early.
Source: Medical News Today[18]
Immunotherapy isn't free in India, but more affordable options now exist. For example, NexCAR19, a new CAR T-cell therapy, costs around $50,000 compared to $400,000 in the US.
This makes immunotherapy a more viable option for many patients in India.
Source: Cancer[19]
Refrences
- Wellcome: More people should have access to monoclonal antibodies. Covid-19 can make that happen
- JAMA Network: Estimated Costs and Long-term Outcomes of Patients With High-Risk Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated With Bacillus Calmette-Guérin in the Veterans Affairs Health System | Urology
- Times of India: Monoclonal therapy a hit despite price | Hyderabad News
- Pub Med: Pricing of monoclonal antibody therapies: higher if used for cancer?
- JCO Global Oncology: Effectiveness of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Various Tumor Types Treated by Low, Per-Weight, and Conventional Doses at a Tertiary Care Center in Mumbai
- NCBI: The future of affordable cancer immunotherapy
- American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book: High Cost of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells: Challenges and Solutions
- Verywell Health: How Much Does Lung Cancer Treatment Cost?
- Cancer: Treating Cancer with Immunotherapy
- AACR Journals: Five-Year Clinical Outcomes after Neoadjuvant Nivolumab in Resectable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Journals LWW: Treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: First line
- WebMD: What Is Combination Immunotherapy Treatment for Metastatic Lung Cancer?
- Medical News Today: Immunotherapy vs. chemotherapy: Similarities and differences
