Immunotherapy cost in India

This new cancer treatment discovery has given people hope all over the world; among the most promising developments is immunotherapy. Instead of interfering with both cancerous and normal cells, it works by boosting the human immune system to identify and fight cancer cells much better than before. This made the decreased side effects with a promising long-term remission seal this new development so that people could believe in living again with a regain of hope that was otherwise lost.

It has picked up very well in India, considering increasing affordability and availability along with the expertise that oncologists possess. This is an article providing one with complete information about immunotherapy, its types, the costs in India, and why Dr. Vikesh Shah is the leading name for this advanced treatment.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is one of the modern types of cancer treatment that essentially relies on the body’s immune system to fight off diseases. Unlike other forms of conventional treatments that require a direct attack on tumor tissues, the mechanism of immunotherapy involves stimulating and activating the immune system in fighting the disease with minimal damage to normal cells. Such approaches are less toxic and can provide durable responses even at advanced stages of cancer.

Types of Immunotherapy Therapies

Knowing this, the patient along with the caregiver would be in an excellent position to make a decision regarding what type of immunotherapy treatment would be apt. Since every type is different, the choice depends upon the type of cancer, stage, and health status.

1. Checkpoint Inhibitors
   Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block proteins that prevent T-cells, the immune cells, from killing the cancer. The proteins act as brakes on the immune system and breaking this block allows the T-cells to efficiently recognize and kill the cancer cells. The checkpoint inhibitors have been administered to cancers like melanoma, lung, or kidney cancer. Some of the checkpoint inhibitors include;
   Nivolumab
   Pembrolizumab
   Atezolizumab
2. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy
   This new therapy will extract the T-cells from a patient and genetically engineer them to identify and destroy cancer cells and infuse it back into the body. CAR T-cell therapy is so personalized that it is highly exceptional in fighting the blood cancers of a patient, such as leukemia and lymphoma. But it comes at a pretty high price for its intricacy and the difficulties in making it.
3. Cytokines
   They are small proteins which could be used in order to modulate the immune system. Artificial cytokines, including interleukins and interferons, activate or augment the immune response against the cancer cells with this therapy. Far too often mechanisms of cytokine treatment are made practicable by the use of other treatments.

How is Immunotherapy Administered?

Immunotherapy in India can be one of several types, depending on the drug and the type and location of the cancer:

• IV: The most common route of administration. Drugs are infused intravenously, which means they are given directly into a vein.
• Oral: Some immunotherapy drugs are tablet or capsule forms which one can take orally at the comfort of their homes.
• Topical: Immunotherapy can be administered as cream applied topically on the cancer site for skin malignancies.
• Intravesical: The immunotherapy is instilled directly into the bladder for bladder malignancy.

The choice of method of drug administration depends on the oncologist and the specifics of the patient’s case.

Cost of Immunotherapy in India

Today, India turns out to be an excellent place for low-cost treatment for cancer patients which also includes immunotherapy. Its cost is therefore determined by the type of therapy, whether the tumor stands at what level, and so on, but, comparatively speaking, much cheaper in India compared with that of Western countries. Factors That 

Inflame The Price Of Immunotherapy

The cost of immunotherapy in India is billed by the following factors:

• Nature of Immunotherapy: CAR T-cell therapy treatment is costlier because it is a complex procedure.
• Stage and Grade of Tumour: The farther those stages go, the more it takes, thereby, adding to the cost.
• Location of Hospitals and Institutions: Tertiary care hospitals in the metropolis may charge in the thousands.

Pre-Treatment Costs

These can be:

• Diagnostic test: CT scans and MRIs; biopsy; blood tests.
• Medications for treatment and management of toxicities, cytopenias, and infections: The total bills increase due to these additional medications used to manage the side effects of chemotherapy.

Pre- Treatment Costs Involving Immunotherapy

The pre-treatment costs of immunotherapy that a patient may incur before it are:

• Consultation Fee: ₹500-5,000 depending upon the oncologist expertise and hospital.
• Imaging Tests: ₹5,000-40,000 for CT scans, PET scans or MRIs.
• Biopsy: ₹20,000-30,000 for tissue sampling and diagnosis.
• Blood Tests: ₹1,000-5,000 for overall health checking.
• Other Costs: Medication, travel and hotel stay while making visits to hospitals.

Benefits of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has many benefits compared to other cancer treatments :

• Selective Therapy: Immunotherapy kills only the cancer cells and is not absorbed by healthy cells like chemotherapy.
• Mild Side Effects: The side effects are tolerable and slight as compared to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Permanent Remission: In some cases, remission is observed even after treatment cessation.
• Compatibility: Immunotherapy can be used in combination with other supportive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation for better impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How effective is immunotherapy?
   SUCCESS RATE Success rates vary from 20% to 40% depending upon the type and stage of cancer. Though immunotherapy works for all, most are always beneficiaries of such a therapy in whom considerable benefits accrue .
2. Which one is better: immunotherapy or chemotherapy?
   Advantages of immunotherapy: It is a target action so side effects are minimal. The problem is that chemotherapy may reduce the tumor size faster. Everything depends upon the condition of the patient and the type of cancer.
3. What are the side effects of immunotherapy?
   Common side effects include tiredness, fever, nausea, and skin rashes. Life-threatening side effects would be very rare but are inflammation of the lungs, liver, etc.
4. For whom immunotherapy should not be given?
   In the disorders of autoimmune diseases or severe immune deficiency diseases, it is one of the diseases for which that patient is not appropriate for immunotherapy. So, consult your doctor regarding your appropriateness .
5. How much does immunotherapy cost in India?
   The cost would be an approximate range of ₹1,50,000 to ₹4,50,000 per cycle and would vary according to the type of therapy to be administered and many other factors.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy would be a giant leap forward in the fight against cancer. It will be the herald of hope for patients diagnosed with diseases that had been considered intractable till now. This advanced immunotherapy treatment in India would make India a destination for cancer care without even breaking into a sweat about the cost.

Under the guidance of experts like Dr. Vikesh Shah, patients can access world-class immunotherapy tailored to their needs. With a focus on holistic care, financial transparency, and cutting-edge technology, immunotherapy offers a promising pathway to improved health outcomes for cancer patients.

If you’re considering immunotherapy, consult with a specialized oncologist to understand your options and create a personalized treatment plan.