NeuHealth Trips

Immunotherapy

Cost

$1,500 per cycle - $4,500 per cycle

  • Procedure Type: Medical Management
  • Hospitalization Days: Day-care procedure
  • Procedure Duration: minutes to hours
  • Success Rate: 40-70%

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Cancer treatment has evolved significantly, and Immunotherapy is one of the biggest breakthroughs in modern oncology. Instead of killing cancer cells directly like chemotherapy, immunotherapy strengthens the body’s own immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells more effectively and with fewer side effects.

Immunotherapy in India has gained global attention because India offers the same advanced drugs, such as Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Atezolizumab, and Durvalumab, used in the US and Europe, but at significantly lower costs. With cutting-edge oncology centers, experienced medical oncologists, molecular diagnostics, and multidisciplinary cancer programs, India is now a leading destination for international patients looking for affordable and personalized cancer care. The cost of immunotherapy in India ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 4,500 per cycle.

Leading Hospitals for Immunotherapy

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that boosts or modifies the immune system to attack cancer cells more efficiently.

How immunotherapy works:

  • Helps the immune system recognize and target cancer
  • Blocks proteins that cancer uses to hide
  • Strengthens immune response
  • Offers long-lasting results even after treatment stops

It is particularly effective for cancers like lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lymphoma, and certain head & neck cancers.

Types of Immunotherapy Procedures

The type of immunotherapy recommended depends on the cancer’s genetic profile, stage, and behavior. Different immunotherapies work in different ways; some activate immune cells, while others remove the “invisibility cloak” cancer uses.

1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Most Common)

  • These drugs block proteins like PD-1, PDL-1, and CTLA-4 that cancer uses to weaken the immune system.
  • Examples: Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Durvalumab, Atezolizumab.
  • Highly effective for several solid tumors with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

2. Monoclonal Antibodies

  • Engineered proteins that bind to cancer cells and mark them for destruction.
  • Used in lymphomas, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and more.

3. CAR T-Cell Therapy

  • Patient’s own T-cells are modified in a lab to attack cancer cells aggressively.
  • A breakthrough for certain lymphomas and leukemia (available at selected Indian centers).

4. Cancer Vaccines

  • Stimulate the immune system to prevent cancer recurrence.
  • Effective in specific cancers like melanoma and prostate cancer.

5. Cytokine Therapy (Interleukins, Interferons)

  • Boosts immune cell activity and enhances cancer-fighting ability.
  • Used in melanoma and kidney cancer.

6. Adoptive Cell Transfer (TIL Therapy)

  • Uses tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to fight cancer.
  • Helps patients who do not respond to standard treatments.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is not for everyone; doctors evaluate the cancer type, biomarkers, and the patient’s health. Eligibility depends mainly on whether the tumor expresses certain proteins like PD-L1 or has a high mutation load.

You may be a candidate if:

  • You have advanced or metastatic cancer
  • Your tumor tests positive for PD-L1, MSI-high, or TMB-high
  • You cannot tolerate chemotherapy
  • Your cancer has returned after prior treatments
  • You have melanoma, lung cancer, lymphoma, kidney cancer, or bladder cancer
  • You want targeted treatment with fewer side effects

Biomarker testing guides whether immunotherapy will respond effectively.

Pre-Procedure Preparation & Diagnostics

Immunotherapy is not a surgery, but a diagnostic evaluation is essential. Immunotherapy requires detailed testing to determine whether it will be effective. They help doctors choose the right drug and predict response.

Common evaluations include:

  • PET-CT or CT scan
  • MRI (if required)
  • Biopsy with tumor profiling
  • PD-L1 expression test
  • MSI (microsatellite instability) testing
  • TMB (tumor mutation burden)
  • CBC, liver & kidney function tests
  • Heart evaluation for patients with pre-existing conditions

These tests ensure accurate, personalized treatment planning.

What's Included in the Package?

Immunotherapy packages in India vary depending on the drug used and the number of cycles. They typically include consultations, drug costs, and day-care services.

Typically included:

  • Oncologist consultation
  • Pre-treatment blood tests
  • Immunotherapy drug cost (major cost component)
  • Day-care infusion charges
  • Observation for 4-6 hours
  • Basic medications

Not included:

  • PET scans or molecular testing
  • Management of immune-related side effects
  • Additional hospital stay (if needed)
  • Long-term follow-up

Packages help patients understand cycle-wise costs clearly.

Leading Doctors for Immunotherapy

Why Choose India for Immunotherapy?

India has rapidly become a leading destination for advanced oncology treatments like immunotherapy. India offers global-standard immunotherapy at costs up to 70% lower than in the West, without compromising quality.

Why international patients choose India:

  • India is among the earliest countries in Asia to adopt PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, offering all FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs.
  • Leading cancer hospitals like Tata Memorial, Apollo, Max, Fortis, and HCG manage over 200,000 cancer patients annually, ensuring extensive experience.
  • Indian oncologists trained at MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Sloan Kettering, and Royal Marsden lead precision oncology programs.
  • India is a major center for global cancer clinical trials, giving patients access to the newest immunotherapies.
  • Hospitals offer advanced molecular diagnostics like NGS, TMB, MSI, and PD-L1 testing, essential for immunotherapy.
  • Treatment costs are 3-5 times lower than in the US or Europe.
  • Indian centers have dedicated Immunotherapy Response & Toxicity Management Units for safe monitoring.

India combines innovation, expertise, and affordability, making it one of the best choices for cancer immunotherapy globally.

Insurance, Medical Visa & Travel Support

International patients undergoing cancer treatment often require long-term visits. Indian medical facilitators like NeuHealth Trips ensure smooth coordination throughout the journey. Regular cycles and follow-ups require hassle-free planning.

Insurance Support:

  • Assistance in checking insurance eligibility
  • Document preparation for partial or full reimbursement
  • Support with medical reports for claims

Medical Visa Assistance:

  • Visa invitation letters for patients & attendants
  • Help prepare medical documents
  • Guidance on visa extensions if treatment extends over months

Travel & Local Support:

  • Airport pickup & drop
  • Arranging long-term stays near the hospital
  • Translator services (Arabic, French, Russian, African languages)
  • Cycle scheduling for immunotherapy
  • Coordination of follow-up tests and scans

These services ensure a stress-free, well-planned treatment experience for international patients.

What is the Cost of Immunotherapy in India?

Immunotherapy costs in India depend on the drug, cancer type, and number of cycles required. The cost of the drug itself contributes to 80-90% of the total treatment expense. The cost of immunotherapy in India ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 4,500 per cycle.

Typical drug-wise costs:

  • Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): USD 2,500 - USD 4,500
  • Nivolumab: USD 1,800 - USD 3,500
  • Atezolizumab / Durvalumab: USD 1,500 - USD 3,000
  • Ipilimumab: USD 3,000 - USD 4,500

Even with costly globally approved immunotherapy drugs, India remains much more affordable than Western countries.

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What Influences the Cost of Immunotherapy in India?

Many clinical and treatment factors affect the final cost of immunotherapy. Different cancers require different drugs, dosages, and cycle durations.

Cost-influencing factors include:

  • Type of immunotherapy drug
  • Number of cycles required
  • Cancer stage and tumor biology
  • Need for combination therapy
  • Body weight (affects dose)
  • Hospital category and oncologist expertise
  • Molecular testing (PD-L1, MSI, TMB)

Personalized treatment planning determines the exact cost for each patient.

India vs. Other Countries: Cost Comparison

India offers the same FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs as the West, at dramatically lower costs. Patients save thousands of dollars per cycle by choosing India.

CountryImmunotherapy Cost (per cycle)
IndiaUSD 1,500 - USD 4,500
USAUSD 8,000 - USD 20,000
UKUSD 6,000 - USD 12,000
UAEUSD 5,000 - USD 10,000
SingaporeUSD 6,000 - USD 15,000
TurkeyUSD 2,500 - USD 6,000

India remains one of the world’s most cost-effective destinations for immunotherapy.

Procedure, Hospital Stay & Rehabilitation Timeline

Immunotherapy is usually given in a day-care facility without hospital admission. The process is simple: testing → infusion → observation.

1. Before Treatment

  • Blood tests
  • Scan review
  • Assessment of organ function
  • Oncologist consultation

2. During Treatment

  • Drug infusion through IV
  • Takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the medication
  • Patient monitored for any reactions

3. Hospital Stay

  • Usually, no admission is required
  • Observation for 1-4 hours after infusion

Immunotherapy is minimally invasive and easy to integrate into daily life.

Recovery Timeline and Aftercare

Recovery is gradual and differs from chemotherapy. Side effects are generally milder, but immune-related reactions must be monitored closely.

Recovery Timeline:

  • Week 1: Mild fatigue or joint pain
  • Month 1-2: Visible improvement in energy
  • Months 2-3: Scans show treatment response
  • After 3 months: Stable improvement for many patients

Aftercare includes:

  • Regular blood tests before each cycle
  • Monitoring for immune-related reactions
  • Staying hydrated and well-nourished
  • Reporting symptoms like rash, cough, or diarrhea
  • Follow-up scans every 2-3 months

Proper monitoring ensures early detection of side effects and maximizes treatment effectiveness.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation and customized treatment plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does immunotherapy work?

Immunotherapy boosts your immune system so it can find and attack cancer cells more effectively. It teaches your body to recognize cancer as a threat and fight it naturally.

How long does a typical immunotherapy session take?

Most infusions take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the drug. Afterward, patients are observed briefly and can return home the same day.

Which cancers respond best to immunotherapy?

Lung cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and some breast cancers respond particularly well. Doctors choose the treatment based on your tumor’s biomarkers.

Are immunotherapy side effects milder than chemotherapy?

Generally, yes. Patients experience less nausea, hair loss, and fatigue, though some immune-related reactions may still occur and need timely monitoring.

How soon can I know if immunotherapy is working?

Most patients begin to see improvement after 2 to 3 treatment cycles. Follow-up scans every few months help measure progress.

Can immunotherapy be used along with chemotherapy?

Yes, many treatment plans successfully combine both. This can increase the overall effectiveness, especially in lung and breast cancers.

Do elderly patients respond well to immunotherapy?

Often, yes. As long as overall health is stable, older patients can receive immunotherapy with good tolerance and encouraging results.

Will I need genetic or biomarker tests before immunotherapy?

Usually yes. Tests like PD-L1, MSI, and TMB help doctors understand whether your cancer will respond well to immunotherapy drugs.

How often will I need follow-up visits?

Patients are usually seen before each cycle for blood tests and symptom checks. Scans every 8 to 12 weeks help track progress and adjust treatment if needed.

Are all immunotherapy drugs available in India?

Yes, India offers all major FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs at more affordable prices. This makes high-quality cancer care accessible to more patients worldwide.

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