Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India: Costs, Hospital & Success Rate
Explore immunotherapy for breast cancer in India, a newer treatment option. Find costs, JCI-accredited hospitals, success rate, and expert oncologists. Read more to know all about this advanced life-saving treatment.
What Is the Cost of Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India?
Immunotherapy for breast cancer in India starts at USD $1200 and can go up to USD $85,000 for advanced treatments. In the US, the cost for the same starts at USD $15,000 and can go up to more than USD $400,000. Although costs vary depending on the type of immunotherapy, the overall cost to the patient is 80% lower in India.
Depending on the patient's requirements, Doctors can recommend various types of immunotherapies ranging from basic drugs and medication to advanced treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of the types of immunotherapies and their costs in India and the US.
| Type of Immunotherapy | About the immunotherapy | Cost in India in USD | Cost in the US in USD |
| Non-Specific Immunotherapy | Administering general drugs to increase the immune system | Starts at $1200 | Ranges between $15,000[1] - $30,000[2] |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | Man-made proteins that are inserted in the body to act like antibodies | $1500[3] | Over $100,000[4] |
| Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors | Medication boosts 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 a patient’s white blood cells to fight cancer by modifying them in a lab | $50,000 - $85000 | Over $400,000. [7] |
Cost of Other Treatments for Breast Cancer in India
In India, treatments for breast cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and surgery, are available at significantly lower costs compared to the US.
For instance, chemotherapy in India starts at around $6,000, whereas in the US, it can reach up to $100,000.
Radiation therapy costs approximately $4,000 in India, while in the US, it typically ranges between $20,000 and $50,000.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of the other treatments for breast cancer and their costs in India and the US.
| Treatment Type | Cost in India (USD) | Cost in the US (USD) |
| Chemotherapy | Starts at $6,000[8] | Starts at $48,000. Can go up to $190,000 |
| Radiation therapy | Starts at $4,000 | $20,000 - $ 50,000[9] |
| Hormone therapy | Starts at $3,000[10] | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Surgery | Starts at $3,000 | $15,000 - $50,000 |
These significant cost differences make India an attractive destination for affordable cancer care.
Read our complete guide to learn all about Immunotherapy for Cancer in India.
Overview of Immunotherapy for Cancer in India
Unlike traditional treatment procedures for breast cancer that directly target the cancer cells, immunotherapy works by strengthening the immune system to fight cancer on its own.
This can be achieved either by triggering non-specific immune cells which attack all the germs or specific immune cells, which are tailored to destroy particular germs.
According to research published in NCBI, immunotherapy also helps boost the immune system, making other cancer treatments work better.
Different Types of Immunotherapies
Immunotherapy is a widely accepted cancer treatment because it uses the body’s immune cells to fight against the cancer cells.
Oncologists can recommend different types of immunotherapies depending on the stage, type of cancer, and how much the patient can afford.
Non-specific immunotherapy:[11]
- In this type of treatment, the patient's immunity is improved in general and is not targeted specifically at cancer cells. Along with the cancer cells, it also helps fight other diseases.
- Agents used for nonspecific immune stimulation include BCG, interferon alpha, and certain types of interleukins.
Monoclonal antibodies:[12]
- Monoclonal antibodies are special proteins made in labs that can stick to cancer cells, making them easier for the immune system to find and destroy.
- These lab-made proteins help the immune system fight cancer.
- Many monoclonal antibodies are used to treat different cancers, including breast cancer.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors:[13]
- Immune checkpoints are normal components of the immune system. Their purpose is to keep the immune response from becoming so powerful that it damages healthy cells in the body.
- Cancer cells misuse these checkpoints to hide from the immune system.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors block these checkpoints and let the immune system find and attack the cancer cells.
- CAR T-cell therapy is the latest and most advanced form of immunotherapy with ongoing studies.
- The treatment includes altering the patient's T-cells in the lab to attack cancer. CAR T-cell therapy is often used when all other alternatives have failed or is given to the patient alongside other treatments.
- Read the complete guide to CAR T-cell therapy.
Immunotherapy and Breast Cancer
- Breast cancer causes harmful tumours to grow in breast tissue, making it a deadly disease that affects 2.3 million women per year globally.
- Immunotherapy is a newer form of treatment that tries to treat the disease by using the body's immune system from within to fight cancer.
- Unlike chemotherapy, which uses drugs that kill all rapidly dividing cells (including healthy ones), immunotherapy targets only cancer cells.
- This makes it effective even when chemotherapy doesn't work and results in fewer severe side effects.
- Our partner hospitals are conducting research and clinical trials on using immunotherapy for breast cancer in India.
- A case study in India[14] showed that the side effects of immunotherapy were manageable with extra supportive care and did not cause serious or deadly effects.
Procedure: Complete Guide to Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India
This guide provides detailed information on how overseas patients can travel for immunotherapy for breast cancer in India.
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 Breast 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 Breast 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 Breast Cancer
- Fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy
- Long-term disease control.
- Fewer recurrence of the cancer.
- Enhances the quality of life for breast cancer patients.
Side-Effects of Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer
Immunotherapy for breast cancer can cause various side effects, including mild to moderate reactions.
- Inflammation or tenderness in the breasts
- Redness and swelling
- Fatigue and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms
- Mouth sores and skin rashes
- In rare cases, immunotherapy can trigger an immune response that affects healthy tissues, potentially causing autoimmune reactions[15] that affect the breast or nearby areas.
- As per the American Society of Clinical Oncology journal, Indian oncologists[16] believe in early diagnosis and optimal treatment, which leads to better outcomes and lower financial burdens for patients.
What is the Success Rate of Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India?
The success rate of Immunotherapy for breast cancer in India is around 92% - 95%[17] for earlier stages and around 70% for advanced stages.
Immunotherapy, as a treatment increases the effects of other ongoing cancer treatments, making the overall success rate increase accordingly. However, treatment and its response depend on the cancer stage and patient response.
Best Hospital for Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India
JCI-accredited, it is one of the largest private clinics in Delhi and ranks among the top 10 multi-specialty hospitals.
It serves local and international patients, specializing in cancer, bariatric surgery, and cardiology with advanced, European-standard equipment.
- 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
Max, Vaishali, a 370+ bed facility, offers advanced care across 28 specialties, including Oncology, Cardiac Sciences, Neuro Sciences, Orthopaedics, and Transplants.
With 259+ expert doctors, it provides integrated, multidisciplinary medical services.
- 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.
With advanced diagnostic units, Max, Saket is a renowned 250-bed hospital in South Delhi.
It has emergency care, Tesla MRI and Cath Labs, and 50 critical beds. It offers Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Urology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.
- 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
Best Specialists for Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India
Dr. Pramod Kumar Julka
Dr. Julka, a renowned oncologist and cancer researcher, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013.
He is a WHO fellow - MD Anderson and Long Beach Memorial Cancer Centre. He also received the "Leading Scientist of the World 2005" award from the International Biographical Centre of Cambridge, England.
Education
- Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
- Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences
Memberships
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- 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.
Education
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Tufts Medical Center, USA
Memberships
- 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.
Education
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
Memberships
- Delhi Medical Council
- Karnataka Medical Council
Dr. Meenu Walia
India's first to achieve a DNB in Medical Oncology, Dr. Walia leads Oncology & Hematology at Max Super Specialty Hospital.
She is a Bharat Jyoti Award awardee and has multiple IMA awards for Medical Excellence.
Education
- University of Delhi, India
Memberships
- American Society of Clinical Oncologists
- European Society for Medical Oncology
- Indian Medical Association
Dr. Gopal Sharma
Specializing in Haemato-medical Oncology, Dr. Sharma is a part of the Indo-American Cancer Association (IACA).
He excels in hematological malignancies and targeted chemotherapy for solid cancers.
Education
- Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India
Memberships
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- European Society of Medical Oncology
- Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology
Conclusion
Immunotherapy for breast cancer in India is a safe and effective option with fewer side effects. With low costs and a high success rate, this life-saving treatment is now available at your fingertips.
Why MTC Partners in India Have the Best Immunotherapy Program for Breast Cancer?
- MTC Partners in India have the best immunotherapy program for breast cancer due to their advanced treatment options, expert oncologists with over 3 decades of experience and cost-effective care.
- The Breast Cancer Program at MTC partner hospitals provides different types of breast surgeries depending on the stage of cancer. These include major surgeries to remove cancer, to keep as much of the breast as possible, and to rebuild the lost tissue using special techniques.
FAQs
Yes, breast cancer can be treated with immunotherapy It is used in combination with other treatments, like chemotherapy, to enhance efficacy and improve patient outcomes. However, as with every cancer treatment, immunotherapy has its risks and side effects.
Yes, immunotherapy for cancer is available in India. Top JCI-accredited hospitals in India offer quality immunotherapy treatment at affordable cost.
The survival rate for breast cancer immunotherapy is 95% with early diagnosis and treatment. However, there is no guarantee of a cure or that the cancer won't come back.
References
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- Welcome.org: More people should have access to monoclonal antibodies. Covid-19 can make that happen.
- JAMA Network Open: Estimated Costs and Long-term Outcomes of Patients With High-Risk Non–Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated With Bacillus Calmette-Guérin in the Veterans Affairs Health System
- Times of India: Monoclonal therapy a hit despite price
- PubMed: 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
- Frontier Immunology: The future of affordable cancer immunotherapy
- ASCO Educational Book: High Cost of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells: Challenges and Solutions
- National Library of Medicine: A global comparison of the cost of patented cancer drugs in relation to global differences in wealth
- International journal of radiation oncology: Exploring the Cost of Radiation Therapy Delivery for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer in a Public and a Private Center in Latin America Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing
- Breast cancer: target and therapy: Cost-effectiveness of Tamoxifen, Aromatase Inhibitor, and Switch Therapy (Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy) for Breast Cancer in Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Women in India
- National cancer institute: Nonspecific immune stimulation
- Journal of advances in medical and biomedical research: Evaluation of the Adverse Effects of Monoclonal Antibodies in Breast Cancer Treatment in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bengaluru, India, in 2020
- NCBI: Immunotherapy of autoimmunity and cancer: the penalty for success
- Journal of the National Cancer Center: Immunotherapy in breast cancer: A clinician's perspective
