Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer in India: Find Costs, Hospitals & Success Rate
Tired of persistent abdominal pain? Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer in India offers a safe & reliable option to fight cancer.
Read more to find costs, top hospitals & doctors.
What Is the Cost of Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer in India?
The cost of immunotherapy for ovarian cancer in India starts at $1,200 and can go upto $85,000 for advanced therapy like CAR T-cell.
- 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
In the US, these treatments start from $15,000 and can exceed $400,000. Therefore, making India a much more affordable option.
Here’s a table that shows the different types of immunotherapies and their costs:
| 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 $1,200 | Ranges between $15,000[1] - $30,000[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 boosts the immune system by removing all checkpoints in fighting cancer | $82,000 | $250,000[6] |
| T-cell Therapy (CAR T-cell therapy) | Use of a part of patient’s white blood cells to fight cancer by modifying them in a lab | $50,000 - $85,000 | Over $400,000[7] |
*Prices are case-dependent.
You can save up to 80% by choosing immunotherapy for ovarian cancer in India compared to the US.
Interested in learning more about immunotherapy for other cancer types? Explore our comprehensive guide on immunotherapy for lung cancer in India.
Cost of Other Treatments for Ovarian Cancer in India
In addition to immunotherapy, treatments for ovarian cancer in India include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Chemotherapy costs between $250 and $300 per session, radiation therapy ranges from $4,500 to $6,500, and surgery is $3,500.
In the US, these treatments can cost up to 95% more. See the following table for more details.
| Treatment | Cost in India (USD) | Cost in the US (USD) | Savings |
| Chemotherapy | $250 - $300 per session | Up to $52,700[8] | 95% |
| Radiation Therapy | $4,500 - $6,500 | $9,000 and up | 50% |
| Surgery | $3,500 | $30,700 and up[9] | 90% |
*Prices are case-dependent.
Check out our other articles to know the cost of immunotherapy for pancreatic and colorectal cancer in India.
Source: WebMD[8][9]
Overview of Immunotherapy for Cancer in India
Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer using lab-made substances similar to immune cells.
Read the main article for more details on Immunotherapy for Cancer in India.
In a recent study, combining pembrolizumab with bevacizumab and oral cyclophosphamide showed a clinical benefit for 95% of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. This treatment also provided long-lasting responses for 25% of these patients.[10]
Along with this promising combination, there are different types of immunotherapy.
In the next section, we'll explain each one.
Source: JAMA Network[10]
Different Types of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy offers various ways to fight cancer, each with its own approach:
Help your immune system find and attack cancer cells by blocking certain proteins that stop T-cells from working properly. This allows your T-cells to recognize cancer cells better and destroy them.
Modifies your T-cells by adding a special CAR protein. These altered T-cells are then returned to your body to find and kill cancer cells directly. Learn more about CAR T-cell Therapy.
Use small proteins to boost your immune system's response to cancer by activating immune cells.
Lab-made proteins help your immune system target specific parts of cancer cells.
Rest assured! After examining you, our expert oncologists in India will recommend the best immunotherapy for your specific needs.
Source: Cancer[11]
Immunotherapy and Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary start to grow uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumor.[12] It’s the third most common gynaecological cancer, with about 300,000 new cases worldwide in 2020.[13]
Fortunately, new treatments for ovarian cancer, like immunotherapy, provide more hope. Indian researchers combine different therapies to attack cancer cells and strengthen the immune system.
For example, using PARP inhibitors with immunotherapy drugs like Pembrolizumab has shown good results, controlling the disease in 73% of cases in studies.
Another approach targets a protein called VEGF-A, combined with PD-1 inhibitors, which has helped 95% of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer stay cancer-free for over a year.
Vaccines using dendritic cells to boost the immune system have also shown amazing results. In one small trial, 90% of patients treated with a special DC vaccine lived for at least three years.[14]
Sources: Cancer Research UK[12], Cancer Research[13], Frontiers in[14]
Procedure: Complete Guide to Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer in India
In the previous section, we discussed how ovarian cancer affects the body and how immunotherapy can treat it.
Now, you'll learn everything you need to know about traveling to India for immunotherapy treatment of treat ovarian cancer.
Keep reading!
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 center in India for your needs.
- Specialists in India check patients' existing 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 Ovarian 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 biomarker 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 Ovarian 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 Ovarian Cancer
Immunotherapy offers new ways to treat ovarian cancer by using your immune system to fight the disease. Here are some key benefits:
- Effective disease control: Combining PARP inhibitors with immunotherapy drugs like Pembrolizumab controls the disease in 73% of cases.
- Long-term remission: Using drugs that target proteins like VEGF-A with PD-1 inhibitors has helped 95% of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer stay cancer-free for over a year.
- Boosted immune response: In some trials, vaccines using dendritic cells have shown that 90% of patients live at least three years.
- Multiple treatment options: Immunotherapy includes different methods, like checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, or cytokines, to target and treat cancer effectively.
Source: Frontiersin[15]
Side-Effects of Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
With immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, you can also expect some common side effects like:
- Feeling tired
- Having a coughFeeling nauseous
- Experience itching, skin rash, loss of appetite, constipation, joint pain, or diarrhoea.
Some people might have an allergic reaction with symptoms like fever, chills, rash, itching, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
In rare cases, the immune system might attack other organs, leading to serious problems in the lungs, intestines, liver, or kidneys.
Always report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare team right away.
Source: Cancer[16]
What is the Success Rate of Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer in India?
Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer in India has shown a 90% success rate for 3 years in a trial with DC vaccines. Another vaccine approach has also shown a 39% chance of keeping the cancer from progressing, with minimal severe side effects.[17]
These results offer promising treatment options at top hospitals in India. Discover more below.
Source: Frontiersin[17]
Best Hospital for Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer in India
We’ll help you find the best hospital in India for ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Our partner hospitals offer quality care similar to what you’d get in the US.
Here are some key reasons why they stand out:
- JCI, NABH, and ISO-accredited hospitals.
- Advanced tools in ovarian cancer diagnosis like CT and MRI scans, Pelvic ultrasound, and CA-125 blood tests.
- Oncologists with decades of experience and ongoing training from European and American institutions.
- 920+ trained staff across 28+ clinical specialties.
Some of the best oncology specialists work in these hospitals. In the next section, we'll introduce them to you.
Best Specialists for Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer in India
Meet the top oncologists in India for ovarian cancer immunotherapy. They are highly skilled, with many having trained and graduated from top institutions worldwide.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Julka( Max Super-Speciality Hospital Patparganj )
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. Harit Chaturvedi( Max Hospital, Saket )
Dr. Harit Chaturvedi is the Chairman of Max Institute of Cancer Care.
He is also the Director of Surgical Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.
He leads a team of over 80 oncologists and has performed surgeries at live workshops.
Dr. Chaturvedi has also supported cancer awareness and anti-tobacco campaigns for over a decade.
Education
Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai, India.
Memberships
- Association of Surgeons of India
- Indian Association of Surgical Oncologists
- Association of Breast Surgeons of India (ABSI)
Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar( BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital )
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. Surender Kumar Dabas( BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital )
Dr. Surender Kumar Dabas is the Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at BLK Hospital.
He is also the Vice President of the International Guild of Robotic & Endoscopic Head & Neck Surgery.
A pioneer in Robotic Surgical Oncology in India, Dr. Dabas is also an international mentor for robotic oncological surgeries.
He has performed over 20,000 complex cancer surgeries, including 2,500 robotic procedures.
Education
National Board of Examination, India
Memberships
- Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO)
- Robotic & Endoscopic Head - Neck Surgeons (IGREHNS)
- International Guild of Robotic & Endoscopic Head & Neck Surgery
Conclusion
Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer in India offers a 90% chance to stay cancer-free for 3 years. Contact MTC for personalized cancer treatment planning and support.
Why MTC Partners in India for Best Immunotherapy Program for Ovarian Cancer?
MTC partners in India offer the best ovarian cancer immunotherapy program because of:
- Expert diagnostics: Our clinics use advanced CA-125 blood tests and CT/MRI imaging to customize your treatment.
- Advanced treatments: Offer the latest therapies, like combining PARP inhibitors with immunotherapy drugs such as Pembrolizumab.[18]
- Specialized care: Leading oncologists at our hospitals with over 4 decades of experience and association with international medical institutes, provide personalized care to guide you through every treatment step.
Choose MTC partners for the best in advanced technology, expert care, and innovative treatments for ovarian cancer.
Source: NCBI[18]
FAQs
Not everyone can be completely cured of ovarian cancer, but about two in ten women with advanced-stage cancer survive for at least 12 years after treatment. How well you respond to treatment depends on the type and stage of your cancer.[19]
Source: MedicineNet[19]
One immunotherapy pill for ovarian cancer is Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®).[20] It changes how immune cells work to help the immune system find and attack cancer cells more effectively.
You’ll have to receive this immunotherapy drug through an IV infusion every 3 weeks.
Source: Cancer[20]
Stage 3 ovarian cancer is advanced and has spread beyond the ovary. Treatment usually includes surgery and chemotherapy.
While these treatments can cure some cases, it's important to discuss your specific situation with your doctor for the best plan.
Source: Cancer Research UK[21]
References
-
- 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
- Times of India: Monoclonal therapy a hit despite price | Hyderabad News
- PubMed: Pricing of monoclonal antibody therapies: higher if used for cancer?
- ASCOpubs: 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
- WebMD: Ovarian Cancer: Cost of Medical Care and Treatment
- Cancer: Treating Cancer with Immunotherapy
- Cancer Research UK: What is ovarian cancer?
- Frontiersin: Limitations and potential of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer
- MedicineNet: Can You Be Fully Cured of Ovarian Cancer?
