Cancer cells are equipped in many ways to evade the immune system. They effectively hide away from the immune cells or suppress their activity. So the human immune system is incapable of identifying and attacking these cancerous cells. Immunotherapy, an advanced and relatively new method of cancer treatment addresses this issue.
Immunotherapy works to enhance or equip the immune system of the patient to fight against cancerous cells. While not as effective on its own, this technique supports the effects of other treatments by making the cancer cells more vulnerable.
Read on to learn more about how immunotherapy works, the immunotherapy cost, and the factors affecting the cost of this treatment.
What is Immunotherapy?
The use of immunotherapy for allergies is a common practice, but this technique is fairly new in the cancer field.
Immunotherapy works in one of the following two ways:
- It makes the cancer cells more vulnerable, allowing the immune cells to identify and attack them. Or,
- It introduces synthetic or modified immune cells that can identify and act against the cancerous cells in the patient’s body.
It is a targeted therapy focused on undoing the masking of cancerous cells and making them targets for immunological detection and killing. This treatment technique is often offered during stage III or IV of different forms of cancer when the frontline treatment methods have no significant effect. Also, it is used along with a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other treatments. For now, immunotherapy is not available for all cancer patients but only for some eligible candidates.
Types of Immunotherapy
Experts have studied several different approaches to immunotherapy for cancer.
- Monoclonal antibodies make the cancer cells visible to the immune cells.
- Cytokines interfere with the growth and division of cancer cells
- Checkpoint inhibitors neutralize the inhibitory proteins of cancer cells and make them vulnerable to the killer T-lymphocytes.
- Cancer vaccines work similarly to other vaccines; they identify the abnormal cancer cells, inhibit their growth, and prevent the recurrence of these cells.
- Adoptive Cell Therapy is still in the clinical trial stage; it involves taking T-lymphocyte cells from patients, genetically altering them to detect and kill cancer cells, and then multiplying and transfusing them back into the patient’s body.
While some of these methods are being practiced, others require some more work to be made available to the public.
What Is the Cost of Immunotherapy in India?
The cost of immunotherapy in India can vary significantly depending on the type of cancer being treated, the immunotherapy drug prescribed, the number of treatment cycles required, and the hospital where treatment is received. On average, immunotherapy costs in India may range from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per cycle. For many patients, the total treatment cost can range between ₹5 lakh and ₹30 lakh or more, depending on the duration and complexity of treatment.
Unlike conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy works by helping the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells more effectively. While immunotherapy has improved outcomes for many cancer patients, the advanced nature of these medications often contributes to higher treatment costs.
Immunotherapy Cost in India: Estimated Price Breakdown
The following table provides a general overview of immunotherapy treatment costs in India.
| Immunotherapy Treatment | Approximate Cost Per Cycle |
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) | ₹1.5 lakh – ₹4 lakh |
| Nivolumab (Opdivo) | ₹80,000 – ₹3 lakh |
| Atezolizumab | ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh |
| Durvalumab | ₹80,000 – ₹2.5 lakh |
| Combination Immunotherapy | ₹2 lakh – ₹6 lakh |
Actual costs may vary depending on dosage requirements, patient weight, cancer type, treatment duration, and hospital charges.
Factors Affecting Immunotherapy Cost in India
Several factors influence the overall cost of immunotherapy treatment.
Type of Immunotherapy Drug
Different immunotherapy medications have varying manufacturing processes, approvals, and treatment protocols. Newer and highly specialized drugs generally cost more than established therapies.
Type and Stage of Cancer
The cancer being treated plays an important role in determining costs. Some cancers require longer treatment durations or combination therapies, which can increase overall expenses.
Number of Treatment Cycles
Immunotherapy is often administered over multiple cycles. The total cost increases depending on how long treatment continues and how the patient responds to therapy.
Patient Weight and Dosage Requirements
Many immunotherapy drugs are administered based on body weight or specific dosage calculations. Higher dosages may result in increased treatment costs.
Hospital and Location
Treatment costs may vary between hospitals, cancer centers, and cities. Facilities with advanced infrastructure and specialized oncology teams may have different pricing structures.
Diagnostic Tests and Monitoring
Regular blood tests, imaging studies, and follow-up evaluations are often required during immunotherapy treatment. These additional investigations contribute to the overall treatment expense.
Combination Treatments
In some cases, immunotherapy may be combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Combination treatment plans can increase the total cost of care.
Immunotherapy Cost for Different Types of Cancer
The cost of immunotherapy can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and the treatment protocol recommended.
Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Cost
Immunotherapy is commonly used in certain types of advanced lung cancer. Depending on the drug and treatment duration, costs can range from several lakhs to over twenty lakhs throughout the treatment course.
Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Cost
Certain breast cancer patients may benefit from immunotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Costs depend on the specific medication, treatment schedule, and overall treatment plan.
Kidney Cancer Immunotherapy Cost
Immunotherapy has become an important treatment option for advanced kidney cancer. Treatment costs vary based on the medication prescribed and whether combination therapy is required.
Bladder Cancer Immunotherapy Cost
Some patients with advanced bladder cancer may receive immunotherapy to improve treatment outcomes. The overall expense depends on the number of cycles and treatment response.
Melanoma Immunotherapy Cost
Immunotherapy is widely used in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Treatment costs are influenced by the choice of drug and the duration of therapy.
Head and Neck Cancer Immunotherapy Cost
Patients with recurrent or advanced head and neck cancers may be candidates for immunotherapy. Treatment expenses vary depending on individual clinical requirements.
Is Affordable Immunotherapy Available in India?
Many patients are concerned about the affordability of immunotherapy treatment. While immunotherapy can be expensive, several options may help reduce the financial burden.
Patient Assistance Programs
Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient support initiatives that may help eligible individuals access treatment at reduced costs.
Health Insurance Coverage
Certain health insurance policies may cover a portion of immunotherapy expenses, depending on the terms and conditions of the policy.
Government Healthcare Programs
Government-supported healthcare schemes may provide financial assistance for cancer treatment in eligible cases.
Treatment Planning Based on Individual Needs
An oncology specialist can help patients understand available treatment options and identify strategies that align with both medical and financial considerations.
Is Immunotherapy Available in India?
Yes. Immunotherapy is widely available at major cancer hospitals and specialized oncology centers across India. Several internationally approved immunotherapy drugs are used to treat various cancers, including:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Melanoma
- Head and neck cancers
- Certain gastrointestinal cancers
The availability of treatment depends on the specific cancer diagnosis, treatment indication, and physician recommendations.
Immunotherapy vs Chemotherapy Cost
Patients often compare immunotherapy with traditional chemotherapy when evaluating treatment options.
| Treatment Type | General Cost Range |
| Chemotherapy | Lower to Moderate |
| Targeted Therapy | Moderate to High |
| Immunotherapy | High |
While immunotherapy may involve higher upfront costs, treatment decisions should be based on clinical effectiveness, eligibility, and individualized cancer care needs rather than cost alone.
Does Insurance Cover Immunotherapy?
Insurance coverage for immunotherapy varies between providers and policies. Some comprehensive health insurance plans include coverage for cancer treatment, while others may have limitations regarding specific medications or treatment protocols.
Patients should review their policy details carefully and consult both their healthcare provider and insurance company to understand coverage eligibility and out-of-pocket expenses.
What is the Cost of Immunotherapy in India?
India offers high-quality immunotherapy at a much lower price than most developed countries. The treatment centers in India are equipped with top-notch facilities and the latest technology. Immunotherapy, like other cancer treatments, is offered here at a much more affordable price than in foreign countries.
The immunotherapy cost in India, however, is higher than the usual cancer treatments in the country. This is because this method uses patented drugs that have to be imported and an advanced technology that requires extensive screening and close monitoring.
You can consult with your cancer care team and your insurance agent about the overall expenses of the treatment.
Factors Affecting the Immunotherapy Cost in India
Immunotherapy cost, India, varies based on several factors. Some of the major ones are discussed further.
1. Satge of Cancer
The level of metastasis of the cancer decides how extensive the treatment has to be. If the cancer is regional, the treatment can be focused on a single site. Whereas in metastasized cancer, the treatment takes on a more extensive approach.
2. Type of Cancer
Cells from different forms of cancer have distinct features. Therefore, based on the type of cancer, the drug used and the treatment approach vary.
3. Health Status of the Patient
Immunotherapy works on the immunological construct of the patient. So if the person is in relatively good health, their immune system can be more active and functioning. For patients in poor physical health, more treatment sessions and drugs might be needed.
4. Number of Sessions
The total number of sessions of immunotherapy depends on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. This affects the overall immunotherapy cost.
5. Drugs Used
Different cases require different drugs. Based on the type and amount of drug used, the treatment cost varies.
6. Treatment Plan
Immunotherapy is almost always administered with other treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. So the overall treatment plan majorly decides the final cost.
Affordable Immunotherapy Treatment in India
Immunotherapy for cancer is still in the developing stage. Experts are performing extensive studies and many advances remain to be made before this technique comes into the mainstream cancer treatment. However, the concept and methodology of the technique are promising.
With experienced and highly skilled oncologists and the availability of advanced facilities, effective immunotherapy can be administered in India at highly economical prices. Considering the major difference between the cost of immunotherapy in India and other foreign countries, India can be a significant host to this treatment in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of immunotherapy in India?
The average cost of immunotherapy in India can range from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per cycle depending on the drug used, cancer type, dosage requirements, and treatment duration.
Why is immunotherapy expensive?
Immunotherapy drugs are developed using advanced biotechnology and often require extensive research, specialized manufacturing processes, and ongoing monitoring during treatment.
Is immunotherapy covered under health insurance?
Some health insurance policies provide coverage for immunotherapy treatment, although coverage limits and eligibility criteria vary between insurers.
How many cycles of immunotherapy are usually required?
The number of cycles depends on the type of cancer, treatment goals, response to therapy, and the specific drug being administered.
Can immunotherapy be affordable in India?
Financial assistance programs, insurance coverage, and treatment planning strategies may help eligible patients manage treatment expenses more effectively.
Which cancers can be treated with immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is commonly used for certain cases of lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma, head and neck cancers, and several other malignancies.
Is immunotherapy available in India?
Yes. Immunotherapy is available at many leading cancer hospitals and oncology centers throughout India.
