Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer in India: Costs, Hospitals & Treatment Types
Battling liver cancer? Find renewed hope with safe and effective immunotherapy for liver cancer in India. Explore costs, hospitals, & success rates.
Continue reading to know more.
What Is the Cost of Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer in India?
The cost of immunotherapy for liver cancer in India ranges from $1,200 and goes up to about $85,000 for advanced treatments.
- 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, the cost of the same starts at around $15,000 and goes over $400,000.
| 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 immune system | Starts at $1200 | Ranges between $15,000[1] - $30,000[2] |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | Man-made proteins that are inserted in body to act like antibodies | $1500[3] | Over $100,000[4] |
| Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors | Medication boosting 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 patient’s white blood cells to fight cancer by modifying them in a lab | $50,000 - $85000 | Over $400,000[7] |
Explore the potential of immunotherapy for lung cancer in India's top hospitals.
Cost of Other Treatments for Liver Cancer in India
There are many other liver cancer treatments available in India, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
After running various tests, the doctor concludes which mode of treatment will be the most effective for the patient.
Let’s discuss the cost of other alternative treatments for liver cancer in India.
| Type of treatment | Description | Cost in India in USD | Cost in US in USD |
| Surgery | Removal of the cancer tumor from the body | $7000 | $30,000 to $200,000[8] |
| Chemotherapy | Using drugs and chemicals to destroy the tumor | $250 - $300 | $100,000[9] |
| Radiation | Using high energy beams to kill the cancer | $4400 - $6500 | Over $50,000[10] |
Discover how immunotherapy for prostate cancer in India is transforming the lives of people.
Overview of Immunotherapy for Cancer in India
Immunotherapy refers to a type of medical treatment that enhances the body's immune system to recognize and attack diseases such as cancer.
It is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight off illnesses more effectively. It is considered one of the best treatments to fight cancer.
Different Types of Immunotherapy
Now, let’s discuss the different types of immunotherapies:
- Non-Specific Immunotherapy – In this type of treatment, general drugs are used to improve the immune system. This may not be cancer-specific but can work for cancer as well.
- Monoclonal Antibodies – This method uses lab-made molecules. They are designed to revive, enhance, or mimic the immune system against cancer cells by acting as antibodies.
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors – In this method, medication is used to block checkpoint activity so that the immune system can have a better response against cancer cells.
- T-cell Therapy (CAR T-cell therapy) – In T-cell Therapy (CAR T-cell therapy), the patient’s white blood cells are clinically modified to fight cancer.
Read the article CAR T-cell Therapy in India to know all about this advanced treatment.
Immunotherapy and Liver Cancer
A patient with liver cancer struggles with symptoms like loss of appetite, chalky stools, abdominal swelling, general fatigue, nausea, etc.
Immunotherapy helps the patient’s immune system in its fight against cancer cells.
When it comes to figuring out the most effective immunotherapy treatment for liver cancer, the doctors decide the best route.
It is based on the patient’s conditions and requirements.
Generally, specialists go for immune checkpoint inhibitors or T-cell Therapy (CAR T-cell therapy).
Procedure: Complete Guide to Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer in India
- Once you decide to get the treatment done in India, our team of experts will contact you for all your medical details and files.
- Then, the doctors decide if the immunotherapy is required or not. If yes, a thorough medical travel plan is curated to provide you with a smooth travel experience.
- Our team takes care of all your requirements in India. From finding the best hospitals to accommodations, you don’t have to worry about anything.
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' 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 Liver 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 Liver 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 Liver Cancer
- Immunotherapy has emerged as an important treatment option for liver cancer. It has been proven to be largely risk-free and can be used simultaneously with other forms of treatment.
- Immunotherapy improves the overall immune system and helps it regain its capacity to fight cancer cells. Instead of targeting the entire body, immunotherapy works by focusing entirely on the patient’s immune system.
- Immunotherapy also reduces the chances of cancer from returning.
Discover more about the benefits and advancements of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer in India.
Side-Effects of Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer
Even with the numerous benefits, you must consider the potential side effects of Immunotherapy for liver cancer. One major side effect is the infusion reaction.
It occurs when the patient’s body reacts adversely to the drugs.
The patient may experience allergy-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, itchy skin, feeling dizzy, wheezing, and trouble breathing.
The patient may also experience other symptoms like –
- General Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea
When opting for immune checkpoint inhibitors, there may be some autoimmune reactions that you need to watch out for.
Such reactions sometimes turn into life-threatening ones when the immune system starts attacking other body parts.
What is the Success Rate of Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer in India?
The success rate of immunotherapy for liver cancer in India is almost 95%.[11]
According to one study,[12] Immunotherapy is successful and safe in the treatment of solid tumors, resulting in long-term survival and manageable toxicity.
Best Hospital for Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer in India
The JCI-accredited facility is one of the largest private clinics in Delhi and ranks among the top 10 multi-specialty hospitals.
As part of the Max Healthcare Group, a leading provider in India, it caters to both domestic and international patients.
The hospital specializes in cancer treatment, bariatric surgery, and cardiology, using advanced equipment that meets European hospital standards.
- 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
Considered as one of the best hospitals in Delhi-NCR, Max Super Specialty Hospital is situated in Vaishali, Ghaziabad
Renowned for its world-class infrastructure, advanced technology, and stringent health and safety standards, it has earned multiple awards and industry accreditations, establishing itself as a leader among healthcare providers.
- 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.
Highly skilled oncology team, including specialists with over 4 decades of experience - NABH-accredited multidisciplinary hospital with over 260 leading specialists.
Best Specialists for Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer in India
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. Pramod Kumar Julka
Dr. P.K. Julka is a renowned oncologist, author, and cancer researcher. Dr Julka was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013, India's fourth highest civilian honor.
He has also received the "Leading Scientist of the World 2005" award from the International Biographical Centre of Cambridge.
He has been a WHO fellow at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, and Long Beach Memorial Cancer Centre in California, US.
Education
Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
Memberships
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- National Advisory Committee of Global Cancer Summit
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
Dr. Meenu Walia leads the Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology at Max Super Specialty Hospital. She was the first in India to achieve a DNB in Medical Oncology.
Dr, Walia has received the Bharat Jyoti Award and multiple awards from IMA for Medical Excellence. She was featured in the book titled “Luminaries In Healthcare” by Mail Today in December (2015).
Education
University of Delhi, India
Memberships
- Indian Medical Association (IMA)
- American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO)
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
Why MTC Partners in India Have the Best Immunotherapy Program for Liver Cancer?
MTC partners in India offer state-of-the-art facilities with early diagnosis methods and treatments, from gene tests to biopsies.
Our medical experts with decades of experience in the field of oncology provide top-rated treatment tailored to your needs.
Is Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer in India Safe?
Yes, Immunotherapy for liver cancer is safe in India and has shown some positive results.
However, as with any cancer treatment, there are side effects possibility of treatment or cure is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy for liver cancer in India provides affordability with a high success rate of 95%. Get quality care at renowned cancer hospitals.
Contact us for a free consultation!
FAQs
Yes, the treatment has shown positive results in patients with liver cancer. Immunotherapy works by stretching the individual’s immune system to work against cancer cells.
Our partner hospitals in India have one of the best specialists who customize treatment for each patient according to their specific needs.
As compared to chemotherapy, immunotherapy takes a bit to start working on the patient by making the immune system stronger.
However, the patients may suffer from some side effects post-treatment as the immune system gets disturbed.
References
- Wellcome: More people should have access to monoclonal antibodies.
- 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
- The Times of India: Monoclonal therapy a hit despite price
- PubMed Central: Pricing of monoclonal antibody therapies: higher if used for cancer?
- ASCO Publications: Effectiveness of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Various Tumor Types Treated by Low, Per-Weight, and Conventional Doses at a Tertiary Care Center in Mumbai
- Frontiers in Immunology: The future of affordable cancer immunotherapy
- ASCO Publications: High Cost of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells: Challenges and Solutions
- American Life Fund: Costs of Liver Cancer Treatment by Stage
- American Life Fund: Costs of Liver Cancer Treatment by Stage
- American Life Fund: Costs of Liver Cancer Treatment by Stage
- Karger Publications: Outcomes of Post-Immunotherapy Durable Responders of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma– with Emphasis on Locoregional Therapy for Oligoprogression
- PubMed Central: Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Current status and future perspectives
