Immunotherapy Treatment in India
About Immunotherapy
Key Highlights
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Targets cancer cells specifically, often sparing healthy cells.Can provide long-lasting remission and 'immune memory' against cancer recurrence.Offers a treatment option for some cancers unresponsive to chemotherapy or radiation.Generally has a different, and sometimes more manageable, side effect profile compared to traditional treatments.Represents a cutting-edge, personalized approach to oncology.
Who is this surgery for?
- Advanced or metastatic melanoma.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).
- Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Bladder cancer.
- Head and neck cancers.
- Certain cases of liver cancer and colorectal cancer with specific genetic markers (e.g., MSI-H).
- Cancers that have progressed after first-line treatments.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests, imaging scans (CT, PET), and sometimes a tumor biopsy for biomarker testing.
- Detailed discussion with the oncologist about the treatment plan, goals, and potential side effects.
- Review of all current medications, supplements, and medical history with the care team.
- Management of any active infections or autoimmune conditions prior to starting.
- Arranging for support and transportation, as some patients may experience fatigue after infusions.
Risks & possible complications
- Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) such as colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, or dermatitis.
- Endocrine disorders like thyroiditis or adrenal insufficiency.
- Infusion-related reactions during administration.
- Fatigue, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
- Potential for severe, though rare, reactions affecting major organs.
- Risk of the cancer not responding to the therapy (primary resistance).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Regular monitoring for side effects is crucial, often for weeks or months after each dose.
- Patients must promptly report new symptoms like severe diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, or rash to their oncologist.
- Follow-up blood tests and scans are scheduled to assess treatment response.
- Managing side effects may involve corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and light activity as tolerated is encouraged.
- Emotional and psychological support through counseling or support groups can be beneficial.
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Typical hospital stay:
Usually outpatient (0 days)
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Expected recovery time:
Varies; side effect management can take weeks to months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering immunotherapy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for immunotherapy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform immunotherapy. MediFyr helps you compare oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for immunotherapy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | Usually outpatient (0 days) | ~ Varies; side effect management can take weeks to months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | Usually outpatient (0 days) | ~ Varies; side effect management can take weeks to months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Immunotherapy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Hyderabad, India
67 Doctors
Pooja Sharma, a 42-year-old architect and...
Pooja Sharma, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two, had always been healthy until a persistent cough and fatigue led to a shocking diagnosis: stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, despite never smoking. Standard chemotherapy had shrunk the tumors initially, but they began growing again after six months. Her oncologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) as a next-line treatment, explaining it could help her own immune system recognize and fight the cancer cells. Pooja experienced manageable side effects, primarily fatigue and a mild skin rash, but avoided the severe nausea of her previous chemo. After four cycles, scans showed significant tumor reduction, and she has now been in stable remission for 18 months. Emotionally, she journeyed from the despair of a failing first treatment to cautious hope, and now to profound gratitude for the extra time with her family, though she lives with scan-related anxiety every three months.
Oncologists for Immunotherapy
Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform immunotherapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Medical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 23 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada