Learn about Immunotherapy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Immunotherapy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a revolutionary cancer treatment performed by an oncologist that harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which directly attack cancer, immunotherapy works by boosting or modifying the immune system's natural ability to recognize and destroy malignant cells. Common types include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. This targeted approach is used for various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and lymphoma, and can offer durable, long-term remission with potentially fewer side effects than conventional therapies. It represents a major advancement in personalized cancer care.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days)
  • checked 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.

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 USD 1,632 – USD 5,438 Usually outpatient (0 days) ~ Varies; side effect management can take weeks to months Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 40,263 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.

Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon60 Doctors

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon141 Doctors

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon21 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to a few doctors...

I'd been to a few doctors for this persistent stomach pain, and everyone just said it was stress. Dr. Jayaraman was different. He actually listened, asked a ton of questions I hadn't been asked before, and ordered some specific tests others hadn't. Turns out it was a tricky gallbladder issue, not just 'stress.' He explained it all with a diagram on his notepad. I felt heard for the first time.

Oncologists for Immunotherapy

Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform immunotherapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Bhaarat
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Richi Khandelwal
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gynecologic Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shailaja Sabnis
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gopal Ramkrishnan
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhijit Kotabagi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shubhranshu S Mohanty
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sandeep Singh Bali
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Biswajeet Mohapatra
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tejasvini Vaid
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ankur Mudgal
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Birendra Bhagat
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gynecologic Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Narayan Adhikari
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Biswajeet Mohapatra
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Carthikeyan
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. S Arun Mitra
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Head and Neck surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balaji Krishnan
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Durgatosh Pandey
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arindam Mondal
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhay Kumar
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, English, Hindi, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Peush Bajpai
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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