Looking for immunotherapy in India? Learn about immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, side effects, costs, and top Indian hospitals offering advanced cancer care.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Immunotherapy
- How Immunotherapy Works
- Types of Immunotherapy
- Cancers Treated with Immunotherapy
- Side Effects of Immunotherapy
- Success Rates and Effectiveness
- Cost of Immunotherapy in India
- Top Hospitals in India for Immunotherapy
- Recovery Retreats
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How MedicHorizon Assists with Your Treatment Journey
1. Overview of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. The immune system helps your body fight infections and other diseases. It is made up of white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system.
This treatment is a form of biological therapy that uses substances made from living organisms to treat cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, this therapy works by boosting the body’s natural defenses to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
This treatment can be used as:
- Primary treatment – To cure cancer or shrink tumors
- Adjuvant therapy – After surgery or other treatments to kill any remaining cancer cells
- Neoadjuvant therapy – Before surgery to shrink tumors
- Palliative care – To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
Learn more about immunotherapy from the National Cancer Institute.
2. How Immunotherapy Works
As part of its normal function, the immune system detects and destroys abnormal cells and most likely prevents or curbs the growth of many cancers. However, cancer cells have ways to avoid destruction by the immune system. For example, cancer cells may have genetic changes that make them less visible to the immune system, have proteins on their surface that turn off immune cells, or change the normal cells around the tumor so they interfere with how the immune system responds.
This treatment helps the immune system to better act against cancer. Different types work in different ways:
- Boosting immune cells: Some treatments stimulate the immune system to work harder or smarter
- Removing checkpoints: Others remove barriers that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer
- Engineering immune cells: Some treatments involve modifying a patient’s own immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer
- Targeting cancer cells: Certain therapies mark cancer cells so the immune system can find and destroy them more easily
People whose tumors contain tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) often do better than people whose tumors do not contain them.
3. Types of Immunotherapy
Several types of this therapy are used to treat cancer:
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
These are drugs that block immune checkpoints. Checkpoints are a normal part of the immune system and keep immune responses from being too strong. By blocking them, these drugs allow immune cells to respond more strongly to cancer.
Common checkpoint inhibitors include anti–PD-1 drugs (pembrolizumab, nivolumab), anti–PD-L1 drugs (atezolizumab, durvalumab), and anti–CTLA-4 drugs (ipilimumab). These have been approved for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and bladder cancer.
T-Cell Transfer Therapy
This treatment boosts the natural ability of your T cells to fight cancer. In this therapy, immune cells are taken from your tumor. Those that are most active against your cancer are selected or changed in the lab to better attack your cancer cells, grown in large batches, and put back into your body through a needle in a vein.
There are two main types of T-cell transfer therapy: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy and CAR T-cell therapy. Both involve collecting your own immune cells, growing large numbers of these cells in the lab, and then giving the cells back to you.
CAR T-cell therapy can be used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance their effectiveness. Current research is exploring combinations of CAR-T cells with immunomodulatory agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and bispecific T cell engagers.
Monoclonal Antibodies
These are immune system proteins created in the lab that are designed to bind to specific targets on cancer cells. Some monoclonal antibodies mark cancer cells so that they will be better seen and destroyed by the immune system.
Cancer Treatment Vaccines
These vaccines work against cancer by boosting your immune system’s response to cancer cells. Treatment vaccines are different from the ones that help prevent disease.
Immune System Modulators
These agents enhance the body’s immune response against cancer. Some affect specific parts of the immune system, while others work more broadly.
Learn more about immunotherapy types from the National Cancer Institute.
4. Cancers Treated with Immunotherapy
This therapy has been approved for a wide variety of cancers, and its use continues to expand:
- Melanoma – One of the first cancers where this therapy showed significant success
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – Approved for both first-line and subsequent treatment
- Renal cell carcinoma – A type of kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer – Including advanced urothelial carcinoma
- Breast cancer – Particularly triple-negative breast cancer
- Lymphomas – Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas
- Leukemias – Including acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- Head and neck cancers
- Colorectal cancer – For specific subtypes
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Multiple myeloma
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are the most widely studied immunotherapies worldwide and are now approved for multiple cancers. CAR T-cell therapy has also shown promise by targeting T lymphocytes that are genetically modified.
5. Side Effects of Immunotherapy
This therapy can cause side effects because it can overactivate the immune system, leading it to attack healthy cells and organs. In some cases, the immune system may attack the intestines, liver, nerves, skin, eyes, glands that make hormones, or other organs.
These side effects are called immune-related adverse events (irAEs). They are organ-specific or systemic toxic reactions arising from the overactivation of the immune system during therapy.
Common Side Effects
- Skin reactions: Rash, itching, changes in skin color
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue
- Pain at the injection site (for injected therapies)
- Cough
- Allergic reactions during infusion
More Serious Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, colitis
- Endocrine: Thyroid problems, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes
- Pulmonary: Pneumonitis (lung inflammation)
- Hepatic: Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Neurologic: Nerve inflammation, encephalitis
- Cardiovascular: Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
- Renal: Nephritis (kidney inflammation)
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): A potentially serious condition that can occur with CAR T-cell therapy
- Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Neurologic side effects associated with cellular therapies
The spectrum of side effects varies by tumor type and drug class. Early detection and multidisciplinary management are essential for successful treatment.
6. Success Rates and Effectiveness
This therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, offering durable long-term responses and immune memory formation. It is effective across multiple cancer types.
Key statistics on effectiveness:
- Melanoma: Continuing immune checkpoint inhibitors beyond progression produced objective response rates of 14–100% in some studies
- Renal cell carcinoma: Response rates of 8–33% have been observed
- Non-small cell lung cancer: At 6 years of follow-up, the estimated overall survival rate was 20% with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus 11% with chemotherapy
- Cancer of unknown primary: The median overall survival was 17.3 months, with significantly longer survival in the therapy-treated group
- Combination therapy: At five years, 65% of patients treated with a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery were still alive, compared to 55% for chemotherapy alone. In 25% of cases, cancer cells were eliminated by the combination before surgery
The advent of immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized cancer vaccines, has revolutionized oncologic treatment paradigms.
7. Cost of Immunotherapy in India
India offers access to advanced immunotherapy at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. However, this treatment remains expensive, often exceeding ₹15–30 lakhs annually per patient.
Here is a cost comparison across different countries:
| Country | Average Cost per Patient (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $400,000+ (~₹3.3 crore) |
| India | $20,000 – $60,000 |
Here is a breakdown of approximate costs for specific therapies in India:
| Therapy | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Immunotherapy Drugs (per month) | ₹2,00,000 | ~$2,400 |
| One-Year Immunotherapy Treatment | ₹8,80,000 – ₹10,00,000 | ~$10,600 – $12,000 |
| CAR T-Cell Therapy (one-time) | ₹30,00,000 | ~$36,000 |
| Atezolizumab (per cycle) | ₹3,39,000 | ~$4,070 |
The cost of immunotherapy is extremely high, ranging between ₹20 lakh and ₹50 lakh per patient per treatment cycle. These expenses are often not covered under most public health schemes, leaving many cancer patients unable to afford potentially life-saving therapy.
However, recent GST cuts have reduced prices. For example, Atezolizumab 1200 mg, used to treat liver and lung cancer, dropped from ₹3.8 lakh to approximately ₹3.39 lakh after the GST cut. A combination injection of Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab, used to treat HER2 breast cancer, now costs approximately ₹2.57 lakh, down from ₹2.74 lakh.
Choosing India for immunotherapy can save international patients up to 80-90% of treatment costs, without compromising on access to modern drugs and treatment protocols.
8. Top Hospitals in India for Immunotherapy
MedicHorizon partners with leading hospitals across India that offer advanced immunotherapy treatments:
Delhi NCR
- Fortis Escorts, Okhla – Offers next-generation cancer treatments including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, precision medicine, and CAR-T cell therapy
- Max Hospital – One of the best immunotherapy hospitals in India, with patients from around the world coming for treatment
- PSRI Hospital, Delhi – NABH-accredited with advanced treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and robotic cancer surgery
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
- Medanta — The Medicity
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi
Mumbai
- Tata Memorial Hospital – One of India’s premier cancer treatment centers with access to advanced immunotherapy
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
- Lilavati Hospital
Hyderabad
- Yashoda Hospitals – Offers CAR-T cell therapy and advanced immunotherapy for both adults and children
- Care Hospitals Hyderabad
Bangalore
Kolkata
- Narayana Health, Kolkata – Provides immunotherapy as part of comprehensive cancer care
- Apollo Hospitals Kolkata
- Medica Superspecialty Hospital
Chennai
These hospitals offer state-of-the-art facilities for immunotherapy with experienced oncologists, molecular diagnostic capabilities, and comprehensive patient care.
9. Recovery Retreats
After completing immunotherapy, many patients benefit from a period of rest and rejuvenation in a healing environment. MedicHorizon partners with luxury recovery retreats that offer:
- Ayurvedic therapies for immune support and detoxification
- Yoga and meditation for stress reduction and emotional healing
- Nutritious, healing cuisine to support recovery
- Peaceful natural settings for relaxation and reflection
- Gentle exercise programs to rebuild strength
Explore our recovery retreats to find the perfect sanctuary for your post-treatment healing journey.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. It uses substances made from living organisms to treat cancer.
Q2: How long does immunotherapy treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the type of therapy, the cancer being treated, and the patient’s response. Some therapies are given in cycles, while others like CAR T-cell therapy may be a single infusion. Treatment can continue for months or even years.
Q3: What are the side effects of immunotherapy?
Common side effects include skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. More serious side effects can affect the intestines, liver, lungs, nerves, skin, eyes, and hormone-producing glands. These are called immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
Q4: How much does immunotherapy cost in India?
Immunotherapy drugs cost approximately ₹2,00,000 per month. A one-year treatment can cost ₹8.8 lakh to ₹10 lakh. CAR T-cell therapy costs around ₹30,00,000.
Q5: Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy?
Immunotherapy and chemotherapy work differently. Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer, while chemotherapy directly kills cancer cells. Immunotherapy can offer durable long-term responses and immune memory formation. The choice depends on the cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors.
Q6: What cancers can be treated with immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is approved for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, breast cancer, lymphomas, leukemias, head and neck cancers, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and multiple myeloma, among others.
Q7: What is CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of T-cell transfer therapy where a patient’s T cells are collected and genetically modified in the lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The modified cells are then infused back into the patient.
Q8: How successful is immunotherapy?
Success varies by cancer type. For example, in non-small cell lung cancer, the estimated overall survival rate at 6 years was 20% with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus 11% with chemotherapy. In melanoma, response rates of 14–100% have been observed.
11. How MedicHorizon Assists with Your Treatment Journey
Choosing the right hospital and treatment plan for immunotherapy is a significant decision. Unlike dealing directly with a hospital’s international desk, we provide end-to-end facilitation that covers every stage of your medical journey.
When you choose immunotherapy through MedicHorizon, we help with:
- Pre-Arrival Consultation and Treatment Planning: We review your medical records and help you select the right specialist and hospital for your immunotherapy treatment. We coordinate with the hospital’s oncology team for a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Medical Visa Assistance: For international patients, we guide you through the e-Medical Visa application process and provide the necessary invitation letters from the hospital.
- Travel and Accommodation Arrangements: We help book affordable flights to your chosen destination in India. We arrange comfortable, hygienic accommodation options near the hospital—from budget guesthouses to 4- and 5-star hotels—suitable for patients and their families. We provide complimentary airport pickup and drop-off services.
- Hospital Admission and Daily Coordination: On arrival, our coordinator meets you at the hospital to assist with admission formalities. We liaise with the hospital’s medical team on your behalf for any questions or concerns.
- Financial and Insurance Assistance: We help you understand payment procedures (cash, credit card, wire transfer). For patients with international health insurance, we coordinate with your insurer and the hospital’s TPA desk for cashless treatment wherever possible.
- Post-Treatment Follow-Up and Recovery Support: We arrange post-discharge consultations and follow-up care as advised by your oncologist. We coordinate with therapists, rehabilitation services, and local pharmacies. We can also arrange a stay at one of our recovery retreats for post-treatment rejuvenation.
- Value-Added Services: We assist with currency exchange, acquiring a local Indian SIM card, customised meal plans including international cuisines, access to a quiet prayer room within the hospital premises, and guidance on extending your stay for recovery.
Important: MedicHorizon does not provide medical advice, guarantee treatment outcomes, or assume responsibility for the clinical services rendered by the treating hospital. All medical decisions are solely between you and your licensed physicians. The hospital bill is payable directly to the hospital; our charges cover only the coordination and hospitality services described above.
Ready to Explore Immunotherapy in India?
If you or a loved one is considering immunotherapy and need professional coordination assistance, contact MedicHorizon today. We will help you understand the process, connect you with top oncologists and hospitals in India, and plan your treatment journey with transparency and care.
📧 Email: contactmedichorizon@gmail.com
🌐 Website: MedicHorizon Treatments Directory
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. MedicHorizon is a health hospitality consultancy, not a medical provider, hospital, or licensed medical practitioner. We do not diagnose, treat, prescribe, or offer medical opinions. All information regarding immunotherapy is based on publicly available data and does not constitute medical advice. You should independently verify all information and consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any treatment decisions. Any medical procedure carries inherent risks. By using our services, you acknowledge that all medical decisions remain solely your responsibility.