Key Takeaway: This treatment harnesses your body’s own immune system to fight cancer – offering durable remissions that can outlast the treatment period by years. In India, top oncology centers report 50% response rates with TIL therapy and offer CAR-T cell therapy at 70–90% lower costs than the US, with JCI-accredited hospitals and internationally trained oncologists.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Immunotherapy?
- 2. How It Works – The Science Simplified
- 3. Types of Immunotherapy
- 4. Success Rates – What the Latest Evidence Shows
- 5. Side Effects and Their Management
- 6. Cost of Immunotherapy in India (2026)
- 7. Top Hospitals in India
- 8. Latest Advances (2025–2026)
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. How MedicHorizon Assists with Your Journey
1. What Is Immunotherapy?
This revolutionary class of cancer treatment harnesses the power of your body’s own immune system to recognize, attack, and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells but also damages healthy tissues, this approach works by boosting your natural defenses to fight cancer more effectively.
Cancer cells are clever – they have ways to avoid destruction by the immune system. They may become less visible to immune cells, display proteins that turn off immune responses, or change the surrounding environment to interfere with immune function. Immunotherapy removes these barriers, allowing your immune system to do what it was designed to do.
This therapy can be used as:
- Primary treatment – to cure cancer or shrink tumors
- Adjuvant therapy – after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells
- Neoadjuvant therapy – before surgery to shrink tumors
- Palliative care – to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
For a complete understanding of other cancer treatment modalities, explore our guides on Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
2. How It Works – The Science Simplified
Your immune system is constantly patrolling your body, looking for abnormal cells. Normally, it detects and destroys cells that could become cancer. But cancer cells have evolved ways to evade this surveillance.
This approach works through several mechanisms:
- 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 modify 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 respond better to this treatment than those whose tumors do not contain them. This is because TILs are immune cells that have already recognized the cancer and moved into the tumor – they just need help to become more effective.
Immunotherapy is not the same as targeted therapy. Targeted therapy blocks a mutation inside the tumor cell, while this approach recruits the immune system to attack it from the outside. They work through entirely different mechanisms.
3. Types of Immunotherapy
Several types of this therapy are used to treat cancer, each with a unique mechanism of action:
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
These are drugs that block immune checkpoints – the “brakes” of the immune system. Checkpoints are a normal part of the immune system that prevent 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 (Keytruda), Nivolumab (Opdivo)
- Anti–PD-L1 drugs: Atezolizumab (Tecentriq), Durvalumab (Imfinzi)
- Anti–CTLA-4 drugs: Ipilimumab (Yervoy)
These have been approved for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and many other tumor types.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is a form of adoptive cell transfer where a patient’s own T-cells are collected, genetically modified in a lab to have chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that attach to tumor markers, and then reinfused back into the patient. Billions of these re-engineered cells replicate inside the body and continue working long after the infusion ends.
To date, the FDA and EMA have approved seven autologous CAR-T cell products for various hematologic malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Next-generation engineered immune cell platforms – including CAR-NK cells, CAR-NKT cells, CAR-macrophages, tumor-targeted γδ T cells, and TCR-engineered T cells – are now being developed to treat solid tumors where CAR-T therapy has limited efficacy.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy
TIL therapy involves collecting immune cells that have already infiltrated the tumor, selecting or modifying the most active ones in the lab, growing them in large batches, and reinfusing them. This approach was approved in 2024 following two landmark clinical trials.
Response rates of up to 50% have been recorded in treatment-resistant melanoma, with complete responses in 20% of patients even after previous therapy had failed.
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 they will be better seen and destroyed by the immune system.
Cancer Treatment Vaccines
These vaccines work by boosting your immune system’s response to cancer cells. They are different from preventive vaccines – they treat existing cancer rather than preventing it.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Genetically modified viruses are designed to infect and destroy cancer cells, releasing antigens that trigger a broader immune response.
For cancer-specific applications, see our guides on Liver Cancer Treatment, Prostate Cancer Treatment, Lung Cancer Treatment, and Breast Cancer Treatment.
4. Success Rates – What the Latest Evidence Shows
This treatment has transformed cancer care, offering durable responses that can last for years after treatment ends.
TIL Therapy
A landmark phase 3 trial comparing TIL therapy to the immune checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab showed:
- Median progression-free survival: 7.2 months in the TIL group vs 3.1 months in the anti-CTLA-4 group
- Objective responses: 49% of patients
- Complete responses: 20% of patients
A second multi-centre phase 2 trial showed an objective overall response rate of 36% in patients who had previously progressed after multiple lines of therapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T cells have shown objective overall responses of up to 97% in certain hematologic malignancies, establishing this approach as a leading cancer treatment.
Combination Immunotherapy
Recent studies show that combination approaches can significantly improve outcomes. A study of botensilimab and balstilimab in advanced solid tumors reported a median overall survival of 17.2 months and 39% 24-month survival, with a 17% overall response rate and a 66% disease control rate at 6 weeks.
Eligibility Is Key
Eligibility is not based on cancer type alone. It depends on tumor biomarkers including PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Biomarker testing always comes before any treatment decision.
5. Side Effects and Their Management
Side effects are different from those of traditional cancer treatments. They are called immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and occur because the immune system may also attack healthy tissues.
Common Immune-Related Adverse Events
- Skin toxicities: Rashes, itching, and blistering – among the earliest and most common reactions
- Endocrinopathies: Hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes, and adrenal insufficiency
- Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, colitis, and abdominal pain
- Hepatitis: Liver inflammation
- Pneumonitis: Lung inflammation
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): An acute systemic inflammatory syndrome characterized by fever and organ dysfunction
Management Strategies
Guidelines for managing irAEs emphasize early recognition and intervention. Key approaches include:
- Prophylactic interventions: Studies have shown reductions in grade 3 skin toxicities from 21% to 8% after prophylactic intervention
- Corticosteroids: The primary treatment for moderate to severe irAEs
- Treatment discontinuation: In severe cases, therapy may need to be paused
Importantly, for immunotherapy-induced endocrinopathies, best practice is to continue immunotherapy and not pause or discontinue treatment while managing the endocrine condition.
Hematologic immune-related adverse events remain rare but can be managed with ICI discontinuation and immunosuppression.
6. Cost of Immunotherapy in India (2026)
India offers access to advanced cancer treatment at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries – often 70–90% lower than the US or UK.
Cost Comparison: India vs. Global
| Country | Average Cost per Patient (USD) |
|---|---|
| India | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| United States | $400,000+ (~₹3.3 crore) |
Detailed Cost Breakdown in India
| Therapy | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Immunotherapy Drugs (per month) | ₹2,00,000 | ~$2,400 |
| One-Year 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 |
| Treatment (per cycle – range) | ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000 | $600 – $6,000 |
Cost Drivers and Accessibility
The cost of this therapy in India ranges between ₹20 lakh and ₹50 lakh per patient per treatment cycle, making it one of the most expensive cancer treatments. 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 (for liver and lung cancer) dropped from ₹3.8 lakh to approximately ₹3.39 lakh
- A combination injection of Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab (for HER2 breast cancer) now costs approximately ₹2.57 lakh, down from ₹2.74 lakh
According to a Tata Memorial Centre and ACTREC study, six months of pembrolizumab costs nearly 80 times the average monthly income in India, while nivolumab exceeds 20 times. Researchers note that this treatment is not just expensive – it is completely out of reach for most families.
Some patient assistance programs are available, such as Roche’s “Blue Tree” program for Tecentriq, which offers interest-free EMI options. The therapy has also been included under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
Choosing India for this treatment can save international patients up to 80–90% of treatment costs, without compromising on access to modern drugs and treatment protocols.
7. Top Hospitals in India
MedicHorizon partners with leading hospitals across India that offer advanced treatment options:
Delhi NCR
- Fortis Escorts, Okhla – Offers next-generation cancer treatments including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, precision medicine, and CAR-T cell therapy
- Max Hospital, Delhi – One of the best immunotherapy hospitals in India, with patients from around the world
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Mumbai
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai – One of India’s premier cancer treatment centers with access to advanced immunotherapy
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai
Hyderabad
- Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad – Offers CAR-T cell therapy and advanced immunotherapy for both adults and children
- Care Hospitals, Hyderabad
Kolkata
Chennai
These hospitals offer state-of-the-art facilities with experienced oncologists, molecular diagnostic capabilities, and comprehensive patient care.
8. Latest Advances (2025–2026)
The field is advancing rapidly. Here are the most significant recent developments:
Precision Immunotherapy
The concept of “precision cancer immunotherapy” has emerged as a unifying objective – transforming episodic immune activation into controllable and sustained anti-tumor immunity. This involves achieving temporal and spatial control over immune-evasive mechanisms while promoting the activation, trafficking, and persistence of anti-tumor immune responses.
Next-Generation Engineered Immune Cells
To overcome limitations of CAR-T therapy in solid tumors, researchers have developed CAR-NK cells, CAR-NKT cells, CAR-macrophages, tumor-targeted γδ T cells, and TCR-engineered T cells. These next-generation engineered cells hold great promise for treating various types of solid tumors.
Additionally, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from natural or engineered immune cells have emerged as a cell-free immunotherapy with significant therapeutic potential, offering advantages including enhanced tumor penetration, ease of manufacturing, fewer adverse effects, and broader effects on tumor microenvironment components.
CAR-T Therapy for Brain Tumors
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a new approach published in Nature on July 1, 2026, that uses CAR-T cells to simultaneously attack deadly brain tumours (glioblastoma) and the immune cells (macrophages) that help them grow. The therapy eliminated detectable tumors and led to long-term disease-free survival in preclinical models.
TIL Therapy Approval and Genetic Engineering
The approval of TIL therapy in 2024 has established this approach as a viable treatment option. Genetic engineering now offers new opportunities to further improve TIL efficacy and durability, including viral vector-mediated overexpression of cytokines and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to delete inhibitory genes such as PD-1 and CISH.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy
Roche has launched a subcutaneous form of Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) in India – a 7-minute cancer shot that could change lung cancer treatment. Each dose costs approximately ₹3.7 lakh, with most patients needing around six doses.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of immunotherapy?
Success rates vary by cancer type and treatment. TIL therapy has shown 49% objective responses and 20% complete responses in treatment-resistant melanoma. CAR T-cell therapy has shown responses of up to 97% in certain blood cancers. Combination approaches have shown a 17% overall response rate with 39% 24-month survival in advanced solid tumors.
Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy?
Immunotherapy and chemotherapy work differently. Chemotherapy directly kills cancer cells but also damages healthy tissues. Immunotherapy harnesses your immune system to fight cancer and can produce durable remissions that outlast the treatment period by years. However, immunotherapy is not suitable for all cancer types or all patients – eligibility depends on tumor biomarkers.
How much does immunotherapy cost in India?
Costs in India range from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per cycle. CAR T-cell therapy costs approximately ₹30,00,000 (one-time), and a one-year course costs ₹8.8–10 lakh. This is 70–90% lower than in the US.
What are the side effects of immunotherapy?
Side effects are called immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and include skin rashes, thyroid disorders, colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, and cytokine release syndrome. These are different from chemotherapy side effects like hair loss and nausea.
Who is eligible for immunotherapy?
Eligibility is not based on cancer type alone. It depends on tumor biomarkers including PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Biomarker testing is essential before any treatment decision.
Which hospitals in India offer the best immunotherapy?
Top hospitals include Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), Yashoda Hospitals (Hyderabad), Fortis Escorts (Delhi), Max Hospital (Delhi), Medanta – The Medicity (Gurugram), Apollo Hospitals (multiple cities), and Narayana Health (Kolkata).
10. How MedicHorizon Assists with Your Journey
Choosing this treatment through MedicHorizon ensures seamless coordination and personalized support every step of the way:
Pre-Arrival Consultation
We review your medical history and biomarker reports, and help you select the right hospital and oncologist. We can also facilitate video consultations with specialists before you travel.
Medical Visa Assistance
We guide you through the e-Medical Visa process and provide hospital invitation letters required for your visa application.
Travel & Accommodation
We book affordable flights and comfortable accommodation near the hospital – from budget to 5-star options. Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off are included.
Hospital Admission & Daily Coordination
Our coordinator meets you on arrival, assists with hospital admission, and liaises with the medical team on your behalf.
Financial & Insurance Help
We provide transparent cost estimates, explain payment options, and coordinate with your insurer and the hospital’s TPA desk for cashless treatment where possible.
Post-Treatment Follow-Up
We arrange post-discharge consultations, assist with ongoing scheduling, and can book a stay at one of our recovery retreats for a relaxing conclusion to your medical journey.
Value-Added Services
Currency exchange, local SIM card, customised meal plans, prayer room access, and guidance on extending your stay to explore India.
Important: MedicHorizon does not provide medical advice, guarantee outcomes, or assume responsibility for clinical services. All medical decisions are between you and your physicians. Hospital bills are paid directly to the hospital; our charges cover coordination and hospitality services only.
Ready to Explore Immunotherapy in India?
If you or a loved one is considering this treatment, contact MedicHorizon today. We’ll help you understand the process, connect with top oncologists and hospitals, and plan your journey with transparency, compassion, and care.
📧 Email: contactmedichorizon@gmail.com
🌐 Website: MedicHorizon Hospital 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.