Immunotherapy in India
Your immune system is the natural defense that finds and destroys threats. Cancer cells hide or suppress that defense. Immunotherapy removes the camouflage and reawakens your immunity to recognize and attack cancer—helping treat lung, melanoma, kidney, bladder, lymphoma, and more.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
Immunotherapy reactivates your immune system to fight cancer. It’s used for advanced or metastatic lung, melanoma/skin, kidney, bladder, head & neck cancers, certain lymphomas/leukemias, and tumors expressing immune markers like PD-L1 or MSI-high.
Why people choose India when this procedure is needed
- Oncologists trained in immuno-oncology (USA/Europe)
- NABH/JCI-accredited centers using globally approved drugs
- Access to the latest checkpoint inhibitors & monoclonal antibodies
- Comprehensive day-care infusion and monitoring facilities
- Costs 70–80% lower than USA/UK
- Multidisciplinary tumor boards for precision planning
Leading Indian hospitals deliver outcomes comparable to global benchmarks, with holistic counseling and long-term follow-up.
How the procedure works in simple steps
Like removing camouflage from intruders, immunotherapy lets your immune cells see and attack cancer again.
- Evaluation: Tests for biomarkers (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, MSI, etc.).
- Drug selection: Checkpoint inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies chosen per profile.
- Administration: Mostly IV infusions in day-care; sessions repeat every 2–4 weeks.
- Monitoring: Regular labs and scans track response and side effects.
Immunotherapy may be given alone or combined with chemo, radiation, or targeted therapy.
Who should consider this and when to wait
- Advanced/metastatic cancers (lung, kidney, bladder, head & neck)
- Melanoma or skin cancers resistant to chemotherapy
- Lymphomas/leukemias and PD-L1/MSI-high tumors
Delay/avoid if you have active autoimmune disease, severe immunosuppression, pregnancy, active infection, or organ inflammation. Your oncologist determines eligibility and timing.
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Benefits
- Harnesses your own immune system
- Potential long-term remission after therapy
- Generally fewer side effects than chemotherapy
- Improves survival and quality of life in advanced cases
Possible side effects (usually manageable)
- Fatigue, mild fever, flu-like symptoms
- Skin rash or itching
- Diarrhea/colitis; liver enzyme changes
- Immune-related inflammation (lungs, thyroid, etc.)—rare; needs prompt care
With close monitoring and timely treatment, most patients tolerate immunotherapy well.
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- Month 1: Initial infusions; mild fatigue or flu-like symptoms.
- Months 2–3: Many notice better energy, breathing, or appetite.
- Months 4–6: Tumor shrinkage or stable disease in responsive cases.
- 6+ months: Immune memory may sustain protection after therapy.
Patient moment “After immunotherapy in India, my scans showed no new tumors—and I finally felt strong again.”
Cost overview without surprises
| Type of Immunotherapy | Average Cost per Session (USD) | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Checkpoint Inhibitors (e.g., Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab) | 2000 – 3500 | Every 2 – 4 weeks |
| Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., Atezolizumab, Durvalumab) | 1800 – 3000 | Every 3 – 4 weeks |
| CAR T-cell / Advanced Immune Therapies* | 25000 – 40000 | Case-specific |
*Available at select centers for specific cancers. Final cost depends on cancer type, drug brand, dosage, and number of sessions.
How to compare hospitals and specialists with confidence
Choose your center like a command base for your body’s own army—expertise and coordination determine victory.
- Board-certified oncologists experienced in immunotherapy
- In-house pathology & biomarker testing (PD-L1, MSI, etc.)
- 24×7 transplant-grade ICU and emergency response
- Transparent packages and robust drug-tracking
- Holistic services: nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy
Ask about response rates, side-effect management, and post-treatment surveillance programs.
Questions people often ask before this treatment
How is immunotherapy different from chemotherapy?
It boosts your immune system to fight cancer, while chemotherapy directly kills fast-growing cells.
How long does treatment last?
Typically 6 months to 2 years, depending on response and tolerance.
Are side effects severe?
Most are mild and manageable; serious effects are uncommon and reversible with prompt care.
Is it available for all cancers?
Best for tumors with specific immune markers; testing guides suitability.
Can it cure cancer?
Some patients achieve durable remission—results vary by cancer type and stage.
Video testimonials from real patients
Watch uplifting stories of patients who received immunotherapy in India and regained health and hope.
Important care note so that every reader stays safe
Report any new symptoms—especially persistent cough, rash, fever, or diarrhea—immediately. Keep all follow-ups even after therapy ends to safeguard long-term benefits.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews immuno-oncology and advanced cancer treatment content for Treatmentcost.com to ensure factual accuracy and ethical clarity.
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Immunotherapy must be prescribed and supervised by qualified oncologists after biomarker testing.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost