Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy Treatment in India

Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy is a medical procedure used to treat certain cancers and hematological malignancies. It is commonly recommended for patients experiencing advanced cancers, relapsed or refractory leukemias and lymphomas and is considered one of the most effective approaches for long-term recovery and functional improvement.

Every year, India receives thousands of international patients from countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, the UAE, Oman and neighbouring Asian regions for advanced medical care, including Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy. With experienced specialists, structured treatment programs and cost-effective medical care, India has become a preferred global destination.

India is a major centre for Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy due to experienced specialists, advanced diagnostics, regulated clinical protocols and cost-effective care pathways.

1. Indications for Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy

Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy may be recommended in the following situations:

• Relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Multiple myeloma
• Progressive symptoms not responding to conventional medication
• Disease progression despite prior treatments
• Advanced-stage disease
• Failure of previous treatment or procedures

2. Types of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in India

2.1 CAR-T Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy modifies a patient's T-cells to specifically target cancer cells. It involves collecting T-cells, engineering them, and then reinfusing them. This treatment is primarily used for specific blood cancers.

2.2 Checkpoint Inhibitors

These immunotherapies block proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. Examples include PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors. They are effective for various solid tumors and some blood cancers.

2.3 Monoclonal Antibodies

These targeted antibodies work by blocking specific growth signals on cancer cells or by delivering toxic agents directly to tumors. They play a crucial role in treating many cancer types by harnessing the immune system.

2.4 Advanced Therapeutic Approaches

Advanced methods include combination immunotherapy regimens and novel gene editing techniques. These aim to enhance treatment efficacy and broaden the range of treatable cancers. Personalized approaches are also emerging.

3. Pre-Treatment Evaluation

Before performing Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy, patients undergo a complete evaluation:

3.1 Laboratory Testing

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Coagulation profile
• Disease-specific markers (e.g., tumor biomarkers, flow cytometry)

3.2 Imaging Studies

• PET-CT scan
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Bone marrow biopsy (if indicated)

3.3 Functional Assessment

• Cardiac evaluation (e.g., echocardiogram, EKG)
• Pulmonary evaluation (e.g., pulmonary function tests)
• Neurological assessment

3.4 Infection Screening

Screening for HIV, HBV, HCV, TB, and other potential infections is crucial. This ensures patient safety during the immunosuppressive phase of treatment.

4. Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy Procedure Overview

The procedure typically includes:

• Detailed pre-treatment planning and patient counseling
• Anesthesia assessment (if required for cell collection)
• Leukapheresis (for CAR-T cell collection)
• Cell modification and expansion in specialized labs (for CAR-T)
• Conditioning chemotherapy to prepare the body for cell infusion (for CAR-T)
• Infusion of modified cells or immunotherapy drugs
• Monitoring vital parameters continuously
• Transfer to recovery or specialized ICU care

The exact steps depend on the specific type and complexity of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy.

5. Recovery & Post-Treatment Care

After Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy, patients receive:

• Intensive vital sign monitoring
• Comprehensive pain management
• Specific medication protocols (e.g., immunosuppressants, anti-infectives)
• Nutrition and mobility guidance
• Scheduled follow-up visits with the oncology team
• Regular imaging and lab tests to evaluate progress and monitor for side effects

Recovery duration varies significantly according to the type of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy. Close observation is essential for weeks or months.

6. Risks & Complications

6.1 Early Complications

• Cytokine release syndrome (CRS)
• Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS)
• Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
• Allergic reactions

6.2 Late Complications

• Prolonged cytopenias (low blood counts)
• B-cell aplasia (for CAR-T, requiring immunoglobulin replacement)
• Secondary malignancies (rare)
• Autoimmune reactions

7. Success Rates of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in India

Success rates depend on the specific cancer, disease severity, previous treatments, and the patient’s overall health. Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy treatment in India has shown promising outcomes.

• 1-year outcome for specific indications: 50% – 70%
• 5-year outcome for specific indications: 30% – 50%
• Improved functional recovery for most patients, leading to better quality of life.
• Lower complication rates are observed in high-volume, specialized centres.

8. Cost of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in Major Indian Cities (2025)

City-wise cost range for Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy:

Delhi — ₹1,50,00,000 – ₹4,00,00,000

Mumbai — ₹1,60,00,000 – ₹4,20,00,000

Bangalore — ₹1,40,00,000 – ₹3,80,00,000

Chennai — ₹1,30,00,000 – ₹3,70,00,000

Hyderabad — ₹1,35,00,000 – ₹3,75,00,000

Kolkata — ₹1,20,00,000 – ₹3,50,00,000

Pune — ₹1,25,00,000 – ₹3,60,00,000

Gurgaon — ₹1,55,00,000 – ₹4,10,00,000

Costs vary due to procedure type, hospital category and specialist expertise. The cost of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in India is significantly lower than in many Western countries.

9. India vs USA Cost Comparison

Component	Cost in India (USD)	Cost in USA (USD)
Pre-Procedure Evaluation	5,000 – 15,000	20,000 – 50,000
Standard Procedure	180,000 – 350,000	400,000 – 700,000
Advanced Procedure	200,000 – 400,000	450,000 – 800,000
Medications	5,000 – 20,000	20,000 – 100,000
Follow-Up Care	2,000 – 8,000	10,000 – 30,000

10. Condition-Wise Success & Treatment Options

Condition	Success Rate	Treatment Options
Relapsed B-cell ALL	70%	CAR-T Cell Therapy
Refractory DLBCL	50%	CAR-T Cell Therapy / Immunotherapy
Metastatic Melanoma	40%	Immunotherapy (Checkpoint Inhibitors)

11. India vs Global Cost Comparison (USD)

Region	Cost (USD)
India	180,000 – 400,000
USA	400,000 – 800,000
UK	300,000 – 600,000
Canada	350,000 – 650,000
Turkey	150,000 – 300,000
Thailand	170,000 – 320,000
Middle East	300,000 – 550,000

12. International Patient Services

• Specialist consultations facilitated
• Remote medical report review service
• Personalized cost estimate and treatment plan
• Medical visa support and documentation assistance
• Assistance with accommodation arrangements
• Airport transfers and local transportation
• Professional interpreter support
• Pre-treatment evaluation coordination
• Post-treatment follow-up planning and support
• Digital access to medical records

13. Required Documentation

• Identity proof (government-issued ID)
• Passport and visa (for international patients)
• Comprehensive medical reports and history
• Recent lab results and blood tests
• Diagnostic images (PET-CT, MRI scans)
• Treatment consent forms

14. Pre-Treatment Guidelines

• Complete all required medical evaluations thoroughly
• Take precautions to avoid infections
• Follow all prescribed medication instructions
• Adhere to fasting guidelines if applicable
• Disclose all ongoing medications and supplements

15. Post-Treatment Guidelines

• Follow prescribed medications strictly
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
• Maintain excellent personal hygiene
• Follow dietary recommendations carefully
• Avoid strenuous activity until advised by your doctor
• Monitor for any warning signs or complications

16. Why India for Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy?

• High-volume specialist centres with dedicated oncology units
• Internationally trained and experienced doctors
• Access to advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge technology
• Regulated treatment protocols adhering to global standards
• Higher success rates observed in major treatment centres
• Cost-effective medical care compared to Western countries
• Excellent patient care and comprehensive support services

DivinHeal supports international patients in accessing reliable, well-guided and specialist-driven Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy treatment in India through safe and structured medical pathways.