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Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy Treatment in Pune for UAE

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Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in Pune for UAE Patients

UAE patients facing complex cancer diagnoses often grapple with uncertainty about advanced treatment options like Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy. Concerns about access to cutting-edge care, finding highly specialized medical teams, and ensuring comprehensive support can be overwhelming. The search for effective, compassionate solutions frequently extends beyond national borders.

Many individuals exploring innovative cancer treatments find Pune to be a compelling choice. This city offers a robust medical ecosystem with a growing reputation for advanced oncology care. Patients from the UAE appreciate Pune's specialized facilities and the coordinated approach to managing intricate treatment protocols.

Pune's hospitals and oncology specialists have established expertise in delivering sophisticated therapies. The medical infrastructure supports seamless patient journeys, from initial consultation through treatment and recovery. Trust is built on the city's commitment to high clinical standards and patient-centric care.

Could Pune be the right city for your advanced cancer treatment?

What is Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy?

Immunotherapy harnesses the body's own immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy that attacks cancer cells directly, immunotherapy trains or enhances the immune system to fight the disease more effectively. CAR-T Cell Therapy is a highly specialized form of immunotherapy where a patient's T-cells are genetically modified in a lab to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically bind to proteins on cancer cells, enabling the engineered T-cells to target and eliminate them. These therapies represent significant advancements in oncology, offering hope for patients with specific types of advanced or relapsed cancers.

What Kinds of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapies Are Available?

Checkpoint Inhibitors: These medications block proteins (checkpoints) on immune cells or cancer cells that prevent the immune system from attacking the cancer. By blocking these checkpoints, the immune system can better recognize and destroy tumor cells.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, or mimic the immune system's attack on cancer cells. They target specific antigens found on cancer cells.

CAR-T Cell Therapy: A personalized treatment where a patient's T-cells are collected, modified in a lab to target cancer, multiplied, and then infused back into the patient. This therapy is currently approved for certain blood cancers like lymphomas and leukemias.

Oncolytic Viruses: Viruses that are engineered to infect and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. They also stimulate an anti-tumor immune response within the body.

Cytokine Therapy: Uses cytokines, which are proteins that help boost the immune system. Examples include interleukins and interferons, which can help immune cells grow and become more active against cancer.

When is Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy Required?

  • For advanced or metastatic cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
  • When conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery have been ineffective.
  • In specific blood cancers such as certain types of lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma.
  • For some solid tumors that exhibit particular genetic markers or mutations responsive to immunotherapy.
  • As a viable option for patients seeking newer, targeted approaches with potentially fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional treatments.

What is the Pre-Treatment Evaluation Process?

  • A thorough review of the patient's complete medical history and previous treatments.
  • Comprehensive physical examination and general health assessment.
  • Detailed blood tests including complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and viral screening.
  • Advanced imaging scans like PET CT, MRI, or CT scans to assess tumor burden and location.
  • Biopsy and pathology review of tumor tissue, including genetic and molecular profiling to identify suitable targets.
  • Cardiac function tests, such as echocardiogram or ECG, to ensure heart health.
  • Pulmonary function tests to evaluate lung health, especially for CAR-T Cell Therapy.

How is Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy Performed?

The exact approach for Immunotherapy or CAR-T Cell Therapy is tailored to each patient's cancer type, stage, and overall health status.

Immunotherapy Infusion Process

Immunotherapy drugs are typically administered intravenously, similar to chemotherapy. Treatment cycles vary depending on the specific drug and cancer type, often involving infusions every few weeks over several months or longer. Each infusion session usually lasts from 30 minutes to a few hours, after which the patient can usually return home. Regular monitoring for side effects is crucial throughout the treatment period.

CAR-T Cell Therapy Steps

CAR-T Cell Therapy is a multi-step process. First, T-cells are collected from the patient's blood through apheresis, a procedure similar to blood donation. These cells are then sent to a specialized lab where they are genetically engineered to express CARs and multiplied. This manufacturing process can take several weeks. During this waiting period, the patient may undergo a course of chemotherapy to prepare their body. Once ready, the modified CAR-T cells are infused back into the patient, typically as a single infusion. Post-infusion, patients require intensive monitoring in a specialized unit for several weeks to manage potential side effects like Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity.

What is the Recovery Process Like?

The recovery process following Immunotherapy or CAR-T Cell Therapy is highly individualized. For immunotherapy, patients may experience fatigue, skin rashes, or digestive issues, which are managed with supportive care. Recovery generally involves regular follow-up appointments to monitor for treatment response and manage any ongoing immune-related adverse events. For CAR-T Cell Therapy, the initial recovery period is more intense, often requiring hospitalization for several weeks post-infusion to closely watch for severe side effects such as Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity. Long-term follow-up is essential for both therapies to assess sustained response, manage late-onset side effects, and monitor the overall health and immune function of the patient. Rehabilitation and psychological support may also be part of the comprehensive recovery plan.

What are the Risks and Success Rates of These Therapies?

  • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): A potentially severe systemic inflammatory response, particularly with CAR-T, causing fever, low blood pressure, and organ dysfunction.
  • Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Neurological side effects ranging from confusion and tremors to seizures, also common with CAR-T.
  • Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs): Immunotherapy can cause inflammation in various organs like the skin (rash), colon (colitis), lungs (pneumonitis), liver (hepatitis), or endocrine glands (thyroiditis).
  • Infections: A weakened immune system, especially after CAR-T, increases the risk of serious infections.
  • Fatigue: A common and often persistent side effect across all advanced cancer treatments.
  • Blood Count Abnormalities: Suppression of bone marrow function leading to anemia, low platelet counts, or low white blood cell counts.

The success rates for Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy vary considerably based on the specific cancer type, its stage, the patient's overall health, and prior treatments. In some cases, these therapies can lead to durable remissions and significantly improve quality of life. For CAR-T Cell Therapy, particularly in certain relapsed/refractory blood cancers, success rates can be high, with many patients achieving complete remission. However, these therapies are not universally effective for all patients or cancer types, and individual responses can differ widely. Ongoing research continues to refine these treatments, aiming to expand their applicability and improve overall outcomes for a broader range of cancers.

Considering advanced cancer treatment? Connect with Pune's top oncologists.

Get a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate today.

What is the Cost of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in Pune?

The cost of Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy in Pune depends on several factors, including the specific type of immunotherapy drug or CAR-T product used, the duration of treatment, the chosen hospital's facilities, the specialist's fees, and any additional supportive care required.

Generally, immunotherapy in Pune can range from approximately INR 8,00,000 to INR 25,00,000 per cycle. CAR-T Cell Therapy, being a more complex and personalized treatment, typically starts from INR 1,50,00,000 and can go upwards of INR 3,00,00,000.

Pune vs. Global Cost Comparison for Advanced Cancer Therapies

Patients from the UAE often find Pune offers a significantly more affordable option for advanced cancer treatments without compromising on quality or expertise. Below is a general comparison of estimated costs.

Location Estimated Cost (USD)
Pune, India $50,000 - $150,000 (Immunotherapy)
$180,000 - $360,000+ (CAR-T)
United States $300,000 - $700,000 (Immunotherapy)
$500,000 - $1,000,000+ (CAR-T)
United Kingdom $200,000 - $500,000 (Immunotherapy)
$300,000 - $700,000 (CAR-T)
Singapore $150,000 - $400,000 (Immunotherapy)
$250,000 - $600,000 (CAR-T)
Germany $180,000 - $450,000 (Immunotherapy)
$280,000 - $650,000 (CAR-T)

Comprehensive Support for Your Treatment Journey in Pune

  • Assistance with medical visa applications and necessary travel documents.
  • Guidance on flight bookings and airport transfers within Pune.
  • Arrangements for comfortable accommodation options, including hotels or serviced apartments.
  • Availability of interpreters to facilitate clear communication with medical staff.
  • A dedicated patient coordinator to assist throughout your stay and treatment process.
  • Coordination for post-treatment follow-up consultations and long-term care plans.

Essential Documents for Your Medical Visit to Pune

  • A valid passport with at least six months validity.
  • A valid medical visa for India (if applicable).
  • All original and copies of previous medical reports, diagnostic scans, and pathology results.
  • A referral letter from your primary care physician or specialist in the UAE.
  • Any relevant insurance documents or financial guarantee for treatment.
  • A list of current medications and allergies.

Preparing for Your Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in Pune

  • Engage in detailed online or telephonic consultations with Pune specialists before travel.
  • Organize all travel logistics including flights, accommodation, and local transport well in advance.
  • Thoroughly understand the proposed treatment plan, including potential side effects and recovery expectations.
  • Ensure your family members are well-informed and can offer support during this period.
  • Adhere strictly to any pre-treatment dietary guidelines or medication instructions provided by your doctors.
  • Arrange for someone to accompany you, especially for CAR-T therapy, given the intensity of the treatment and recovery.

Aftercare and Recovery Following Your Therapy

  • Adhere strictly to the prescribed medication schedule and supportive therapies.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and diagnostic tests in Pune.
  • Monitor for any new or worsening side effects and report them immediately to your medical team.
  • Follow specific dietary recommendations and hydration guidelines.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activities or exposure to crowded environments during the initial recovery phase.
  • Maintain excellent personal hygiene to minimize the risk of infections.
  • Plan for a comfortable and supportive environment for continued healing upon returning home.

Ready to Begin Your Advanced Treatment Journey?

Pune offers a blend of expert medical care and a supportive environment for patients seeking advanced Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy. Take the decisive step towards exploring your treatment options with trusted specialists.

Explore leading hospitals and specialists in Pune for your cancer treatment.

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Hospitals Offering this treatment

India offers premium medical procedures at affordable prices. Discover our most popular treatments, delivered by the country's finest doctors.

Meet Our Doctors

Meet our team of highly qualified and experienced medical professionals dedicated to providing the best healthcare services.

Dr. Shelly Mittal

Dr. Shelly Mittal

Sr. Consultant

Medical Oncology & Hematology

New Delhi

14+ Years

Experience

Artemis Hospital

Hospital

1500

Fees

View Details
Dr. Hari Goyal

Dr. Hari Goyal

Director

Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology

New Delhi

34+ Years

Experience

Apolo Delhi

Hospital

1500

Fees

View Details

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