Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy Treatment in Bengaluru for Nigeria

Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in Bengaluru for Nigerian Patients

Nigerian patients facing complex cancer diagnoses often seek the most advanced treatment options available globally. The journey to recovery can feel overwhelming, especially when considering specialized therapies like Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy, which may not be readily accessible or affordable at home. Concerns about finding expert care, understanding treatment processes, and managing costs are paramount.

Many turn their attention to medical destinations known for innovation and quality. Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, has also emerged as a hub for cutting-edge medical care. Patients often narrow their search to this city due to its robust healthcare infrastructure, concentration of super-specialty hospitals, and a growing reputation for excellence in oncology.

Choosing Bengaluru means trusting a city that blends technological advancement with compassionate patient care. Its hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by highly qualified oncologists and specialists experienced in advanced cellular therapies. The city’s medical ecosystem also supports ease of follow-ups and comprehensive care coordination for international visitors.

Is Bengaluru the right choice for your advanced cancer treatment journey?

What is Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy?

Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy represent groundbreaking approaches in cancer treatment that harness the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy broadly refers to treatments that boost or restore the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer. This can involve drugs that remove "brakes" from immune cells, allowing them to attack tumors more effectively, or therapies that directly enhance immune responses. CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) Cell Therapy is a highly specialized form of immunotherapy where a patient’s T-cells (a type of immune cell) are collected, genetically modified in a lab to recognize specific proteins on cancer cells, multiplied, and then reinfused back into the patient. These engineered T-cells act as "living drugs," actively seeking out and destroying cancer cells. Both therapies aim to provide more targeted and potentially long-lasting responses compared to traditional treatments.

Types of Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy

When Is This Treatment Required?

• Advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancers.
• Certain types of lymphomas and leukemias that have relapsed or are refractory to standard treatments.
• Specific solid tumors showing markers that respond to checkpoint inhibitors.
• When conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation have been ineffective or are not suitable.
• For patients with specific genetic mutations or biomarkers identified through testing, indicating a potential response to immunotherapy.
• As part of a combination therapy approach to enhance overall treatment efficacy.

Pre-Treatment Evaluation Process

• Comprehensive medical history review and physical examination.
• Blood tests, including complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and inflammatory markers.
• Biopsy of tumor tissue for pathological confirmation and biomarker testing (PD-L1, MSI, TMB, specific mutations).
• Imaging scans such as CT, MRI, and PET scans to determine the extent of cancer and assess organ function.
• Cardiac evaluation, including echocardiogram and ECG, to assess heart health, especially for CAR-T.
• Infectious disease screening to rule out viral infections that could complicate treatment.
• Bone marrow biopsy if treating blood cancers, to assess disease burden and suitability for CAR-T.

How the Treatment is Performed

The specific procedure for Immunotherapy or CAR-T Cell Therapy depends on the patient’s diagnosis, chosen therapy, and the medical team's treatment plan.

Recovery Process

Recovery from immunotherapy can vary. Patients generally experience mild to moderate side effects such as fatigue, skin rashes, or flu-like symptoms. These are managed with medication. For CAR-T Cell Therapy, the recovery is more intensive due to the potential for significant side effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity, which require close inpatient monitoring for several weeks. Post-discharge, patients require regular follow-up appointments, often weekly initially, to monitor for delayed side effects, assess treatment response, and manage overall health. Full recovery can take several months, with continued monitoring for immune-related adverse events and long-term efficacy. Lifestyle adjustments, including rest and a healthy diet, are often recommended to support the healing process.

Risks and Success Rates

• Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) affecting various organs, such as colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, or endocrinopathies.
• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) with CAR-T, characterized by fever, hypotension, and organ dysfunction.
• Neurological toxicities (ICANS) specific to CAR-T therapy, including confusion, seizures, or language difficulties.
• Increased risk of infections due to immunosuppression from treatment.
• Allergic reactions during infusion of drugs.
• Fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and skin rashes are common but generally manageable side effects.

The success rates for Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy vary significantly based on the type of cancer, its stage, the patient's overall health, and the specific therapy used. For certain advanced cancers, immunotherapy has shown durable responses and improved survival rates for a significant subset of patients. CAR-T Cell Therapy has achieved remarkable remission rates, sometimes exceeding 80%, in specific blood cancers that were previously resistant to other treatments. However, not all patients respond, and outcomes can range from complete remission to minimal benefit. Long-term expectations include continued monitoring for recurrence and managing potential late-onset side effects.

Cost of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in Bengaluru

The cost of advanced cancer treatments like Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy in Bengaluru is influenced by several factors. These include the specific type of therapy, the duration of treatment, the hospital chosen, the expertise of the oncologists, the need for intensive care, and any additional medications or supportive care required. Diagnostic tests, pre-treatment evaluations, and post-treatment monitoring also contribute to the overall expenditure.

For Immunotherapy, the cost per cycle in Bengaluru can range approximately from INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,00,000. CAR-T Cell Therapy, being a more complex and personalized treatment, typically starts from INR 3,00,00,000 and can go up significantly depending on the product and associated hospital stay.

Support Services for International Patients

• Assistance with visa applications and medical travel arrangements.
• Dedicated international patient coordinators for seamless communication and support.
• Language interpretation services to ensure clear understanding.
• Accommodation guidance for patients and accompanying family members.
• Airport pickup and drop-off services for convenience.
• Assistance with local transportation and sim card acquisition.
• Facilitation of follow-up appointments and post-treatment care planning.

Important Papers Required for Your Medical Visit

• Valid passport and medical visa for entry into India.
• All relevant medical reports, including diagnosis, biopsy reports, imaging scans, and previous treatment summaries.
• Doctor’s referral letter detailing the need for advanced treatment.
• Proof of funds or insurance coverage for medical expenses.
• List of current medications and allergies.
• Contact information for your primary care physician back home.

Preparing for Your Procedure in Bengaluru

• Ensure all necessary diagnostic tests and evaluations are completed.
• Arrange for a companion to travel with you, especially for CAR-T Cell Therapy, due to the intensive nature of recovery.
• Inform your medical team about all current medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.
• Follow any dietary or activity restrictions provided by your doctor prior to admission.
• Discuss potential side effects and what to expect during and after treatment with your medical team.
• Organize your finances and travel logistics well in advance.

Guidance for Recovery and Aftercare

• Adhere strictly to all medication schedules and follow-up appointments.
• Monitor for any new symptoms or side effects and report them immediately to your medical team.
• Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support recovery.
• Avoid strenuous activities and get adequate rest during the initial recovery phase.
• Ensure regular communication with your healthcare providers for long-term monitoring.
• Arrange for safe travel back home, considering your post-treatment condition.

Empowering Your Path to Wellness

Choosing Bengaluru for your Immunotherapy or CAR-T Cell Therapy can provide access to world-class treatment and dedicated care. Our goal is to make this complex journey as clear and supported as possible for you.