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

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

Navigating complex advanced cancer treatments like Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy can be daunting for patients from the UAE, raising questions about accessibility, expertise, and potential outcomes. Facing such a critical health decision often brings concerns about finding the best care without compromising quality or financial stability.

Many patients seeking highly specialized cancer treatments consider international options. India has rapidly emerged as a prominent destination, recognized for its advanced medical infrastructure and a wide network of specialized cancer centers equipped to deliver these cutting-edge therapies. The country's commitment to medical innovation draws global attention.

India’s established healthcare ecosystem includes numerous NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals and globally trained oncologists. This comprehensive system instills confidence, offering accessible, high-quality care across various metropolitan hubs, ensuring patients receive diligent attention from diagnosis through recovery.

Are you exploring India for your Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy journey?

What is Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy?

Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's own immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells, immunotherapy works by enhancing or restoring the immune system's natural ability to fight the disease. This can involve various methods, such as using checkpoint inhibitors to unblock immune cells, or delivering antibodies that target specific cancer markers. CAR-T Cell Therapy is an advanced, personalized form of immunotherapy. It involves collecting a patient's T-cells, genetically engineering them in a laboratory to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically recognize and bind to proteins on cancer cells, and then infusing these modified cells back into the patient. This allows the reprogrammed T-cells to effectively locate and eliminate cancer, offering a highly targeted and potent treatment option for certain types of blood cancers and increasingly, solid tumors.

Types of Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy

When is this Treatment Required?

• Relapsed or refractory lymphomas and certain leukemias (especially for CAR-T Cell Therapy).
• Advanced melanoma that has spread or cannot be removed surgically.
• Non-small cell lung cancer, particularly for specific genetic markers.
• Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) in advanced stages.
• Bladder cancer that has progressed despite initial treatments.
• Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, often after platinum-based chemotherapy.
• Certain types of gastrointestinal cancers, including gastric cancer and liver cancer.
• Other cancers where conventional treatments have been ineffective or not suitable.

Pre-Treatment Evaluation

• Comprehensive Medical History and Physical Exam: To assess overall health and cancer progression.
• Blood Tests: Including complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, infection markers, and specific tumor markers.
• Imaging Studies: Such as PET CT scans, MRI, or CT scans to precisely stage the cancer and monitor its spread.
• Biopsy and Genetic Profiling: To confirm cancer type, analyze genetic mutations, and identify targets for specific immunotherapies.
• Cardiac and Pulmonary Function Tests: To ensure the patient’s organs can withstand the treatment, especially for CAR-T.
• Infectious Disease Screening: To rule out conditions like hepatitis or HIV that could complicate treatment.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: Often required for CAR-T Cell Therapy candidates to assess bone marrow health.

How the Treatment is Performed

The specific procedure for Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy varies considerably based on the type of cancer, the chosen therapy, and the individual patient's health and treatment plan.

Recovery Process

The recovery process for Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy varies. For standard immunotherapy, patients may experience fatigue, skin reactions, or gastrointestinal issues, which are managed with supportive care. Recovery generally allows for outpatient management and a relatively normal daily routine, though long-term monitoring for delayed side effects is essential. For CAR-T Cell Therapy, the initial recovery involves a significant hospital stay, typically several weeks, to manage acute side effects like Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. After hospital discharge, patients require close outpatient follow-up for several months, often involving weekly appointments. Restrictions on driving and strenuous activities are common during this period. Full recovery can take several months to a year, with ongoing monitoring for delayed toxicities and sustained treatment response. Physical and occupational therapy may be recommended to regain strength and function.

Risks and Success Rates

• Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs): Immunotherapy can cause inflammation in healthy organs such as the skin, colon, lungs, liver, and endocrine glands.
• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): A potentially severe systemic inflammatory response characterized by fever, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and organ dysfunction, primarily associated with CAR-T Cell Therapy.
• Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Neurological side effects ranging from confusion and difficulty speaking to seizures and brain swelling, also specific to CAR-T.
• Infections: Both therapies can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
• Fatigue: A common side effect of many cancer treatments, often persistent with immunotherapy.
• Allergic Reactions: Infusion-related reactions can occur during administration of intravenous immunotherapies.

The success rates for Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy vary significantly based on the type and stage of cancer, specific mutations present, previous treatments, and overall patient health. For many advanced cancers, immunotherapy offers the potential for durable responses and long-term remission, even in cases where conventional treatments have failed. Response rates can range from 20% to 60% or more depending on the cancer type. CAR-T Cell Therapy, particularly for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has demonstrated remarkable success, achieving complete remission rates of 50-80% in some patient populations. However, not all patients respond, and some may experience disease progression. Long-term outcomes continue to be evaluated as these therapies become more widely available.

Cost of Immunotherapy & CAR-T Cell Therapy in India

The cost of advanced cancer treatments like Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy in India is highly variable. It is influenced by several factors including the specific type of immunotherapy or CAR-T cell product used, the number of cycles or infusions required, the duration of hospitalization, the chosen hospital's accreditation and facilities, the specialist's fees, and the need for supportive medications or management of side effects. India offers a significantly more affordable option compared to Western countries, often without compromising on treatment quality or technology.

Generally, a single cycle of standard Immunotherapy in India can range from INR 15,00,000 to INR 45,00,000. For the highly specialized and complex CAR-T Cell Therapy, the cost is substantially higher, typically ranging from INR 2,00,00,000 to INR 4,00,00,000 or more per treatment.

Comprehensive Support Services for Your Medical Journey

• Visa and Travel Assistance: Guidance through the medical visa application process and help with travel arrangements.
• Accommodation Coordination: Assistance in finding suitable lodging for patients and accompanying family members near the hospital.
• Language Interpreters: Provision of professional interpreters to ensure clear communication between patients, doctors, and hospital staff.
• Local Transportation: Arrangement of airport transfers and local transport for appointments.
• Medical Opinion and Second Opinion Services: Facilitating consultations with leading specialists for initial assessment or second opinions.
• Post-Treatment Follow-up Coordination: Support for arranging necessary follow-up care and remote consultations after returning home.

Essential Documents for Your Treatment Visit

• Valid Passport and Medical Visa: Crucial for international travel and medical treatment in India.
• Comprehensive Medical Records: Including all previous diagnostic reports, biopsy results, treatment summaries, and doctors' notes.
• Referral Letter: From your local doctor, outlining the diagnosis and reason for seeking treatment in India.
• Financial Documentation: Proof of funds or insurance to cover treatment costs and living expenses.
• Guardian/Attendant's ID: If a family member is accompanying the patient.

Important Steps to Prepare Before You Arrive

• Initial Medical Review: Share your medical reports for a preliminary assessment by Indian specialists and a treatment plan proposal.
• Travel and Visa Planning: Secure your medical visa and book flights after confirming hospital appointments.
• Accommodation and Local Stay: Finalize your accommodation arrangements for the duration of your treatment and recovery.
• Financial Preparation: Ensure all necessary funds are arranged for treatment costs, travel, and incidental expenses.
• Health Optimization: Follow any pre-travel health advice from your doctors, such as vaccinations or medication adjustments.

Guidance for Aftercare and Recovery

• Adherence to Medication: Diligently follow all prescribed medication schedules, including immune suppressants or supportive drugs.
• Scheduled Follow-up Appointments: Attend all post-treatment check-ups, both in India and potentially through remote consultations from UAE.
• Monitoring for Side Effects: Be vigilant for any new or worsening side effects and report them immediately to your medical team.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Embrace a healthy diet, gentle exercise, and sufficient rest to support your body's healing process.
• Return Travel Planning: Coordinate your travel back to UAE, ensuring you are medically stable for the journey.

Ready to Take the Next Step Towards Healing?

Choosing advanced cancer treatment is a significant decision. India offers world-class care, and our team is here to support you at every stage, from initial inquiry to post-treatment follow-up, ensuring a smooth and confident journey.