🛡️ Immunotherapy for Cancer in India: Harnessing Your Immune System to Fight Cancer

🌐 What Is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking cancer treatment that empowers your body's immune system to identify and combat cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy enhances the immune system's natural ability to detect and destroy malignant cells.Health

🧪 Types of Immunotherapy Available in India

India offers a comprehensive range of immunotherapy options, including:

1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

These drugs block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells, effectively "releasing the brakes" on the immune system. Commonly used checkpoint inhibitors in India include:@Medanta+3Blkmax Hospital+3Integrated Cancer Care Group+3

• Nivolumab (Opdivo)

• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

• Atezolizumab (Tecentriq)

• Durvalumab (Imfinzi)

These are particularly effective against cancers like melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, and head and neck cancers. Integrated Cancer Care Group

2. Monoclonal Antibodies

Lab-engineered antibodies that bind to specific antigens on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system. They are used in treating various cancers, including breast cancer and certain types of lymphoma.

3. Cancer Vaccines

Vaccines that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. India has developed its own HPV vaccine, Cervavac, aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The Guardian

4. Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT)

This involves collecting and using patients' own immune cells to treat their cancer. A notable example is CAR T-cell therapy, where T-cells are modified to better attack cancer cells. India has recently approved its first homegrown CAR T-cell therapy, NexCAR19, making this advanced treatment more accessible. WikipediaTimeCancer.gov+1Time+1

5. Cytokine Therapy

Utilizes proteins like interleukins and interferons to boost the immune system's response against cancer. These are used in treating cancers such as melanoma and kidney cancer.

🎯 Cancers Treated with Immunotherapy in India

Immunotherapy has shown effectiveness in treating a variety of cancers, including:

• Non-small cell lung cancer

• Melanoma

• Kidney cancer

• Bladder cancer

• Head and neck cancers

• Lymphomas

• Cervical cancer

• Certain types of leukemia 

It's often considered for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.

💰 Cost of Immunotherapy in India

India offers immunotherapy at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, without compromising on quality. The cost per session can range from approximately $1,200 to $1,800 depending on the type of therapy and the hospital.

Additionally, recent studies have shown that low-dose immunotherapy can be effective, potentially reducing costs further. Cancer.gov

🏥 Leading Hospitals Offering Immunotherapy in India

Several top-tier hospitals in India provide advanced immunotherapy treatments:

• Max Healthcare

• Apollo Hospitals

• Artemis Hospital

• Medanta Hospital

• ​Fortis Hospital 

• BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital

These institutions are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced oncology teams.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is immunotherapy suitable for all cancer patients?
Not all patients are candidates for immunotherapy. Eligibility depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. A thorough evaluation by an oncologist is necessary.

Q2: What are the side effects of immunotherapy?
Side effects can include fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, and skin rashes. In rare cases, more severe effects like inflammation of organs may occur. However, immunotherapy is generally better tolerated than chemotherapy.

Q3: How long does immunotherapy treatment last?
The duration varies based on the type of cancer and the patient's response to treatment. Some therapies are administered over a few months, while others may continue for longer periods.

Q4: Can international patients access immunotherapy in India?
Yes, international patients are welcome. Hospitals in India offer comprehensive support, including medical visas, accommodation, and language assistance.Cytecare Hospitals, Bangalore+1Reuters+1

Q5: How can I start treatment in India?
You can begin by contacting us at InternationalCancerCare.com. Our team will guide you through the process, from medical consultations to travel arrangements.

For personalized assistance and to learn more about our services, visit InternationalCancerCare.com.