Liver Cancer Treatment cost in India
Liver cancer treatment costs in India can range from $6000 to $25000, which is equivalent to approximately 5,00,000 to 21,00,000 Indian rupees. Liver cancer treatment options in India depend on the stage and extent of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatments include surgery, which involves partial hepatectomy or liver transplant to remove the affected part or the entire liver, often combined with lymph node dissection if necessary. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radioembolization (TARE) are used to directly target tumors by cutting off their blood supply. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be employed to shrink tumors before surgery or to eliminate any remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
Targeted therapy, which focuses on specific cancer cell mechanisms, and immunotherapy, which enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer, are newer and increasingly utilized options in India’s top medical centers.
Cost Range of Liver Cancer Treatment cost in India
Cost Inclusions
Recommended treatment as per the stage of cancer
Hospitalization as per package
Doctor's fee and consultation
Pre-op investigations and clearance
Get a free cost estimate
Who is a candidate for liver cancer treatment in India?
Candidates for liver cancer treatment in India are generally assessed based on several factors, including the stage of cancer, liver function, overall health, and suitability for different treatments.
Specific eligibility criteria include:
- Early-Stage Liver Cancer: Patients with small, localized tumors and good liver function (Child-Pugh Class A or B) may be candidates for surgical resection or liver transplantation.
- Intermediate or Advanced Stages: For patients with more advanced liver cancer but still with reasonable liver function, treatments like Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE), or systemic therapies (targeted therapy or immunotherapy) may be appropriate.
- Liver Function: Patients with cirrhosis or reduced liver function may need a careful evaluation to determine if they can tolerate surgery or specific treatments like ablation or chemotherapy.
- General Health: Candidates need to be in adequate overall health to undergo surgery or systemic therapies, as some treatments can be taxing on the body.
- Presence of Metastases: If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, systemic therapies like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy might be more suitable.
A multidisciplinary team usually determines the treatment plan, often in high-end centers like BLK-Max Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital etc.
Types of Liver Cancer Treatment Cost
Types of Liver Cancer Treatment in India | Cost Range in USD |
Partial Hepatectomy or Liver Resection It involves the removal of the tumor and a portion of healthy liver tissue through procedures like partial hepatectomy. | 7000 - 8000 |
Liver Transplantation It is a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. | 22000 - 25000 |
Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver It uses heat (radiofrequency ablation) to destroy cancer cells directly in the liver. | 4500 - 5500 |
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) It delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor via the hepatic artery and then blocks the blood supply to the tumor. | 5500 - 6500 |
Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) It combines radiation therapy and embolization by injecting radioactive microspheres into the hepatic artery to target the tumor. | 9500 - 11500 |
| Systemic Chemotherapy It uses drugs administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells throughout the body. | 500 - 900 per cycle |
| Targeted TherapyIt involves drugs that specifically target molecular pathways involved in cancer growth, such as sorafenib or lenvatinib. | 500 - 700 per month |
| ImmunotherapyIt enhances the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, including checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab. | 9000 - 10000 first cycle 2000 - 3000 afterward |
| Radiation TherapyIt uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors, though it is less commonly used for liver cancer due to the liver’s sensitivity. | 4500 - 5500 |
Get a free cost estimate
Liver Cancer Treatment Cost in India Inclusions
First consultation
Treatment as advised (Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy etc.)
Routine drugs and consumables required during hospitalization
Pre-anesthesia check up and clearance
Hospital stay and meals as per the package (in case of surgery)
Liver Cancer Treatment Cost in India Exclusions
Pre-operative examination and tests related to staging of cancer
Hotel stay, meals and flights
Extended hospital stay
Post-operative follow-ups and medical management
Post-operative dressing and nurse visits
Treatment for any other underlying medical conditions
Any complex investigations or drugs
Other Factors Affecting Liver Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Type, size and location of the tumor
Stage and grade of cancer
Choice of location, doctor and hospital
Pre-existing medical history
Type and duration of treatment advised
Diagnostic Tests for Liver Cancer Treatment
Types of Tests For Liver Cancer Treatment in India | Cost Range in USD |
Blood tests These include the liver function test basic blood investigations for the patient to check organ functioning, infection status and tumor markers (alpha feto protein, AFP). | 50 to 80 |
Radiological Assessment (CT/MRI/Ultrasound) Provides detailed images of the liver to determine the size, location, and extent of the tumor. | 100 to 200 |
| EndoscopyExamines the digestive tract for complications or spread of cancer to nearby organs, such as the esophagus or stomach. | 400 - 500 |
Histopathology Examination This includes biopsy of the tissue taken from the tumor site. | 150 to 250 |
Full Body PET Scan This includes a full body PET FDG scan to check for an metastasis and establish the stage of the cancer. | 300 to 500 |
Why is India preferred as one of the best countries for liver cancer treatment?
India is preferred as one of the best countries for liver cancer treatment due to its combination of advanced medical infrastructure, highly skilled specialists, and affordability. The country is home to numerous world-class hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art technology and experienced multidisciplinary teams specializing in liver cancer care. Many doctors in India are internationally trained and bring expertise in both traditional and cutting-edge treatments, such as liver transplants, targeted therapy, and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
India offers a significant cost advantage, with liver cancer treatments, including liver transplants, costing a fraction of what they do in countries like the U.S. or Europe. For example, a liver transplant cost in India typically between $22,000 to $32,000, whereas the same procedure could cost upwards of $500,000 in Western countries. This affordability, combined with high success rates, attracts patients from around the world. India is also a global hub for liver transplants, performing over 2,500 liver transplants annually, making it one of the highest volumes in the world.
India's hospitals are known for their personalized care and shorter waiting times compared to many Western countries, which can be critical in cases of advanced liver cancer. Many leading hospitals offer comprehensive cancer care, including specialized treatment for complex cases, supported by robust infrastructure for diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
India’s medical tourism industry is well-established, offering end-to-end services such as visa assistance, accommodation, and post-treatment care. Combined with the availability of alternative healing therapies like Ayurveda, patients have a range of recovery options. The unique blend of affordability, expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on holistic care makes India a preferred destination for liver cancer treatment, particularly for international patients seeking high-quality care at lower costs.
Cost Comparison for Liver Cancer Treatment Price in India with Other Countries
Country | Cost in USD |
India | $6000 to $25000 |
Turkey | $12000 to $55000 |
UAE | $35000 to $110,000 |
USA | $250,000 to $4,50,000 |
