Multiple Myeloma Treatment cost in India
The cost of multiple myeloma treatment in India can range from $5,000 to $18,000, which is approximately 4,20,000 to 15,00,000 Indian Rupees. The overall cost may vary depending on several factors, including the stage of the disease, type of treatment required, hospital charges, and the patient’s overall health condition.
Treatment for multiple myeloma may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplant, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and response to treatment. In some cases, a combination of therapies is recommended to achieve the best possible outcome.
Cost Range of Multiple Myeloma Treatment cost in India
Since multiple myeloma is a complex and progressive disease, the treatment plan is customized by the oncologist and hematologist after a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, diagnostic reports, and overall health condition. The success of the treatment depends on multiple factors such as early diagnosis, response to therapy, and pre-existing medical conditions.
Cost Inclusions
- Recommended treatment as advised
- Hospitalization as per package
- Doctor's fee and consultation
- Meals during hospital stay
- All diagnostics performed during hospital stay
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Who is an eligible candidate for multiple myeloma treatment in India?
Multiple myeloma treatment in India is available for a wide range of patients, but eligibility depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, patient’s overall health, and response to previous treatments. Here is a detailed explanation of the criteria and parameters that determine whether a patient is eligible for treatment in India:
1. Medical Eligibility Criteria
a) Confirmed Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma
- The patient must have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple myeloma through tests such as:
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Blood tests (Complete Blood Count, Serum Protein Electrophoresis, Free Light Chain Assay)
- Urine tests (Bence-Jones proteins)
- Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, PET scans)
- Diagnosis is classified into different stages based on Revised International Staging System (R-ISS).
b) Disease Stage & Progression
- Early-stage multiple myeloma (Smoldering Myeloma or Stage 1): Some patients in early stages may not require immediate treatment but are monitored.
- Active or Advanced Disease (Stage 2 & 3): These patients usually qualify for treatment as they require immediate intervention to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Relapsed or Refractory Myeloma: Patients whose disease has returned after treatment or does not respond to standard therapy may still be eligible for advanced treatments like targeted therapy or stem cell transplantation.
2. Treatment-Specific Eligibility
a) Chemotherapy Eligibility
- Most multiple myeloma patients qualify for chemotherapy, which is a standard treatment option.
- The patient must not have severe kidney, liver, or heart failure that could worsen due to chemotherapy toxicity.
b) Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy Eligibility
- Ideal for patients whose cancer has stopped responding to chemotherapy.
- Requires specific genetic and molecular testing to determine if targeted therapy drugs (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, proteasome inhibitors, or immunomodulatory drugs) will be effective.
- The patient must not have severe immune system deficiencies that could lead to complications.
c) Radiation Therapy Eligibility
- Suitable for patients with localized bone lesions or severe bone pain that are not responding to other treatments.
- Patients with severe bone damage or fractures may require radiation to relieve pain.
d) Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant Eligibility
Patients considered for autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) must meet the following conditions:
- Under 70 years of age (in most cases) (some centers accept older patients based on overall health)
- Good organ function (heart, liver, kidneys, lungs)
- No active infections or severe immune deficiencies
- No severe comorbidities (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease)
- Responsive to initial chemotherapy (to ensure successful transplantation)
3. General Health & Fitness Criteria
a) Age Criteria
- Most treatment options are available for patients of all ages, but aggressive treatments like bone marrow transplants are generally recommended for patients under 70 years of age.
- Some centers may consider older patients based on biological age rather than chronological age (i.e., how healthy they are despite their age).
b) Overall Health Condition
- Patients should have a functional status that allows them to tolerate treatment:
- ECOG Performance Status Score of 0-2 (indicating ability to carry out daily activities with minimal limitations)
- No severe organ failure (kidney, liver, heart, lungs) that may worsen due to treatment.
c) Kidney & Liver Function
- Multiple myeloma can affect kidney function. Patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment may still be eligible for treatment, but those with severe kidney failure may require additional supportive therapy before starting aggressive treatment.
- Liver function must be within an acceptable range to process chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs safely.
d) Cardiovascular Fitness
- Patients with severe heart disease, high blood pressure, or previous heart failure may not be eligible for certain chemotherapy or targeted therapy drugs due to the risk of complications.
4. Infection & Immunity Status
- Patients should not have active infections, as chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation can further weaken the immune system.
- HIV and Hepatitis B/C patients may require additional evaluation before starting treatment.
Types of Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost
Types of Multiple Myeloma Treatment in India | Cost Range in USD |
Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant This involves collecting and reinfusing a patient’s own stem cells after intensive chemotherapy or radiation, commonly used to treat blood cancers. | 14000 - 16000 |
Chemotherapy Uses powerful drugs to kill myeloma cells or slow their growth, often as a first-line treatment. | 1500 - 2000 per cycle |
Immunotherapy Boosts the immune system to help it recognize and attack multiple myeloma cells (e.g., monoclonal antibodies like Daratumumab). | 2500 - 3500 per cycle |
Targeted Therapy Specifically attacks myeloma cells by blocking proteins or pathways essential for their growth (e.g., Bortezomib, Carfilzomib). | 2000 to 4000 |
Radiation Therapy Uses high-energy rays to destroy myeloma cells, especially in localized bone lesions causing pain. | 4000 - 5000 |
CAR T-cell Therapy A cutting-edge treatment that modifies a patient’s immune T-cells to recognize and attack myeloma cells. | 65000 - 85000 |
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City wise Cost Comparison for Multiple Myeloma Treatment in India
City | Cost in USD |
New Delhi / NCR | 5000 to 18000 |
Mumbai | 6500 to 20000 |
Bangalore | 6000 to 22000 |
Chennai | 5500 to 19000 |
Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India Inclusions
Treatment as advised
Patient ICU stay and meals during hospitalization
Routine drugs and consumables required during hospitalization
Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India Exclusions
Flights and visa
Post-discharge stay
Post-operative follow-ups and medical management
Post-operative dressing and nurse visits
Complications management
Treatment for any other underlying medical conditions
Any complex investigations or drugs
Other Factors Affecting Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India
Diagnosis of the patient
Type of treatment
Choice of location, doctor and hospital
Pre-existing medical history
Type of chemotherapy drug used for conditioning and maintenance
Post-discharge care and medical management needed
Diagnostic Tests Done Before Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Types of Tests For Multiple Myeloma Treatment in India | Cost Range in USD |
Blood Tests Checks for abnormal M-proteins, kidney function, calcium levels, anemia, and other markers to assess disease severity and organ function. | 80 to 100 |
Urine Tests Detects Bence-Jones proteins and evaluates kidney function to determine myeloma-related damage. | 20 to 30 |
Bone Marrow Tests Confirms myeloma by analyzing bone marrow cells and detecting genetic mutations affecting treatment and prognosis. | 250 to 350 |
Imaging Tests Identifies bone damage, lesions, and the spread of myeloma using X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans. | 200 to 300 |
Additional Pre-Treatment Tests Evaluates heart, lung, and liver function, along with infection screening, to ensure safe treatment planning. | 80 to 150 |
Why is India preferred as one of the best countries for multiple myeloma treatment?
India is one of the most preferred destinations for multiple myeloma treatment due to its high-quality healthcare, experienced oncologists, advanced medical technology, and affordable treatment costs. The country is home to world-class hospitals specializing in hematology and oncology, offering treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
One of the biggest advantages of seeking treatment in India is the affordability. The cost of multiple myeloma treatment in India ranges from $5,000 to $18,000, while in the U.S. or Europe, it can exceed $100,000-$200,000, making India a cost-effective choice for international patients. A bone marrow transplant (BMT), a key treatment for multiple myeloma, costs $14,000–$38,000 in India, whereas in the U.S., it can cost around $200,000–$400,000.
India has a strong network of internationally accredited hospitals, including AIIMS, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, Max Healthcare, and Tata Memorial Hospital, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology such as PET-CT scans, robotic-assisted surgeries, and next-generation sequencing for genetic testing. Indian oncologists and hematologists are highly experienced, with many trained in leading institutions in the U.S., UK, and Europe. Additionally, India offers minimal waiting times, allowing patients to start treatment immediately, unlike in some Western countries where long wait times can delay urgent therapies.
The availability of advanced targeted therapies like Daratumumab, Carfilzomib, and Lenalidomide, along with CAR-T cell therapy trials, provides patients with the latest treatment options. With a success rate of over 70% for autologous stem cell transplants (ASCT) in multiple myeloma patients, India has proven to deliver effective outcomes comparable to developed nations.
Moreover, international patients benefit from medical tourism services, including visa assistance, language support, accommodation, and post-treatment care, making the process smooth and stress-free. The combination of affordable yet high-quality treatment, advanced medical technology, experienced specialists, and supportive healthcare infrastructure makes India one of the top choices globally for multiple myeloma treatment.
Cost Comparison for Multiple Myeloma Treatment in India with Other Countries
Country | Cost in USD |
India | $5000 to $25000 |
Turkey | $35000 to $65000 |
UAE | $150,000 to $250,000 |
USA | $350,000 to $550,000 |
