Proton Therapy cost in India

Proton therapy in India costs $30,000-$70,000 USD compared to $125,000-$205,000 USD in the US, $100,000-$150,000 in Europe, and $140,000-$200,000 in Canada. Save 65-70% without compromising quality. In India, the cost of proton therapy can vary depending on the location and the specific healthcare facility. Proton therapy in India is a relatively new offering but is growing due to its effectiveness and the increasing availability of specialized centers. The high initial costs are often balanced by the reduced need for additional treatments and the lower likelihood of severe side effects.

Cost Comparison for Proton Therapy Price in India with Other Countries

Why International Patients Travel to India for Proton Therapy

India is a preferred destination for radiation oncology treatment due to its high-quality medical infrastructure and skilled medical professionals. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai is the only facility in South Asia and the Middle East using the IBA Proteus®PLUS system, the same technology used in leading cancer centres in the US and Europe. The cost of an equivalent treatment course in the US ranges from $125,000 to $205,000; in India, the same course costs $30,000 to $70,000, representing savings of 60 - 75%. 

• Accredited hospitals (JCI, NABH)
• International-trained surgeons
• US-standard equipment (same Varian/Siemens machines)
• English-speaking staff
• Medical tourism packages included
• 65-75% cost savings vs home country

Furthermore, Indian hospitals offer a comprehensive range of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, alongside radiation therapy. Advanced techniques such as IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, and proton therapy are widely available. International patients at APCC benefit from dedicated international patient coordinators, no waiting lists, on-site accommodation support, and a full team of oncologists, radiation physicists, and support staff experienced in treating patients from the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Hospidio coordinates the full journey from initial case review and hospital booking to medical visa, accommodation, and follow-up care at no cost to the patient.

How Much Does Proton Therapy Cost in India?

^*Costs vary based on the number of radiation fractions, cancer type, complexity, and the treating hospital. HOSPIDIO provides a personalised cost estimate within 24–48 hours based on your medical reports.

Total Cost For International Patients

Why Proton Therapy Costs More:

Even in India, proton is pricier because:

• Specialized equipment ($50-100M installation cost)
• Only 3-4 centers in India (limited availability)
• Fewer patients = costs spread thinner
• Highly trained physics & engineering teams required

But Worth It When:

• Pediatric patients (minimal long-term radiation to body)
• Brain tumors (exact targeting near critical structures)
• Lung cancer near heart (spares cardiac tissue)
• Recurrent cancers (can't tolerate more radiation)
• Head & neck (complex anatomy)

Who is a candidate for Proton therapy in India?

Proton therapy is especially beneficial for certain types of cancer and patient profiles. Candidates for proton therapy in India generally include:

Pediatric Patients

Children with cancer benefit significantly from proton therapy because it reduces the risk of damage to developing tissues and organs, which is crucial for their growth and development.

Tumors Near Critical Structures

Proton therapy is ideal for tumors located near critical structures such as the brain, spinal cord, eyes, and heart. The precision of proton therapy helps protect these sensitive areas from radiation damage.

Certain Types of Cancers

• Brain Tumors: Including gliomas, astrocytomas, and other primary brain tumors.
• Head and Neck Cancers: Such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other cancers affecting the nasal cavity and sinuses.
• Spinal and Base of Skull Tumors: Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are examples where proton therapy is highly beneficial.
• Lung Cancer: Particularly for patients with tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional radiation due to their location.
• Prostate Cancer: Proton therapy can be an effective way to treat prostate cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues..
• Liver Cancer: Provides a focused approach that spares healthy liver tissue.
• Recurrent Cancers: Patients who have previously received radiation therapy and experience a recurrence of cancer may benefit from proton therapy due to its ability to deliver high doses of radiation to the tumor while sparing surrounding normal tissue.

Patients with Genetic Conditions

Certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis, make patients more susceptible to radiation-induced secondary cancers. Proton therapy's precision reduces this risk.

Specific Indications

Conditions like ocular tumors (e.g., uveal melanoma), sarcomas, and gastrointestinal cancers may also be considered for proton therapy.

Each patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if proton therapy is the best option. The decision involves a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists who consider the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and treatment history.

Types of Proton Therapy Treatment Cost

Here is an overview of the common types of proton therapy with their approximate cost range in USD:

Proton Therapy Treatment Cost in India Inclusions

• 25 sessions of PROTEUS® PLUS with Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS)

• Routine medicines and consumables required during treatment

• 5 weeks of stay in India for patient and attendant

Proton Therapy Treatment Cost in India Exclusions

• Pre-radiation examination and tests related to staging of cancer

• Meals and flights

• Any hospital stay

• Post-operative follow-ups and management

• Treatment for any other underlying medical conditions 

• Any complex investigations or medicines

• Anything not covered in the package 

Other Factors Affecting Proton Therapy Treatment Cost in India

• Age of the patient and symptoms

• Location of the cancer  (how much it has spread)

• Stage and grade of cancer

• Pre-existing medical history 

• Recommended treatment and duration

• Number and type of treatment modalities advised

Diagnostic Tests Required Before Proton Therapy Treatment

Where Can You Get Proton Therapy in India?

As of 2025, there are two operational proton therapy centres in India:

1. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai- The first proton therapy facility in South Asia and the Middle East. It uses the IBA Proteus®PLUS system and treats patients with zero waiting time for international patients. Almost all international patients seeking proton therapy in India are treated here.

2. Tata Memorial Centre's ACTREC, Navi Mumbai - India's first public sector proton beam therapy facility, inaugurated in 2023. Offers subsidised treatment for Indian patients; international patient access requires consultation.

3. Upcoming (2026 - 2028): Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad (Jubilee Hills campus) is investing ₹250 crore in a new Proteus®ONE system, expected operational by FY2028. AIG Hospitals Hyderabad and HCG Bengaluru are also in the process of establishing proton therapy units.

Start Your Proton Therapy Journey, Free Case Review by HOSPIDIO

5 Steps to Your Treatment with HOSPIDIO

Step 1: Upload Reports (Pre-Consultation)

Step 2: Get a Plan (Treatment Selection)

Step 3: Travel to India (Visa & Travel Support)

Step 4: Successful Surgery (In-Patient Care)

Step 5: Recover & Fly Home (Post-Op Support)