Radiotherapy Treatment cost in India
Radiation therapy treatment cost in India can range from $3300 to $6000, which is equivalent to approximately 2,80,000 to 5,10,000 Indian rupees. There are several types of radiation therapies used to treat cancer patients, each tailored to the specific type and location of the cancer.
Cost Range of Radiotherapy Treatment cost in India
Cost Inclusions:
Radiation therapy sessions as advised
Radiation planning and cast preparation
Airport pick up and drop
Doctor's fee and consultation
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There are several types of radiation therapies used to treat cancer patients, each tailored to the specific type and location of the cancer. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common, where high-energy X-rays are targeted at the tumor from outside the body. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources inside or near the tumor for more localized treatment.
Advanced techniques like stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allow for precise targeting, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. These therapies are integral to comprehensive cancer care, often used alongside surgery and chemotherapy.
Who is a candidate for radiotherapy in India?
In India, radiotherapy is commonly used to treat a wide range of cancer patients, particularly those with solid tumors that are accessible and can be precisely targeted. Candidates for radiation therapy include individuals with localized cancers such as breast, lung, prostate, head and neck, cervical, and brain cancers. This therapy is often chosen when the cancer is confined to a specific area, allowing for targeted treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Radiation therapy is suitable for different stages of cancer treatment. It can be used as the primary treatment for early-stage cancers, as adjuvant therapy after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells, or in combination with chemotherapy to enhance effectiveness. In advanced cases, it is also used for palliative care to relieve symptoms like pain or bleeding and improve the patient’s quality of life.
The decision to use radiotherapy is based on factors such as the type, size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate treatment. With advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), radiation therapy in India can offer highly precise and effective cancer treatment options for a broad range of patients.
Types of Radiotherapy Treatment Cost
Type of Radiotherapy in India | Cost Range in USD |
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)Such as VMAT, it delivers continuous radiation over hours to days using implanted radioactive sources. | 5000 - 6000 |
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)Provides short bursts of high-dose radiation in minutes during multiple sessions. | 3300 - 4800 |
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)A highly precise form of radiation therapy such as Gammaknife and Cybeknife used to treat small tumors in the brain and spine with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. | 6000 - 7500 |
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)Similar to SRS, but used to treat tumors in other parts of the body, like the lungs, liver, or prostate. | 5500 - 6500 |
Proton Therapy Uses protons rather than X-rays to precisely target tumors, often used for pediatric cancers and tumors near sensitive structures. | 60000 - 65000 |
Brachytherapy Involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the tumor to deliver high doses of radiation with minimal exposure to surrounding tissues. | 2000 - 4500 |
Radionuclide Therapy Uses radioactive substances, like iodine or lutetium, that are administered into the body to target cancer cells from within, commonly used for thyroid cancer or neuroendocrine tumors. | 6000 - 9000 |
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Radiotherapy Cost in India Inclusions
Radiation sessions as planning
Routine medicines and consumables required during treatment
Daycare room charges
Radiotherapy Cost in India Exclusions
Pre-treatment examination and tests related to staging of cancer
Meals and flights
Hospital and hotel stay
Post-treatment follow-ups and management
Treatment for any other underlying medical conditions
Any complex investigations or medicines
Any other treatment related to cancer
Other Factors Affecting Radiotherapy Cost in India
Age of the patient and symptoms
Type of radiation therapy offered
Type of cancer
Stage and grade of cancer
Pre-existing medical history
Recommended treatment and duration
Number and type of treatment modalities advised
Diagnostic Tests Required Before Radiotherapy Treatment
Types of Tests For Radiation Therapy Treatment in India | Cost Range in USD |
Blood tests These include the basic blood investigations for the patient to check organ functioning, infection status and coagulation profile. | 50 to 100 |
Radiological Assessment MRI, CT or any other tests to check for location of the disease. | 150 to 250 |
Histopathology Examination This includes tests such as biopsy for examination under a microscope. | 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. | 400 to 600 |
Why is India preferred as one of the best countries for Radiation therapy treatment?
India is emerging as a preferred destination for radiation therapy due to its advanced technology, skilled medical professionals, and cost-effective treatment options. The country has over 350 radiotherapy centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including linear accelerators, IMRT, and stereotactic radiosurgery, comparable to global standards. India is home to some of the best cancer treatment centers, such as Fortis Hospital and Apollo Hospitals, which offer cutting-edge treatments at a fraction of the cost in Western countries.
In recent years, the use of advanced technologies like Proton Therapy has increased, with dedicated centers in Chennai. These facilities enable precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, attracting international patients seeking high-quality treatment. For example, the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, the first in South Asia, treated over 1,000 patients from 20 countries within two years of its launch.
India’s radiation therapy sector also benefits from its ability to treat a large volume of patients. According to the Indian Society of Radiation Oncology, more than 600,000 cancer patients undergo radiation therapy annually in the country. Additionally, India’s skilled oncologists, many trained abroad, and the presence of internationally accredited hospitals ensure a high standard of care.
Top Hospitals for Radiation Therapy in India