Blood Cancer Treatment IN INDIA
Approximately 1.24 million people are diagnosed with blood cancer globally each year, making up about 6% of all cancer cases. This number continues to rise steadily. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology and the expertise of healthcare professionals in India have led to improved survival rates for those affected by blood cancer. Receiving a blood cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and timely intervention, many patients can be successfully treated.
What are the different types of blood cancer?
Blood Cancer Types:
Blood cancer primarily falls into three main categories based on the type of cells affected:
- Leukemia: This type of cancer originates from white blood cells during their formation. In leukemia, stem cells in the bone marrow produce an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells that are ineffective, leading to a weakened immune system. This condition can also result in lower levels of red blood cells and platelets. Leukemia is classified based on the cells involved:
- Lymphocytic leukemia: This affects lymphocytes, where an overproduction of lymphoid stem cells leads to abnormal lymphocytes.
- Myeloid leukemia: This type impacts myeloid cells, causing an abnormal increase in myeloid cells and the formation of dysfunctional myeloblasts. This results in a surplus of abnormal white blood cells alongside a decrease in red blood cells and platelets.
- Both lymphocytic and myeloid leukemia can be acute, progressing rapidly, or chronic, developing over months or even years. The specific types include:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia
- Acute myeloid leukemia
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Leukemia tends to affect men more than women, and the age demographics vary: acute lymphocytic leukemia is most common in children and young adults, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia is typically seen in older adults. Acute myeloid leukemia can occur at any age, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia is generally diagnosed in middle-aged individuals.
- Lymphoma: This cancer begins in the lymphocytes, where they become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, creating more dysfunctional cells. Lymphoma is divided into two main types:
- Hodgkin lymphoma: Here, the abnormal cells spread uniformly from one lymph node to another.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: This type spreads in a more irregular pattern.
- Myeloma (Multiple Myeloma): Myeloma develops due to issues in the bone marrow’s production of plasma cells, which are crucial for generating antibodies that combat infections. In this condition, plasma cells proliferate abnormally, leading to the production of monoclonal antibodies that are ineffective against infections. This causes a deficiency of immune cells and antibodies, leaving myeloma patients vulnerable to infections. The disease also results in decreased levels of red blood cells and platelets, leading to anemia and increased bleeding risks. Myeloma cells can accumulate throughout the body, earning the term “multiple myeloma.” These cells can damage surrounding bones, increasing calcium levels in the blood and impaired kidney function.
What is the cost of blood cancers treatment in India?
Below is a table summarizing estimated costs of common blood cancer treatments in India, both in Indian Rupees (INR) and US Dollars (USD).
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Chemotherapy | ₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Stem Cell Transplant | ₹10,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Radiation Therapy | ₹1,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | $1,800 – $7,200 |
| Targeted Therapy | ₹2,50,000 – ₹10,00,000 | $3,000 – $12,000 |
| Immunotherapy | ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
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Bone Marrow Transplant IN INDIA
A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, is a surgical procedure that uses healthy stem cells to replace damaged or defective bone marrow. Bone marrow is important for the production of blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These stem cells might be obtained from your own body (autologous transplant) or from another person (allogeneic transplant).
Bone marrow transplant is commonly used to treat a number of diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as other blood and immune system disorders. In recent years, bone marrow transplants in India have witnessed major development, with roughly 2,500 bone marrow transplants performed each year.
The growth in bone marrow transplants in India is due to developments in medical technology and the availability of skilled doctors. Some of the best bone marrow transplant hospitals in India have the latest technology along with a team of experienced doctors dedicated to providing exceptional treatment to patients in need of bone marrow transplants.
Need for Bone Marrow Transplant
The production of important blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which play vital functions in oxygen transport, immune defense, and blood clotting, depends on bone marrow. A bone marrow transplant is necessary when one’s bone marrow is unable to function properly. This can be caused by a number of factors, including diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia, as well as the negative effects of cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment. When other treatments have failed, bone marrow transplants may be performed, particularly for cases of cancer, blood disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Conditions that benefit from Bone Marrow Transplant
Cancerous Diseases:
- Acute leukemia
- Chronic leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Neuroblastoma
Non-Cancerous Diseases:
- Aplastic anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Immune deficiencies
- Hemoglobinopathies
- Plasma cell disorders
- POEMS syndrome
- Primary amyloidosis
Brain Tumor Surgery IN INDIA
The brain is one of the most complex and essential organs in the human body, managing all bodily functions and processing information from the external environment. The increasing prevalence of brain tumors has become a major concern due to challenges in diagnosis and treatment. As the brain governs numerous critical functions, any disruption caused by a tumor—whether benign or malignant—can significantly impair these functions. Tumors exert pressure on specific brain regions, further affecting their performance.
Surgery is the first line treatment option for brain tumors. The aim is to remove the maximum tumor while preserving vital brain tissue. Neurosurgeons achieve this by creating an opening in the skull, sometimes removing part of the surrounding bone for better access. In India, doctors are adopting cutting-edge techniques for brain tumor treatment.
One such innovation is ZAP-X Gyroscopic Stereotactic Radiosurgery, a robotic system specifically designed for brain and spine tumors. Additionally, technologies like CyberKnife and Gamma Knife, which deliver highly targeted radiation, provide effective alternatives for patients who are unsuitable for traditional surgery.
Breast Cancer Surgery IN INDIA
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 25-32% of all female cancers in urban areas. The number of new cases is rising rapidly, with an estimated 230,000 reported in 2023, and younger women are increasingly affected, with nearly 50% of cases occurring in those under 50.
Despite its high prevalence, the mortality rate remains concerning, as breast cancer contributes to one in five cancer-related deaths among Indian women. Late-stage diagnosis is a significant factor, with 60% of cases being detected at advanced stages (Stage III or IV), leading to poorer survival outcomes. The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is 66%, notably lower than the 90% seen in developed countries.
Unique risk factors in India include changes in reproductive patterns, such as late marriages, fewer children, and reduced breastfeeding duration. Urban areas experience a higher incidence due to lifestyle changes, while rural regions face higher mortality rates due to limited awareness and healthcare access.
Awareness levels remain alarmingly low, with 70% of Indian women unaware of breast self-examination techniques, and only 10-12% undergoing regular screenings compared to 70-80% in developed nations. Major urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai report the highest incidence rates, whereas rural areas suffer from inadequate healthcare facilities, leading to delayed diagnoses and poor outcomes.
Given these growing statistics, the Indian healthcare system is continuously growing in providing the best possible care of breast cancer treatment. From growing awareness to using advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment, the healthcare system focuses on world-class infrastructure for treatment of breast cancer.
What are the costs of Breast Cancer Treatment in India?
The cost of breast cancer treatment in India varies depending on several factors, including the diagnostic tests required, the stage of cancer, and the specific treatment plan. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:
| Treatment/Procedure Name | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (INR) | Comparison with Other Countries (USD) | Package Inclusions |
| Lumpectomy | $2,000 – $4,000 | ₹1,65,000 – ₹3,30,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 | Surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, 3–5 days hospital stay, post-operative consultations |
| Mastectomy | $3,000 – $7,000 | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,80,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 | Complete surgical procedure, hospital stay, nursing care, follow-up consultations |
| Breast Reconstruction Surgery | $4,000 – $10,000 | ₹3,30,000 – ₹8,30,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 | Reconstructive surgery, implants/tissue graft, hospital stay, pre- and post-surgery care |
| Radiation Therapy | $2,000 – $5,000 | ₹1,65,000 – ₹4,15,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 | Radiation sessions (15–30 cycles), oncologist consultations, follow-up care |
| Chemotherapy (Per Cycle) | $500 – $2,000 | ₹41,500 – ₹1,65,000 | $5,000 per cycle | Chemotherapy drugs, day care treatment, pre- and post-treatment blood work |
| Targeted Therapy (Herceptin) | $1,500 – $2,000 per dose | ₹1,25,000 – ₹1,65,000 per dose | $4,000 – $6,000 per dose | Drug administration, oncologist fees, hospital day care charges |
| Immunotherapy (Per Cycle) | $2,500 – $4,000 | ₹2,05,000 – ₹3,30,000 | $10,000 per cycle | Immunotherapy drugs, consultation charges, day care procedures |
| Diagnostics and Investigations | $300 – $1,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹83,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 | Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, pathology report |
| Follow-Up Care (Annual) | $500 – $1,000 | ₹41,500 – ₹83,000 | 50–70% lower than global costs | Regular monitoring, oncologist visits, and medication costs |
Bypass Surgery IN INDIA
Bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure performed to restore blood flow to the heart when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked. It involves creating new pathways, called bypass grafts, to bypass the blockages and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Heart bypass surgery cost in India, can be easily known after consulting the cardiologist about the problem and treatment.
Overview
Narrowing or blockage of the arteries, typically brought on by plaque, is known as coronary artery disease (CAD). Your heart receives blood that is high in oxygen from your coronary arteries. Plaque buildup can restrict these arteries and the blood that can reach the heart.
Consider the two methods combined due to construction. Traffic keeps flowing, just more slowly. With CAD, you may not see a problem until the plaque causes a blood clot. The blood clot is like a concrete barrier in the middle of the road. Traffic stops. Also, blood cannot reach the heart, which can lead to a heart attack.
You may have had CAD for years and have no symptoms before you have a heart attack. So it is the reason why CAD is the silent killer.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic heart disease are additional terms for CAD. It is also what most people mean when they use the general term heart disease. Heart bypass surgery cost in India is reasonable though the quality of treatment is of high standards.