Chemotherapy in India
Medicines that destroy or slow cancer cells, given by drip or tablets in cycles.
At a glance
- Type
- Ongoing therapy
- Typical procedure time
- Each session a few hours
- Typical hospital stay
- Day-care or short stays
- Time to plan in India
- Varies; usually repeated cycles
These are broad, typical ranges for planning a trip. Your doctor sets the real plan for you, and it can be shorter or longer.
When people ask about it
- As advised by an oncology team before or after surgery, or for cancers that have spread
Whether it suits you is a decision for a doctor who has examined you and seen your results.
How it usually works
- Assessment and planThe team reviews your diagnosis, past treatment and goals and proposes a plan.
- Starting treatmentTreatment begins as sessions, cycles or ongoing medicines.
- MonitoringTests and scans measure how treatment is working and look for side effects.
- Adjusting the planDoses, timings or approach are changed as needed.
- Continuing near homeWhere possible, ongoing treatment is handed to a doctor near you with clear written instructions.
Recovery and follow-up
- Fatigue and low blood counts are common; blood tests are done between cycles.
- Anti-sickness medicines are given.
- A temperature or infection signs need urgent attention.
Every procedure carries risks, and they differ from person to person. Ask your doctor to explain the risks that apply to you before you decide.
What affects the cost
We do not publish prices we cannot stand behind. The total depends on you, the hospital and the doctor. After a doctor has reviewed your records, you receive an itemised written estimate before you decide anything.
- The type of therapy and the number of cycles or sessions
- The specific drugs or techniques
- Tests and scans to monitor response
- Hospital or day-care charges
- Your stay and local travel for each stay
Documents to prepare
- Diagnosis and pathology reports
- Details of previous treatment with dates and doses
- Recent scans and blood tests
- A list of all medicines and any reactions
- Passport and visa documents
Travel and stay
- Ask which parts can be done close to home to avoid repeated long journeys.
- Plan for rest between sessions or cycles.
- Make sure a doctor at home agrees to take over monitoring.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which drugs, how many cycles, and what is the goal?
- Which side effects need a same-day call?
- Can later cycles be done near my home?
- What is the aim of this treatment?
- How many cycles and how often?
More in Medical oncology
Ongoing therapy
Targeted therapy
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Read the planning guide Diagnostic test or evaluationGenomic testing and precision oncology
Read the planning guide Ongoing therapyPalliative and supportive cancer care
Read the planning guidePlanning information only. This page gives general information to help you prepare questions and plan a trip. It does not diagnose, recommend a treatment or promise an outcome, a price or the availability of a doctor or hospital. Figures are broad, typical ranges and vary from person to person. Only a doctor who has examined you can say what is right for you. This page was prepared by Prognova's editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician.