Immunotherapy in India
Medicines that help the body's immune system recognise and attack cancer.
At a glance
- Type
- Ongoing therapy
- Typical procedure time
- Infusions every few weeks
- Typical hospital stay
- Day-care
- Time to plan in India
- Varies
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
- Certain cancers where studies show benefit, as judged by the oncologist
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
- Immune side effects can appear weeks or months later and need prompt attention.
- Treatment is often continued for a set period.
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We do not publish prices we cannot stand behind.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
- How will my home doctors recognise immune side effects?
- How long is treatment planned?
- What is the aim of this treatment?
- How many cycles and how often?
Also known as
- Checkpoint inhibitors
More in Medical oncology
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Chemotherapy
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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.