The immune system is crucial for recognizing and regulating substances within the body. When it detects foreign substances, it activates a response aimed at their removal. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy harnesses this immune response by genetically modifying T cells, a specific category of white blood cells, in a controlled laboratory environment. 

These specially engineered T cells are tailored to seek out and eliminate cancer cells effectively. CAR T-cell therapy is frequently categorized as a form of cell-based gene therapy, as it involves modifying the genetic makeup of T cells to improve their capacity to fight cancer. Recognizing the financial aspects of CAR T-cell therapy in India highlights the necessity for affordable and efficient cancer treatments across various healthcare environments.

Car T Cell Therapy Cost in India

Car T Cell Therapy Cost in India ranges from $75,000 to $85,000. The cost will depend on various factors including overall health, organ function, and individual treatment responses.

Car T Cell Therapy Cost in India Vs Other Countries

Note: Keep in mind that the cost stated above are only for the cost of the treatment there will be other additional costs for the final cost of the treatment.

Factors that Can Affect Car T Cell Therapy Cost in India

CAR T-cell therapy cost in India can based on various factors, including:

1. Patient-specific considerations: Factors such as the patient’s age, symptoms, type of blood cancer, and the prescribed treatment plan and duration can affect the cost of Car T Cell Therapy in India.
2. Treatment options: The variety and number of treatment modalities recommended affect the cost of Car T Cell Therapy in India.
3. Provider of therapy: Whether the treatment is administered by government facilities, charitable organizations, or is self-funded by the patient.
4. Medical institution: The reputation, facilities, qualifications, and experience of the healthcare professionals involved.
5. Duration of treatment: The overall length of the therapy can affect the cost of Car T Cell Therapy in India.
6. Geographic factors: The location of the patient the patient chooses for the treatment.
7. Development costs: Expenses related to the development of the therapy can affect the cost of Car T Cell Therapy in India.
8. Clinical trial criteria: The stipulations for participating in clinical trials.
9. Technological resources: The available technological infrastructure.

What is Car T Cell Therapy? 

CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses genetically modified immune cells to fight cancer. T cells are white blood cells that have been genetically engineered to locate and target cancer cells in the body.

According to the immune system, this powerful army of T-cells serves as the front line of our body’s defenses. Their aim is to find and eliminate anything that can cause disease or infection. When it comes to cancer, the immune system frequently fails to deploy T-cells quickly or at all. When this happens, the attack is considered unusable. CAR T-cell therapy in India transforms these T-cells into chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs), which bind to cancers and kill them.

About T-cells: By understanding what T-cells perform can help you better understand CAR T-cell therapy.

• Lymphocytes are white blood cells that aid in the fight against infection and disease, including cancer.
• Lymphocytes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. T-cells are one of the same types.
• T-cells search the body for defective cells and destroy them. When you come into contact with a new virus or disease, your body produces T-cells to help you fight it. It then keeps some back in reserve so that if you get infected again, your body will recognize it and attack it right away.

Who Is the Suitable Candidate For CAR T-Cell Therapy?

The FDA has approved CAR T cell therapy for patients who have relapsed/recurred or progressed after receiving previous treatments for certain types of leukemia or lymphoma. The patient must have previously failed at least two standard cancer therapy to be eligible for the CAR T-cell therapy in India.

Children and adults up to the age of 25 with advanced and relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as adults with aggressive and recurring large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas that have not been totally eradicated after at least two prior cancer therapy.

What Types of Cancer Can Be Treated With Car T-Cell Therapy?

The FDA has approved CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (white blood cell cancer) in adults and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults. The two FDA-approved therapies are:

1. Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah®): It is the first CAR T cell therapy to receive FDA approval, and it is used to treat advanced B-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in children and young adults.
2. Yescarta (Axicabtagene Ciloleucel): It is approved for adult patients with large B-cell non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s that has returned or has not responded to traditional treatments.

Other types of blood cancers are being treated using Car T-Cell Therapy in a number of clinical trials, including:

• Car T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
• Car T-Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer
• Car T-Cell Therapy for Lung Cancer.

How is Car T Cell Therapy Done in India? 

Treatment for Car T-Cell Therapy in India, the doctor will do a series of tests to see if the patient is a good candidate for it. The steps in the treatment process are as follows:

Collection of T-Cells from the Patient:

A procedure called apheresis is used to collect T cells from the patient. It entails extracting blood from the patient and eliminating specific blood components, in this case, T-cells. The blood that remains is returned to the body.

Bioengineering of the T-Cells:

T-cells are genetically altered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface after being taken from the blood and transported to the lab for bioengineering.

Increasing the Number of CAR T Cells:

In the laboratory, the number of modified CAR T cells is increased until there are millions of them. After that, the cells are frozen and transported to the hospital. This procedure could take 2 to 6 weeks to complete if there are enough participants.

Conditioning:

Around 1 or 2 weeks before the new cells are given, the patient comes to the hospital for a brief course of chemotherapy with lympho-depleting medications. This process is carried out to clear the immune system of normal T cells and make room for CAR T-cells to grow.

Re-infusion of the Cells:

The CAR T-cells are frozen in the hospital and then infused into the patient’s bloodstream via a process similar to blood transfusion. These cells are then permitted to develop and proliferate in the patient’s body.

Know More:- NexCAR19 India’s First Living Drug For Cancer Treatment

Possible Side-Effects of Car T-Cell Therapy

CAR T-cell treatment can be very effective against certain types of tough cancers, but it can also have severe or even fatal side effects. As a result, it must be administered at a medical facility that is properly skilled in its usage, and patients must be constantly monitored for several weeks after receiving CAR T-cells therapy

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS):

CAR T-cells can release large amounts of molecules called cytokines into the bloodstream as they multiply, which can stimulate the immune system. The following are major side effects that may occur as a result of this release:

• Chills with a high fever
• Breathing problems
• Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Headaches
• Fast heartbeat
• Extreme tired feeling
• Pain in the muscles and/or joints.

Doctors are learning how to diagnose CRS early and how to treat it as they get more expertise with CAR T-cell therapy.

Also Read:- Best Oncologists in India

Nervous System Issues:

This treatment can have substantial side effects on the nervous system, resulting in symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Consciousness changes
• Mood swings, confusion, or agitation
• Seizures
• Twitching or shaking (tremors)
• Speaking and understanding problems
• Loss of balance.

Adult patients are often advised not to drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in any other potentially risky activities for at least several weeks after receiving therapy due to the risk of these side effects.

The early outcomes of CAR T-cell therapy for patients with blood cancers have been outstanding in clinical trials using chimeric antigen receptor T-cells.

Up to 90% of children and adults with specific cancers who had relapsed or failed to respond to traditional medicines achieved remission after undergoing CAR T-cell therapy, according to certain studies. Relapses may occur as a result of tumor cells losing their expression of the cluster of differentiation (CD-19) antigen, CAR T cell persistence being reduced, or CAR T-cell activity is inhibited.

CAR T-cell therapy has also shown potential in other blood cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma. CAR T-cell therapy is also being researched for use in the treatment of cancer.

Top Car T-Cell Therapy Hospital in India

• Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
• Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket
• Amrita Hospital Faridabad

Why Do Individuals Prefer to Have Car T-Cell Therapy in India

The country has some of the best medical care facilities and services in Asia, making medical tourism in India very popular. The best Hospitals for Car T-Cell Therapy in India provide all types of disease-related surgeries using advanced technology. Also, the Car T-Cell Therapy cost in India is much more affordable as compared to other states or nations around the world. An international patient can expect to pay 50-60% less for Car T-Cell Therapy in India.

The best Car T-Cell Therapy in India provides comprehensive appropriate treatment, including comprehensive pre-operative evaluations, minimally invasive surgical options, and post-operative rehabilitation programs. Patients can expect personalized treatment, individualized attention, and compassionate care at these medical facilities. The hospitals are accredited by top international organizations such as the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) or the Joint Commission International (JCI).

What to Look for When Choosing a Hospital For Car T-Cell Therapy in India

Indian hospitals that perform CAR T-Cell therapy are well-known for their hospitality and patient care services providing the finest hospital and surgeons in India. However, choosing a suitable hospital for treating Car T-Cell Therapy in India can be difficult for an international patient. It is a significant decision that must be made with several factors in mind, including:

• Quality certificates and accreditations
• Hospital and transportation facility location
• Team of doctors and surgeons
• Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
• International patient assistance.

How Can Medsurge India Help

Medsurge India is a prestigious support system for patients looking for doctors, hospitals, and specialized treatments. Our staff will provide you with a list of licensed, renowned, and trustworthy physicians and medical facilities in relation to your medical needs. Additionally, we offer a treatment strategy that fits your budget. Apart, we assist patients with obtaining travel authorizations, medical visas, and a multitude of other things.