Cost of Targeted Therapy for Cancer in India
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment focusing on specific cell molecules to stop their growth. Unlike chemotherapy, it minimises damage to healthy cells. In India, targeted therapy is becoming more available, but the cost can vary widely.
If you want to know about targeted therapy, its cost in India, and alternative treatments, keep reading further!
What Is Targeted Therapy Used For?
Targeted therapy treats certain types of cancer by interfering with specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow. It is often used when other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are insufficient.
Here are the primary uses of targeted therapy:
- Stopping Cancer Growth: Some targeted drugs block signals that cancer cells need to grow.
- Preventing Spread: They can also stop cancer cells from spreading to other body parts.
- Helping Other Treatments: Targeted therapy is sometimes combined with chemotherapy or radiation to improve results.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Targeted Therapy in India?
The cost of targeted therapy in India depends on several factors. Knowing these factors can help patients plan their treatment better.
Type of Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are of two main types:
- Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): These are lab-made proteins that attach to specific targets on cancer cells. Examples include trastuzumab for breast cancer and rituximab for lymphoma. These are often more expensive.
- Small Molecule Drugs: These block specific enzymes or proteins in cancer cells. Examples include imatinib for leukaemia and erlotinib for lung cancer. These are usually more affordable than monoclonal antibodies.
Type and Stage of Cancer
The type and stage of your cancer have a significant role in defining the cost of targeted therapy.
Advanced-stage cancers are often complex to treat and thus have a higher cost of treatment. Few patients with advanced cancers also need to take several doses of drugs, which can also increase the overall cost of treatment.
Duration of Treatment
Each patient responds differently to targeted therapy. Often, patients are required to take several rounds of targeted therapy.
The more rounds you must take, the higher the overall treatment cost. Unfortunately, nothing can be done to reduce the duration of treatment.
Hospital or Clinic
Hospitals in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore often charge more because of better facilities and specialised doctors. Smaller cities may have lower costs but fewer advanced options.
Source of Drugs
- Imported Drugs: Many targeted therapy drugs are imported, making them more expensive.
- Generic Drugs: India produces generic versions of some targeted drugs, which are much cheaper and widely used.
Diagnostic Tests
Targeted therapy is an advanced treatment option limited to certain cancers. The doctors first conduct several tests to confirm the stage and type of cancer.
The doctors can move to treatment options once the tumour’s stage, type, and location are clearly defined.
Before the targeted therapy starts, the patient may need to undergo CT, PET, and X-ray scans again. Often, the patients must undergo these tests between rounds of targeted therapy to monitor their progress.
Side Effects Management
Targeted therapy can cause side effects like skin rashes or fatigue. Treating these side effects may require additional medicines or consultations, increasing the total cost.
What Are Some Alternatives to Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is adequate but not suitable for everyone. Here are some alternatives:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves administering potent anti-cancer drugs that target rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs can be given either orally or through an IV infusion.
Chemotherapy can be harsh on the healthy cells of the body as the drugs used are not as specific as targeted therapy. However, being a traditional treatment, chemotherapy may cost less than targeted therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells by destroying their DNA. Often, radiation therapy is given before or after surgery to reduce the size of the tumour. It is also less expensive than targeted therapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer. Immunotherapy is one of the latest treatment options for cancer. However, it is a personalised treatment option that costs more than targeted therapy and works only in specific cancers.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the most commonly used treatment options for removing tumours in the early stages of cancer. Other treatments like chemotherapy often follow it.
Clinical Trials
One of the treatment options for advanced stages of cancer is taking part in clinical trials. You can help researchers find a potential cancer drug by being part of their study. Taking part in clinical trials is often inexpensive. Unfortunately, clinical trials are available only in limited locations.
Conclusion
Targeted therapy is an important treatment option for many cancer patients. While it offers better outcomes with fewer side effects, the cost can vary depending on the type of drug, treatment duration, and hospital.
To make an informed decision, you must understand all the factors involved in the cost of targeted therapy in India. You should also discuss potential alternative treatment options with your doctor to determine your best choice.
For more information, consult an oncologist to discuss the best treatment plan for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some insurance plans may cover the costs of targeted therapy. However, each insurance policy is different, and the only way to know if your policy covers the patient is by talking to your health provider.
If your policy doesn’t cover the costs of targeted therapy, you may need to shift to other treatment options covered under your policy.
Common side effects include skin rashes, diarrhoea, and tiredness. These are usually less severe than chemotherapy side effects.
Side effects can vary among patients. Sometimes, having a specific health condition may increase the risk of these side effects. Consult your doctor to understand the risk of these side effects.
Targeted therapy is dependent upon drugs. These drugs can be administered through IV infusion or injection or taken orally as capsules. Only the doctor can decide the specific route of administration.
References
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/targeted-therapy.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9842142/
https://www.rush.edu/news/5-cancer-treatments-arent-chemotherapy
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies/approved-drug-list
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/targeted-therapy/what-is.html
