Cancer Immunotherapy Package
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Written & reviewed by Vikram Kashyap, Medical Consultant, Satyug Healthcare
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See the cost breakdown by option, hospital and city →
| Surgery Name | Cost | Room | Hospitalization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer Immunotherapy Package | 4000-5500 USD | Chemo daycare ward | Daycare |
✓ Inclusion
- ✔Consultation with senior medical oncologist
- ✔One cycle of immunotherapy drug (PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor, standard dose as per package)
- ✔Chemo daycare ward charges and nursing care
- ✔Pre-medication, IV fluids and infusion consumables
- ✔Pre-infusion clinical check and vital monitoring
- ✔Observation after the infusion
- ✔Tumour board discussion and written treatment plan
- ✔Coordination of next cycles in India or home country
- ✔Free: airport pick-up & drop, visa invitation letter, interpreter & coordinator (Satyug Healthcare)
✗ Exclusion
- ✖Biopsy, IHC, PD-L1, MSI, NGS and other biomarker tests
- ✖PET-CT, CT or MRI scans
- ✖Pre-cycle blood tests (CBC, liver, kidney, thyroid, cortisol)
- ✖Additional drugs (ipilimumab, chemotherapy, targeted therapy)
- ✖Additional cycles beyond one
- ✖Hospital admission and treatment of immune-related side effects
- ✖Medicines taken home
- ✖Hotel accommodation, food and flights
Know More About Procedure & Surgery
🇮🇳 ONCOLOGY PACKAGE — INDIA
Cancer Immunotherapy in India
For lung, kidney, bladder, head and neck, melanoma, liver, stomach and other cancers where immunotherapy is proven to help. Given as a daycare drip by experienced medical oncologists at accredited Indian cancer centres, at a much lower cost per cycle than abroad.
✅ Free Medical Opinion in 48–72 h💉 Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Atezolizumab & more💰 Starting USD 4,000 per cycle✈️ Visa & Airport Support🗣️ Interpreter Available
⏱️
30–60 min
Drip time per dose
🏥
Daycare
No overnight stay
📈
20–45%
Response rate*
📅
3–6 weeks
Between cycles
📖 What is Cancer Immunotherapy?
Our immune system normally finds and destroys abnormal cells. Cancer cells often escape this by switching on 'brakes' on immune cells, called checkpoints (such as PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4). Because of these brakes, the immune system does not attack the tumour.
Immunotherapy uses medicines called immune checkpoint inhibitors to release these brakes, so the body's own T-cells can recognise and kill cancer cells. Common drugs are pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab and ipilimumab. They are given into a vein (IV drip) every 2, 3, 4 or 6 weeks, alone or with chemotherapy. Unlike chemotherapy, they do not cause much hair loss, but they can cause inflammation of normal organs, so careful monitoring is needed.
🖼️ Understand It in Pictures
💡 In simple words
Some cancers hide from the immune system, the body's natural defence. Immunotherapy medicines help the immune system find and attack cancer cells. It works well for some cancers and some people, but not for all.
How immunotherapy works
👀 Symptoms in Pictures
🩻 Scans & Tests — What Doctors See
🎬 The Treatment Journey in Pictures
📅 Recovery at a Glance
Drawings: Satyug Healthcare (simplified, not to scale). Photos: Wikimedia Commons; author and licence under each photo.
🩺 Cancers Treated with Immunotherapy
🫁
Lung cancer (non-small cell)
First-line for high PD-L1 tumours, or with chemotherapy; also after chemoradiation.
🌑
Melanoma (skin cancer)
Advanced melanoma and after surgery to prevent return.
🩺
Kidney and bladder cancer
Advanced renal cell and urothelial cancers.
🗣️
Head and neck cancer
Recurrent or spread cancers of mouth, throat and voice box.
🧬
MSI-high / dMMR tumours
Bowel, uterine and other cancers with this genetic feature respond very well.
🎗️
Liver, stomach, oesophagus, cervix, TNBC, Hodgkin lymphoma
Selected cases based on guidelines and biomarker tests.
⚠️ Who May Be Suitable for Immunotherapy
- ➤Advanced or spread (stage 3–4) cancer
- ➤Cancer that returned after chemotherapy
- ➤High PD-L1 result on biopsy
- ➤MSI-high or dMMR tumour result
- ➤High tumour mutational burden (TMB-high)
- ➤Cancer types approved for immunotherapy
- ➤Good general fitness (able to care for self)
- ➤No active autoimmune disease or organ transplant
💡 Immunotherapy does not work for every cancer. Many cancers (most pancreatic, prostate and hormone-positive breast cancers) respond poorly. For some patients, surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or radiation is better. Biomarker tests and the cancer type decide whether immunotherapy will help.
🔬 Tests Before Treatment
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Biopsy with histopathology review | Confirms the exact cancer type. |
| PD-L1 test (IHC) | Higher PD-L1 often means better response in lung and other cancers. |
| MSI / MMR and TMB tests | Identify tumours very likely to respond. |
| Driver mutation tests (EGFR, ALK etc.) | Lung cancers with these mutations need targeted pills, not immunotherapy first. |
| PET-CT or CT scans | Baseline measurement of the cancer to track response. |
| Blood tests: thyroid, liver, kidney, sugar, cortisol | Baseline to detect immune side effects early. |
🏥 The Procedure — Step by Step
1
Oncologist consultation
Review of biopsy, scans and previous treatment.
2
Biomarker testing
PD-L1, MSI and mutation tests on the tumour block if not done.
3
Tumour board decision
Choice of drug, combination and schedule.
4
Baseline tests
Blood tests including thyroid and liver function, ECG and scans.
5
Day of treatment
Check-up and blood test before each dose.
6
IV infusion
Drug given by drip over 30–60 minutes in the chemo daycare ward.
7
Observation
Monitoring for any reaction, then you return to your hotel the same day.
8
Next cycles
Repeated every 2–6 weeks depending on drug.
9
Response scan
CT or PET-CT after about 3–4 cycles (9–12 weeks) to check response.
10
Continue at home
Further cycles may be given in India or continued in your home country with the plan.
⚖️ Types of Immunotherapy
| Type | What it does | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) | Block PD-1 brake on T-cells | Lung, melanoma, kidney, head & neck, MSI-high and more |
| PD-L1 inhibitors (atezolizumab, durvalumab) | Block PD-L1 on tumour cells | Lung, bladder, liver, small cell lung cancer |
| CTLA-4 inhibitor (ipilimumab) | Activates T-cells early; often combined with nivolumab | Melanoma, kidney cancer, MSI-high bowel cancer |
| Immunotherapy + chemotherapy | Combines both for stronger effect | Lung, stomach, oesophagus, triple-negative breast cancer |
| CAR-T cell therapy | Patient's own T-cells engineered to attack cancer | Some leukaemias and lymphomas (separate package) |
📊 In the KEYNOTE-024 trial, pembrolizumab for lung cancer with PD-L1 ≥50% gave a 5-year overall survival of about 32% versus 16% with chemotherapy. In advanced melanoma (CheckMate 067), nivolumab plus ipilimumab achieved about 49–52% survival at 6–10 years.
📅 Your Day-by-Day Plan in India
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in India; airport pick-up; check in to hotel |
| Day 2 | Medical oncologist consultation; review of biopsy and scans |
| Day 3–6 | Biomarker tests (if needed), baseline blood tests and PET-CT/CT; tumour board |
| Day 7 | First immunotherapy cycle in chemo daycare ward; return to hotel same day |
| Day 8–10 | Observation for side effects; blood tests; review |
| Day 10–12 | Fly home ✈️ with written plan; next cycle in India or locally after 3 weeks |
🌱 Recovery After Treatment
🛏️
Day of infusion
Most people feel normal; some have mild tiredness.
😴
Week 1–2
Tiredness, mild rash or itching are the most common effects.
📞
Any time
Report diarrhoea, cough, breathlessness, jaundice or severe tiredness immediately.
🩸
Every cycle
Blood tests for liver, kidney and thyroid before each dose.
📊
Week 9–12
First response scan; plan adjusted.
📅
Up to 2 years
Treatment continues while it works and side effects are manageable.
🏆 Success Rate
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Response in PD-L1 high lung cancer (pembrolizumab alone) | About 40–45% |
| 5-year survival, PD-L1 ≥50% lung cancer | About 30% |
| Response in advanced melanoma (nivo + ipi) | About 55–58% |
| Response in MSI-high bowel cancer (first-line) | About 40–45% |
| Long-lasting responses | Many responders stay controlled for years |
*Response rates vary widely by cancer type, PD-L1/MSI status, earlier treatments and general fitness. Some patients respond slowly, and a few show early 'pseudo-progression' before improving, so scans are interpreted by experienced oncologists.
🩹 Risks & Possible Complications
Immunotherapy is often better tolerated than chemotherapy, but the immune system can attack healthy organs.
- •Tiredness – about 20–30%
- •Skin rash or itching – about 15–25%
- •Thyroid problems (low or high thyroid) – about 10–15%
- •Diarrhoea or colitis – about 5–15% (severe 1–2%)
- •Liver inflammation (hepatitis) – about 2–10%
- •Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) – about 3–5%
- •Rare: diabetes, adrenal or pituitary problems, heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis under 1%)
💰 Cost of Cancer Immunotherapy in India
The cost of cancer immunotherapy in India starts from about USD 4,000 per cycle. This usually covers the drug for one dose, the chemo daycare ward, nursing and oncologist review. The exact cost depends on the drug, dose (some are weight-based), branded or biosimilar version, number of cycles and whether chemotherapy is combined.
| Option / Hospital tier | Approx. cost (USD) | Hospital stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immunotherapy cycle (this package) | 4,000 per cycle | Daycare, chemo ward | Common PD-1/PD-L1 drug, one dose |
| Approved biosimilar nivolumab/PD-1 drug | 1,500 – 3,000 per cycle | Daycare | Lower-cost options where suitable |
| Branded pembrolizumab 200 mg | 4,000 – 5,500 per cycle | Daycare | Every 3 weeks |
| Nivolumab + ipilimumab combination | 5,000 – 8,000 per cycle | Daycare | Melanoma, kidney, MSI-high |
| Immunotherapy + chemotherapy | 4,500 – 6,500 per cycle | Daycare | Lung, stomach, TNBC |
⚠️ Final cost depends on the drug and brand, body weight, dose schedule, combination with chemotherapy, biomarker tests, scans and the hospital chosen. Some manufacturers run patient-assistance programmes in India. Quotes are confirmed after the oncologist examines the patient in India.
📋 What the Package Includes
✅ Included
- ✔Medical oncologist consultation and review
- ✔Immunotherapy drug for one cycle (as per package)
- ✔Chemo daycare ward and nursing
- ✔IV line, pre-medication and consumables
- ✔Observation after infusion
- ✔Treatment plan for next cycles
- ✔Interpreter and patient coordinator
❌ Not Included
- ✖Biomarker tests (PD-L1, MSI, NGS)
- ✖PET-CT and CT scans
- ✖Pre-cycle blood tests
- ✖Chemotherapy drugs if combined
- ✖Treatment of immune side effects
- ✖Hotel stay, food and flights
✈️ Your Medical Travel Process with Satyug Healthcare
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Send reports | Biopsy/histopathology report, any IHC or biomarker reports (PD-L1, MSI, EGFR/ALK, NGS), latest PET-CT or CT scans, previous chemotherapy/radiation/surgery summaries, recent blood tests and current medicines. |
| 2. Free opinion & quotes | Within 48-72 hours you receive opinions and cost estimates from 3-5 leading hospitals to compare. |
| 3. Choose hospital & doctor | We help you compare doctors, success rates, room options and total budget. |
| 4. Medical visa | The hospital issues a Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) to the Indian Embassy. The patient and up to 2 attendants apply for an e-Medical / Medical Attendant visa. |
| 5. Travel planning | Flight guidance, wheelchair assistance, airport pick-up, hotel or guest house near the hospital. |
| 6. Treatment in India | Your coordinator and interpreter stay with you for admission, treatment, discharge and billing. |
| 7. Return & follow-up | Fit-to-fly letter, medicines, and online follow-up with your doctor after you return home. |
🎒 Travel Checklist
- 📌Valid passport (6+ months) for the patient and attendants, plus 10 passport-size photos each
- 📌Medical visa / e-visa and the hospital’s Visa Invitation Letter
- 📌All cancer biopsy and biomarker reports, PET/CT scans on CD or link, oncology treatment summaries and prescriptions
- 📌Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for travellers from African countries)
- 📌Polio vaccination certificate where applicable
- 📌Declare cash above USD 5,000 at the airport; hospitals accept wire transfer and cards
- 📌Foreigners staying longer than permitted must register with the FRRO — our team assists
⭐ Why Choose Satyug Healthcare?
🏥
Top Accredited Hospitals
Leading Indian cancer centres such as Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (Delhi), Medanta Cancer Institute, Max Saket, Fortis Gurugram, Artemis, BLK-Max, Apollo Cancer Centres, HCG, Manipal and Kokilaben.
👨⚕️
Senior Specialists
Treatment is planned by senior medical oncologists through multidisciplinary tumour boards, with experience managing immune-related side effects.
💵
Transparent Pricing
Multiple written quotes to compare — no hidden charges, no extra fee for our service.
🤝
End-to-End Support
Visa, airport pick-up, accommodation, interpreter and 24/7 coordinator.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
➤ How much does immunotherapy cost in India?
It starts from about USD 4,000 per cycle with a common branded drug. Approved biosimilar options can cost USD 1,500–3,000 per cycle, while combinations cost more. The total depends on how many cycles you need.
➤ How many cycles will I need?
Usually treatment continues every 2–6 weeks for as long as it works, up to about 2 years. Response is checked by scan every 3–4 cycles.
➤ Do I need to stay in hospital?
No. Each dose is a daycare drip of 30–60 minutes in the chemo ward. You return to your hotel the same day.
➤ How long do I need to stay in India?
About 10–12 days for consultation, tests and the first cycle. Later cycles can often be given in your home country following the Indian oncologist's plan, or during short return visits.
➤ Will immunotherapy work for my cancer?
It depends on the cancer type and tests like PD-L1, MSI and mutation status. Send your biopsy and scans, and our oncologists will tell you whether it is suitable.
➤ What is the success rate?
Around 20–45% of patients respond depending on cancer type, and higher in melanoma, MSI-high tumours and PD-L1-high lung cancer. Many responders stay controlled for years.
➤ What are the side effects?
Common effects are tiredness, rash, itching and thyroid changes. Less often it causes colitis, hepatitis or pneumonitis, which are treated with steroids if caught early.
➤ Will I lose my hair?
Immunotherapy alone does not usually cause hair loss. If combined with chemotherapy, hair loss may occur from the chemotherapy.
➤ Can I continue working?
Most patients continue normal daily activities and many keep working during treatment.
➤ Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy?
For some cancers, yes, with longer-lasting responses and fewer side effects. For others, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination works better. The oncologist decides based on tests.
➤ Can elderly patients receive immunotherapy?
Yes. Age alone is not a barrier. Fitness, organ function and other illnesses such as autoimmune disease are more important.
➤ Are biosimilar drugs safe?
Biosimilars approved by Indian regulators are tested to match the original drug in quality and effect. Your oncologist will explain the choices and their costs.
➤ Can a family member come with me?
Yes. We provide visa invitation letters for the patient and one or two attendants and help with hotels near the hospital.
➤ What follow-up is needed at home?
Blood tests before every cycle and scans every 9–12 weeks. Our team connects you with your Indian oncologist by video and shares reports with your local doctor.
💬 Get a Free Opinion & Cost Estimate
Send your medical reports today and receive opinions from India’s top specialists within 48-72 hours.
📞 +91-8860606766 | +91-9910655125 | ✉️ query@satyughealthcare.com
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified specialist. Treatment plans and costs are confirmed only after the patient is examined. Sources: NCI: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; NCCN Guidelines (NSCLC, Melanoma); ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines on management of immune-related toxicities (2022); Reck et al. KEYNOTE-024 5-year update, JCO 2021; Wolchok et al. CheckMate 067, NEJM/JCO; ASCO guideline on immune-related adverse events; Cancer Research UK. Infographics: Satyug Healthcare.
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