Dr Rahul Bhargava Haematologist

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

Leukemia Treatment Cost in India

leukemia treatment

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The length of leukemia treatment varies depending on the type and stage of the disease. For example, chemotherapy may take several months with cycles spaced over weeks, while a bone marrow transplant may require an extended hospital stay followed by recovery. Each patient’s treatment plan is personalized, and recovery times can vary based on individual responses to therapy.

Leukemia can be cured, particularly if diagnosed in the early stages. The success of treatment depends on factors such as the type of leukemia, the patient’s age, and overall health. Acute forms of leukemia like ALL and AML have higher cure rates with timely and appropriate treatment. Chronic leukemia, such as CLL and CML, can often be managed effectively for many years, with treatments that can achieve remission.

No, bone marrow transplants are not necessary for all leukemia patients. This treatment is usually recommended for patients with advanced or high-risk leukemia or those who do not respond well to other treatments like chemotherapy. A specialist, such as Dr. Rahul Bhargava, will assess whether a bone marrow transplant is the right option based on the patient’s specific condition.

leukemia treatment

Cost of Leukemia Treatment

Leukemia treatment in India is globally recognized for its combination of advanced medical care and affordability. The leukemia treatment cost in India is significantly lower compared to other countries like the US and the UK, making it a preferred destination for patients worldwide. The cost depends on several factors, including the type of leukemia, the stage of the disease, and the chosen treatment approach.

Breakdown of Costs:
  1. Consultation Fees: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 (approximately $18 to $36).
  2. Diagnostic Tests:
    • Blood tests: ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 (approximately $12 to $30).
    • Bone marrow biopsy: ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 (approximately $180 to $240).
    • Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI): ₹7,000 to ₹15,000 (approximately $85 to $180).
  3. Chemotherapy: ₹2,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 (approximately $2,400 to $9,600), depending on the number of cycles and type of chemotherapy.
  4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: ₹4,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 (approximately $4,800 to $14,500), depending on the duration and type of treatment.
  5. Bone Marrow Transplant:
    • Autologous transplant (using the patient’s own cells): ₹10,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 (approximately $12,000 to $18,000).
    • Allogeneic transplant (using donor cells): ₹20,00,000 to ₹35,00,000 (approximately $24,000 to $42,000).
  6. Hospital Stay: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per day (approximately $60 to $180) depending on the hospital and room category.

These costs are highly competitive, often several times lower than in countries like the US or UK, making India a highly attractive destination for leukemia treatment and medical tourism.

Additional Costs

In addition to the direct leukemia treatment cost in India, there are supplementary expenses that patients should consider:

  • Post-treatment Follow-ups: Regular follow-ups after treatment are essential to monitor recovery and prevent relapse. The cost of follow-up consultations can add up to ₹30,000 annually (approximately $360).
  • Medications: Monthly medication costs for managing side effects and supporting recovery can range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 (approximately $240 to $600) based on the type of leukemia and the treatment regimen.
  • Supportive Care: Nutritional support, physiotherapy, and psychological counseling may cost an additional ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 (approximately $120 to $360) depending on the duration and services required.
  • Travel and Accommodation: Patients traveling from other countries or cities will need to budget for travel and accommodation, which can vary significantly based on location and duration of stay.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood, causing an abnormal increase in white blood cells. These abnormal cells interfere with the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, leading to various health complications. Leukemia can progress rapidly (acute leukemia) or slowly (chronic leukemia), with different treatment approaches depending on the type of leukemia.

The four primary types of leukemia are:

  • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Common in children and affects immature lymphocytes.
  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Typically occurs in adults and affects myeloid cells.
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Progresses slowly and is common in older adults.
  • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Starts slowly and progresses to more aggressive stages if untreated.

Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia can present a variety of symptoms, many of which are often mistaken for less serious conditions. Common signs to watch out for include:

  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Frequent infections and fevers
  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Easy bruising, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds
  • Swollen lymph nodes, spleen, or liver
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Pale skin and shortness of breath due to anemia

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly for a thorough evaluation.

leukemia treatment

Causes of Leukemia

The exact cause of leukemia is still unclear, but there are several factors that increase the risk of developing the disease:

  • Genetic Mutations: Changes in the DNA of blood cells can lead to the development of leukemia.
  • Radiation Exposure: High doses of radiation, such as from nuclear accidents or medical radiation therapies, increase the risk of leukemia.
  • Chemical Exposure: Exposure to chemicals like benzene, commonly found in industrial workplaces, can increase the likelihood of developing leukemia.
  • Previous Cancer Treatment: People who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other types of cancer are at a higher risk of developing leukemia.
  • Family History and Genetic Disorders: A family history of leukemia or genetic conditions like Down syndrome can raise the risk.
  • Smoking: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Treatment Options for Leukemia

Leukemia treatment depends on the type and stage of leukemia, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include:

  1. Chemotherapy: The primary treatment for leukemia involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered in cycles and is tailored based on the type of leukemia.
  2. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to attack specific genetic mutations within the leukemia cells, making this treatment more focused and often less toxic than chemotherapy.
  3. Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Radiation therapy is often combined with other treatments.
  4. Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the immune system’s ability to fight leukemia. Immunotherapy is particularly effective in some forms of leukemia and is an emerging treatment option.
  5. Bone Marrow Transplant: This procedure replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is often the best treatment for patients with high-risk or relapsed leukemia. There are two types of transplants:
    • Autologous: Uses the patient’s own stem cells.
    • Allogeneic: Uses stem cells from a donor.

Risk Factors

Leukemia can affect anyone, but several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

  • Age: Leukemia, especially chronic types, is more common in older adults.
  • Family History: A family history of leukemia or certain genetic disorders increases the risk.
  • Previous Cancer Treatments: Patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing leukemia.
  • Chemical Exposure: Long-term exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene raises the risk of developing leukemia.
  • Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor, particularly for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Why Choose Dr. Rahul Bhargava for Leukemia Treatment?

Dr. Rahul Bhargava is one of India’s most respected hematologists, specializing in leukemia and other blood-related disorders. He has successfully performed over 1000 bone marrow transplants and is known for his expertise in treating complex cases of leukemia.

Reasons to Choose Dr. Bhargava:

  • Extensive Experience: With over two decades of experience in hematology, Dr. Bhargava is highly skilled in leukemia treatment and bone marrow transplants.
  • Personalized Care: Dr. Bhargava develops individualized treatment plans for each patient based on their specific type of leukemia and overall health.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: His clinic in Gurugram is equipped with the latest technologies, offering patients access to advanced treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
  • High Success Rates: Dr. Bhargava’s patients have reported excellent outcomes, particularly in bone marrow transplant cases, contributing to his high success rates.

Success Rate of Leukemia Treatment

The success rate of leukemia treatment depends on several factors, including the type of leukemia, stage at diagnosis, and the chosen treatment approach. In India, the success rate for leukemia treatment ranges from 60% to 85%, with better outcomes for patients diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. Bone marrow transplants performed by specialists like Dr. Rahul Bhargava have shown particularly high success rates, improving the prognosis for many leukemia patients.

Conclusion

Leukemia treatment in India offers patients the advantage of world-class care at affordable costs. With renowned specialists like Dr. Rahul Bhargava leading the field in hematology and bone marrow transplants, patients have access to personalized, cutting-edge treatments. If you’re considering leukemia treatment in India, taking the first step by consulting with a hematologist like Dr. Bhargava can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

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