The lungs, essential organs located on either side of the heart, play a vital role in maintaining overall health by supplying oxygen necessary for bodily functions. However, when cells within the lungs undergo abnormal growth and multiply uncontrollably, tumors can develop, disrupting normal lung function. Lung cancer treatment in India typically costs between Rs. 4,00,000 to Rs. 7,00,000 on average, but prices may vary based on the hospital, city, type of treatment, and other factors.
Lung cancer is a prevalent and serious disease, ranking as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second most among women. It accounts for a significant portion, 8.1%, of all cancer-related deaths globally. The condition primarily affects individuals who smoke, especially those with a long history of tobacco use. However, non-smokers also face risks due to factors like exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollution, or a family history of cancer.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the development of malignant tumors in the lungs, which can originate within the lung tissue itself or spread from cancer cells originating in other parts of the body. When cancerous cells proliferate within the lungs, they may eventually metastasize to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs like the brain, leading to further complications.
Lung cancer encompasses two primary types: small cell and non-small cell, with the latter category including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These subtypes exhibit distinct growth patterns and treatment approaches, with non-small cell lung cancer being more prevalent than small cell lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Lung cancer treatment options in India are diverse and tailored to each patient’s specific condition. The choice of treatment depends on factors like the type and stage of lung cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Surgery
Surgery is a crucial treatment option for early-stage lung cancer, offering the potential for a cure by removing the tumor and affected tissue. Depending on the extent of the disease, different surgical approaches may be employed, such as lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung), pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), or segmentectomy (removal of a smaller portion of the lung).
Advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery, have improved patient outcomes by reducing post-operative pain, shortening hospital stays, and accelerating recovery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to precisely target and eradicate cancer cells. Its versatility allows for various applications: as a neoadjuvant therapy, it reduces tumor size before surgery, enhancing the chances of successful tumor removal; as an adjuvant therapy, it eliminates residual cancer cells post-surgery, reducing the risk of recurrence; and as a primary treatment for advanced cases, it alleviates symptoms and improves quality of life by shrinking tumors in metastatic sites.
Modern advancements like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) optimize treatment precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that employs potent medications to target and eradicate cancer cells throughout the body. These drugs, administered orally or intravenously, circulate in the bloodstream, reaching cancer cells in various organs and tissues. By interfering with cancer cell division and growth, chemotherapy aims to shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms, and prolong survival.
Often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy, chemotherapy complements these modalities by targeting cancer cells that may have spread beyond the primary tumor site. Despite its effectiveness, chemotherapy can cause side effects, including nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a precision medicine approach that targets specific genetic alterations within cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy drugs are designed to selectively inhibit the growth and survival of cancer cells harboring specific mutations or molecular characteristics.
By honing in on these aberrant pathways or proteins essential for cancer cell proliferation and survival, targeted therapy offers greater efficacy and fewer side effects. This personalized treatment strategy not only enhances therapeutic outcomes but also minimizes damage to normal cells, resulting in a more tolerable treatment experience for patients.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. By stimulating the immune system’s natural ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells, immunotherapy offers a promising avenue for the treatment of advanced lung cancers. One notable form of immunotherapy, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, works by blocking certain proteins on cancer cells or immune cells, thereby unleashing the immune system to attack the tumor.
This targeted approach has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in improving survival outcomes and quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer, representing a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
Also Read: Immunotherapy vs. Chemotherapy: What’s the Difference?
Combination Therapy
Combination therapy represents a comprehensive approach to treating lung cancer that integrates multiple treatment modalities to optimize therapeutic outcomes. By combining various treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, physicians can tailor the approach to address the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer.
This personalized strategy may involve administering treatments concurrently or sequentially, depending on factors like cancer stage, tumor type, and overall health status. By leveraging the synergistic effects of different therapies, combination therapy aims to enhance treatment efficacy, minimize side effects, and improve overall survival rates for individuals battling lung cancer.
With advancements in medical technology and treatment protocols, lung cancer patients in India have access to comprehensive and personalized care options that aim to improve outcomes and quality of life. It’s important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific diagnosis and circumstances.
Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in India
In India, the cost of lung cancer treatment typically ranges from Rs.5,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 on average. This package includes pre-treatment assessments, fitness evaluations, advanced investigations, surgical procedures, and hospital accommodations for both patients and their support system. However, treatment expenses may vary based on factors like cancer type, stage, and other considerations.
Here’s a breakdown of other costs involved and estimation:
- PET Scan: INR 23,000 – INR 26,000
- Lung Cancer Surgery: INR 2,63,000– INR 5,26,000
- Chemotherapy (One Cycle): INR 38,000– INR 75,000
- Radiation Therapy: INR 2,63,000– INR 4,13,000
- Radiosurgery: INR 3,76,000– INR 7,52,000
Please note that these figures are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as hospital location, medical facilities, and individual patient needs. It’s advisable to consult with healthcare providers for accurate cost estimates.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Lung Cancer Treatment
Factors influencing the cost of lung cancer treatment in India:
Type of Treatment
The optimal treatment plan for lung cancer often involves a combination of therapies, each with its associated cost. Surgery, either alone or in conjunction with other modalities, is a common approach. It’s crucial to explore your options by consulting with expert oncologists to understand the best course for your specific case.
Number of Chemotherapy and Radiation Cycles
The total cost of lung cancer treatment is influenced by the number of chemotherapy or radiation therapy cycles required. In some cases, multiple cycles may be necessary to effectively target and eliminate cancerous cells.
Oncologist’s Fees
An essential component of treatment expenses is the fee charged by oncologists. While fees may vary based on the surgeon’s experience, IndiCure recommends highly skilled and board-certified professionals to ensure successful outcomes.
Surgical Facility
The choice of a reputable surgical facility staffed by qualified medical professionals is critical for effective treatment. The location of the facility within India may also impact costs. IndiCure provides comprehensive estimates that are both inclusive and affordable.
Pre and Post-Treatment Expenses
Pre-treatment expenses are determined by factors such as cancer stage and patient’s medical condition, influencing the number and type of investigations and treatments required. Post-treatment costs may include prescription medications and follow-up consultations.
The effectiveness of lung cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health condition. Your doctor will assess your prognosis, which is an estimation of your chances of survival over a few years following diagnosis. Currently, the success rate of lung cancer treatment is around 98%, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances and advancements in medical techniques. It’s important to discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider to understand your prognosis and treatment options accurately.
Also Read: Immunotherapy For Stage 4 Lung Cancer
