The cancer treatments have evolved during the period of time. One of the therapies known as proton beam therapy is the most modern and advanced radiation treatment to date. So many countries are offering this therapy, but India is leading in it. Comparatively, India provides this therapy at very low prices without compromising the quality. We will discuss the basics of proton beam therapy cost in India, including its breakdown and factors that affect it.
What is Proton Beam Therapy?
An advanced and evolved form of radiation therapy that uses a proton beam. Targeted proton beam destroys the cancer cells; traditionally, X-rays were used to do the same. Proton beams are highly precise and targeted specifically to the cancerous cells. Due to which surrounding tissues and cells remain untouched by this beam.
This approach of precise targeting helps in treating the cancer cells that are nearby to any delicate organs or in pediatric cases, where it is essential to protect the developing cells or tissue. Proton beam therapy is non-invasive, and each session lasts 20 to 50 minutes. Commonly used for treating neck and head cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, or brain cancer.
Cost of Proton Therapy in India
The following are the costs and cost-related things of proton therapy in India.
- The cost of proton beam therapy in India ranges from INR 14 lakhs to INR 34 lakhs for a complete course. Which is approximately $17500 USD to $41000 USD.
- The actual price of this treatment depends on the number of sessions required, the type of cancer and the selection of hospital.
- On average, most patient has 22 to 42 therapy sessions; the cost may be calculated by adding all the sessions or as a complete package of treatment.
- Indian hospitals generally provide world-class facilities and services at lower costs compared to Western and European countries.
- India has multiple number of advanced hospitals for cancer, which provide customised packages for treatment. It includes consultation, imaging, planning, treatment, required therapies, medications, and follow-up care.
Cost Breakdown of Proton Therapy in India
The cost breakdown may vary depending on several factors. However, the average cost breakdown for proton beam therapy in India is below:
- Diagnostic test and consultation fees can cost you around INR 45000 to INR 1.6 lakhs.
- Simulation and planning the treatment can range from INR 2 lakhs to INR 4 lakhs.
- A proton therapy session can cost you around INR 11 lakhs to INR 26 lakhs. Anyhow, most of the time it depends on the number of sessions.
- Imaging and follow-up consultation can range from INR 1.2 lakh to INR 3.1 lakhs
- Food and accommodation for outstation patients can cost you INR 2000 to INR 6000 per day.
- For international patients, additional costs for patient coordination and assistance services can range from INR 60000 to INR 2.4 lakhs.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Proton Therapy
Multiple factors affect the cost of proton therapy as follows:
- Location of cancer and type of cancer, as the complex ones require more critical planning.
- Number of sessions as prescribed by the doctor based on the characteristics of the cancer cells.
- Quality of hospital premises, modern equipment and advanced services.
- Experience of the oncologist and the radiation oncology team.
- Additional cost in some cases, like anaesthesia for pediatric patients.
- Location of hospitals, as the bigger cities are typically higher in cost.
- In some cases, the patient requires hospital support for post-therapy complications and side effects, too.
- Cost can also be affected as per your insurance plan or any other medical programs.
Cost Comparison with Other Countries
There are several countries for cancer treatment, but the following are the top countries for the treatment of cancer using proton therapy, including the cost:
| Country | Native Currency | Indian Currency |
| United States | $30,000 to $150,000 | INR 25 lakhs to INR 1.3 crore |
| Germany | €40,000 to €100,000 | INR 35 lakhs to INR 92 lakhs |
| United Kingdom | £30,000 to £100,000 | INR 32 lakhs to INR 1.1 crore |
| Singapore | $50,000 to $100,000 SGD | INR 30 lakhs to INR 60 lakhs |
India provides this treatment at a cost saving of 60-75% as compared to Western countries, without a loss of any world-class service or quality. A medical tourism package in India generally includes food, accommodation, airline transfers, and other services at no additional cost.
Risk and Benefits of Proton Beam Therapy
There are some benefits as well as a few risks of this therapy, as below:
Benefits of Photon Therapy
- Reduced radiation exposure to healthy nearby tissue.
- Very minimal short-term or long-term side effects.
- Beneficial for pediatric patients, low risk of secondary cancer.
- Helps to treat near sensitive organs.
- Treatment duration is much shorter than any other cancer treatment.
Risks of Photon Beam Therapy
- Longer waiting period as the proton therapy centres are limited.
- It is not suitable for widely spread cancer cells.
- Fatigue, temporary hair loss, and skin irritation could be the potential side effects.
- Higher in cost compared to other treatments. May result in the same cost in the long term.
- There are almost no insurance plans that cover this.
Best Centres/Hospitals for Proton Therapy in India
Some well-renowned hospitals and centres provide photon beam therapy in India. Some of them are listed below:
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai: South Asia’s first dedicated photon therapy centre, which offers advanced pencil beam scanning.
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram: Multi-speciality centre with cancer care.
- BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi: Surgery, chemotherapy, along photon therapy with advanced radiation equipment.
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi: Well known for immunotherapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
- Tata Memorial Centre (ACTREC), Navi Mumbai: India’s first photon therapy that is accessible to the public.
- Fortis Hospitals: Modern equipment and advanced radiation services.
Conclusion
Photon beam therapy provides a precise and effective approach that traditional therapies can’t match. This treatment reflects the modern medical advancement in cancer treatment in India. Proton beam therapy cost in India is lower than in Western countries without compromising the world-class quality of service. Highly trained oncologists and an experienced team help to ensure a smooth session. As this treatment requires a significant amount, but improves the quality of life, which makes it is a very valuable option for money. As more photon therapy centres open in India, it will be more accessible to the eligible cancer patients.