Ewing Sarcoma is a rare but aggressive cancer that primarily affects the bones or soft tissues, especially in children and young adults. India provides advanced, cost-effective treatment through leading hospitals and internationally trained specialists. From chemotherapy and surgery to radiation and rehabilitation, patients receive comprehensive care tailored to international standards. With renowned experts like Dr. Ankur Bahl, India offers a world-class treatment experience at a significantly lower cost—$6,500 to $16,000, compared to $75,000+ in the U.S. or $25,000–$40,000 in Thailand.
What Is Ewing Sarcoma and Who Is at Risk?
Ewing Sarcoma is part of a group of tumors known as the Ewing family of tumors, which includes classic Ewing Sarcoma of the bone and extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma (soft tissue). It is caused by a genetic mutation involving the EWSR1 gene, but it is not hereditary.
Risk Factors:
- Age: Most common between 10 and 20 years
- Gender: Slightly higher prevalence in males
- Ethnicity: Primarily affects Caucasian populations
- Genetic Abnormality: Specific gene translocations (usually t(11;22))
What are the types of Ewing Sarcoma?
Types of Ewing Sarcoma:
- Classic Ewing Sarcoma (Bone)
The most prevalent form, often found in long bones like the femur or pelvis.
- Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma (Soft Tissue)
Arises in soft tissues without direct bone involvement, such as muscle or fat.
- Askin Tumor
A subtype located in the chest wall, particularly challenging due to proximity to lungs and heart.
What are Symptoms and Diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma?
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent localized bone pain
- Swelling, warmth, or redness at the tumor site
- Fatigue, fever, and weight loss
- Difficulty walking or using a limb
- Unexplained bone fractures
Diagnostic Tools in India:
- X-rays to detect bone damage or lesions
- MRI Scans for precise soft tissue and bone assessment
- CT Scans for chest and pelvic involvement
- PET-CT to identify metastases and monitor treatment response
- Biopsy (open or core needle) for pathological confirmation
- Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Testing to detect the EWSR1 mutation and distinguish from similar tumors
What is the Treatment Protocol in India?
1. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
- Purpose: Shrink the tumor before surgery
- Drugs: Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide (VDC), alternating with Ifosfamide and Etoposide (IE)
- Duration: 6–8 cycles over 3–4 months
- Advantages: Better surgical outcomes, early control of microscopic disease
2. Surgical Resection
Options:
Limb-sparing surgery (most common)
Amputation (for extensive tumors)
Goal: Remove tumor completely with safe margins
Specialized equipment: 3D planning, robotic assistance, custom implants
3. Adjuvant Chemotherapy
- Purpose: Eliminate residual cancer cells
- Timeline: Begins 2–3 weeks post-surgery
- Duration: Another 6–8 cycles over 3–4 months
4. Radiation Therapy
- Indications: Tumors that are inoperable or have positive surgical margins
- Techniques: IMRT, IGRT, and SRT (stereotactic radiosurgery)
- Duration: 5–6 weeks, daily sessions
5. High-Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Rescue
- Reserved for high-risk, relapsed, or metastatic cases
- Process: Harvesting stem cells, delivering intensive chemo, then reinfusing stem cells
- Requires isolation and intensive care
6. Rehabilitation and Long-Term Follow-Up
- Physical therapy for mobility
- Counseling for mental health
- Imaging every 3–6 months for 2–3 years
Cost Breakdown in India
Component
|
Approximate Cost (USD)
|
Initial Consultation
|
$100 – $200
|
Imaging (MRI, CT, PET-CT)
|
$600 – $1,200
|
Biopsy & Pathology
|
$500 – $800
|
Chemotherapy (per cycle)
|
$500 – $800
|
Total Chemotherapy (6–12 cycles)
|
$6,000 – $10,000
|
Surgery (limb-sparing/amputation)
|
$2,500 – $5,000
|
Radiation Therapy (IMRT/IGRT)
|
$1,000 – $2,000
|
Hospital Stay and Nursing Care
|
$1,000 – $2,000
|
Total Estimated Cost
|
$6,500 – $16,000
|
International Cost Comparison
Country
|
Estimated Cost (USD)
|
USA
|
$75,000 – $120,000
|
UK
|
$70,000 – $110,000
|
Singapore
|
$45,000 – $70,000
|
Thailand
|
$25,000 – $40,000
|
India
|
$6,500 – $16,000
|
What are the Treatment Process for Foreign Patients?
The Treatment Process for Foreign Patients:
Online Consultation
- Share medical history and scans
- Receive provisional treatment plan and quote
Visa Assistance
- Invitation letter from hospital
- Support for caregiver visa
Travel & Airport Pick-up
- Hospital arranges transportation and lodging
On-site Evaluation
- Confirm diagnosis, update treatment plan
Treatment Initiation
- Multidisciplinary execution (chemo, surgery, radiation)
- Discharge & Follow-Up
- Digital copies of reports
- Online follow-up consultations for 12–24 months
Technologies and Infrastructure
- 3 Tesla MRI machines for clear soft-tissue imaging
- PET-CT Scanners for full-body staging
- Neuronavigation during complex surgeries
- Robotic-assisted surgeries for precision
- IMRT & IGRT for targeted radiation
- 3D Printing for custom implants after bone removal
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl?
- Senior Consultant at Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon
- 20+ years of experience in adult and pediatric oncology
- Specialized in rare cancers including sarcomas
- Trained at top institutions globally
- Known for ethical, empathetic, and holistic care
What are the Advantages of Getting Treated in India?
Advantages of Getting Treated in India:
- Up to 80% cost savings
- Zero waiting period
- Global-standard hospitals (JCI/NABH-accredited)
- Multilingual medical staff
- Holistic support: travel, food, accommodation
- Excellent outcomes and long-term care
Can You Provide an Example of a Personalized Treatment Plan?
Yes. Here's a typical example of how an international patient’s treatment might proceed:
Patient: 14-year-old girl from Nigeria
Diagnosis: Classic Ewing Sarcoma of the right femur
Staging: Localized, no metastasis
Treatment Plan:
- Week 1–2: Online consultation, medical visa, travel to India
- Week 3: Imaging, biopsy confirmation, PET-CT scan
- Week 4–16: 6 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (VDC/IE regimen)
- Week 17–18: Limb-sparing surgery with a custom titanium implant
- Week 19–28: 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy
- Week 29–34: Radiation therapy (IMRT), 5 sessions/week
- Follow-up: PET scan at 6 months; virtual consultations every 3 months
This kind of plan ensures coordination between oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation experts.
What Other Services Are Offered to Foreign Patients?
Top hospitals in India offer a full suite of services designed for international patients:
- Airport Pickup & Drop: Staff at arrival gates with signage
- Dedicated International Desk: Single-point contact for your entire stay
- Customized Meal Plans: Halal, vegetarian, African, continental options
- Lodging Assistance: Hotel, guesthouse, or serviced apartment tie-ups
- Sim Cards & Banking Help: Support for local mobile and payments
- Tourism Support: Sightseeing, wellness programs for recovering patients
These services make the medical trip feel more like a supported experience than a burden.
India offers unmatched value for Ewing Sarcoma treatment, especially for foreign patients. With compassionate experts like Dr. Ankur Bahl, advanced infrastructure, and a fraction of the cost compared to the West, India stands as a trusted healthcare destination.
Start your consultation today. Receive world-class care without delay.