Targeted Therapy Cost in India

Targeted therapy has become a breakthrough approach in modern cancer care, aiming directly at cancer-driving molecules with greater precision and fewer side effects. It is widely used in India for treating various types of cancers, offering new hope to patients who may not respond well to traditional chemotherapy or radiation. As of 2025, targeted therapy is being used in over 60% of advanced cancer cases worldwide, particularly in breast, lung, colon, and blood cancers.

In India, the cost of targeted therapy ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 ($600 to $3,600) per cycle, depending on the drug, cancer type, and hospital. On average, a complete treatment course can cost between ₹4,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 ($4,800 to $24,000). Despite this, India offers one of the most affordable targeted therapy programs globally, often costing 60–80% less than in the US or UK, making it a top choice for international cancer patients.

What Is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules and genes that help cancer grow and spread. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells (including healthy ones), targeted therapy is made to block only those cancer cells with unique genetic mutations or protein expressions. This precision approach makes it more effective and often less toxic than traditional treatments.

The therapy works by interfering with cancer cell growth at the molecular level. Some targeted drugs stop cancer cells from multiplying. Others block signals that tumors need to survive or form blood vessels. These therapies are usually given in the form of pills or injections and can be used alone or along with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation.

In simple terms, targeted therapy is like a guided missile—it aims straight at the cancer without causing too much damage to healthy tissues. It not only improves the chances of controlling the disease but also helps patients maintain a better quality of life during treatment.

What Is the Difference Between Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy?

While both chemotherapy and targeted therapy are used to treat cancer, they work in very different ways and have distinct effects on the body.

Mode of Action

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs that attack all fast-dividing cells in the body, whether they are cancerous or healthy. It includes cells in the hair, gut lining, and bone marrow, which is why chemo often causes adverse effects like hair loss, nausea, and low blood counts.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is much more precise. It focuses on specific genes, proteins, or molecular pathways that are unique to cancer cells. It blocks or interferes with the cancer's ability to grow or survive, often with fewer side effects.

Specificity

• Chemotherapy: Not specific, affecting both cancer cells and normal cells that grow quickly.
• Targeted Therapy: Highly specific. It only affects cancer cells that carry a particular mutation or protein, which is usually detected through molecular testing.

Side Effects

• Chemotherapy: Common side effects include hair loss, fatigue, infections, anemia, mouth sores, and nausea because healthy cells are also damaged.
• Targeted Therapy: Side effects are usually milder and more focused. They may include skin rash, diarrhea, liver enzyme changes, or fatigue, but they are less severe in most cases.

Testing Before Treatment

• Chemotherapy: Typically started after general imaging and blood tests. Genetic testing is not usually required.
• Targeted Therapy: Requires advanced genetic or molecular tests to identify the right mutation (like EGFR, HER2, BRAF) before therapy is started. It ensures the drug matches the cancer type.

Form of Administration

• Chemotherapy: Often given through intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or clinic setting.
• Targeted Therapy: Can be given as oral tablets or IV infusions, depending on the drug.

Use in Treatment

• Chemotherapy: Used in a wide range of cancers and often in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation.
• Targeted Therapy: Used only when specific molecular targets are identified. Often used in advanced cancers or combination with other therapies.

Think of chemotherapy as a shotgun approach, attacking everything in its path. Targeted therapy is more like a laser beam, focusing only on cancer cells with specific vulnerabilities.

Who Needs Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is generally recommended for patients whose cancer cells carry specific genetic mutations or markers that can be identified through advanced diagnostic tests. Not all cancers qualify for this treatment. Therefore, before starting, doctors conduct molecular profiling or genetic testing to determine whether a patient's tumor will respond to a particular targeted drug.

This treatment is often suggested for:

• Patients with advanced/metastatic cancer that cannot be cured through surgery or localized therapies.
• Patients who do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Individuals with specific types of cancer, such as breast cancer with HER2-positive status, lung cancer with EGFR mutations, or chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with BCR-ABL fusion genes.
• Patients seeking personalized medicine, where treatment is based on the unique biology of their tumor.

In some cases, targeted therapy is also used as a first-line treatment, especially when research has shown high success rates for specific mutations. Doctors may also combine it with other treatments to increase effectiveness and reduce the risk of relapse.

Ultimately, the decision to use targeted therapy depends on several factors, including cancer type, genetic test results, overall health, and treatment goals. Consultation with a cancer specialist is essential to determine whether this approach is right for the patient.

Cancers Treated With Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is used to treat a wide variety of cancers, especially those with identifiable genetic mutations or abnormal proteins that drive cancer growth. As technology advances, the list of treatable cancers continues to grow, offering more patients the chance to benefit from this precise form of treatment.

Common cancers treated with targeted therapy include:

• Breast Cancer: HER2-positive breast cancer responds well to drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab, which target the HER2 protein that fuels cancer growth.
• Lung Cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with mutations like EGFR, ALK, ROS1, or MET often benefit from targeted drugs designed to block these pathways.
• Colorectal Cancer: For colorectal cancer with KRAS wild-type tumors, drugs targeting the EGFR pathway are often effective.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML patients are commonly treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib, which target the BCR-ABL fusion gene.
• Melanoma: Patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma can receive drugs like vemurafenib or dabrafenib that block the BRAF protein.
• Kidney Cancer: Drugs targeting VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) pathways help stop the formation of blood vessels that tumors need to grow.
• Liver Cancer, Stomach Cancer, and Thyroid Cancer: Multiple drugs are approved to target pathways in these cancers, improving survival and symptom control.
• Lymphomas and Blood Cancers: Certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma are also treated with targeted therapies like monoclonal antibodies or proteasome inhibitors.

As research progresses, newer targeted drugs are emerging for other cancers like pancreatic, ovarian, bladder, and prostate cancer. Many of these therapies are used based on the patient's molecular profile rather than the tumor's location in the body.

Types of Targeted Therapies Used in Cancer

Targeted therapy drugs work by interfering with certain molecules that are vital for cancer cell survival, growth, or spread. These therapies come in various forms, each designed to act on a different target or mechanism within the cancer cell. Understanding the different types of targeted therapies helps patients and caregivers get a clearer picture of how treatment works and what to expect.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules designed to attach to particular proteins on the surface of cancer cells. Once connected, they can block signals that help cancer grow, mark the cancer cell for killing by the immune system, or deliver harmful substances directly into the cancer cell.

• Example: Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer
• How it works: Binds to HER2 receptor on the cancer cell, blocking growth signals and flagging the cell for immune attack.

Some monoclonal antibodies are also conjugated with chemotherapy drugs or radioactive particles. This type is known as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). They deliver the drug directly into cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)

These are small molecules taken orally that block enzymes called tyrosine kinases. These enzymes are like "on switches" for cell functions such as growth and division. In some cancers, these switches are stuck in the "on" position, causing uncontrolled growth.

• Example: Imatinib (Gleevec) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• How it works: Blocks the BCR-ABL protein produced by a gene fusion found in CML cells.

TKIs are widely used in blood cancers and solid tumors like lung cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and kidney cancer.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form. Cancer cells need blood vessels to get nutrients and oxygen. Angiogenesis inhibitors stop the cancer from growing new vessels, effectively starving it.

• Example: Bevacizumab (Avastin)
• How it works: Blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that helps blood vessels grow.

These are commonly used in colorectal, lung, kidney, and brain cancers.

mTOR Inhibitors

The mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway controls cell growth and metabolism. When overactive, it can lead to cancer. mTOR inhibitors block this pathway.

• Example: Everolimus, Temsirolimus
• How it works: Slows down cancer cell division and growth.

Used in breast cancer, kidney cancer, and some rare neuroendocrine tumors.

PARP Inhibitors

PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) is an enzyme that helps repair DNA damage. In some cancers with defective DNA repair systems—such as BRCA-mutated breast or ovarian cancer—blocking PARP leads to cancer cell death.

• Example: Olaparib, Niraparib
• How it works: Prevents cancer cells from fixing their damaged DNA, causing them to die.

Proteasome Inhibitors

These drugs block proteasomes, the cellular machinery that breaks down proteins. When cancer cells can't discard faulty proteins, they become overwhelmed and die.

• Example: Bortezomib (Velcade)
• How it works: Disrupts protein recycling in multiple myeloma cells, leading to cell death.

CDK Inhibitors

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) control cell division. When overactive, they contribute to cancer progression. CDK inhibitors help slow or stop the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.

• Example: Palbociclib, Ribociclib
• How it works: Halts cell cycle progression, particularly in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Overlap with Immunotherapy)

While technically considered part of immunotherapy, some targeted drugs block immune checkpoint proteins like CTLA-4 or PD-1, which cancer cells utilize to hide from the immune system.

• Example: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab
• How it works: Reactivates immune cells so they can detect and kill cancer cells.

How Does Targeted Therapy Work?

Targeted therapy works by zeroing in on the specific molecules and pathways that cancer cells rely on to survive, grow, and multiply. These molecules—often proteins or genes—are either unique to cancer cells or are overactive compared to normal cells. The goal is to block or disrupt these critical functions without harming healthy cells, which is what sets targeted therapy apart from traditional treatments like chemotherapy.

• Blocking Signals That Help Cancer Cells Grow: Many cancers are driven by signals that tell them to keep dividing. Targeted therapy can interrupt these signals. For instance, in HER2-positive breast cancer, drugs like trastuzumab block the HER2 protein on the surface of cancer cells, stopping their aggressive growth.
• Cutting Off the Tumor's Blood Supply: Tumors need oxygen and nutrients to grow, which they get by forming new blood vessels. Targeted therapies such as angiogenesis inhibitors work by preventing this process. By blocking VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), these drugs essentially starve the tumor of what it needs to survive.
• Triggering Cancer Cell Death (Apoptosis): Some targeted therapies push cancer cells into a self-destruct mode called apoptosis. Unlike chemotherapy, which causes widespread damage, these drugs trigger a controlled shutdown of only the faulty or mutated cells, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness.
• Preventing the Repair of Damaged DNA: Cancer cells often have faulty DNA repair systems. PARP inhibitors, for example, make it even harder for these cells to fix themselves, leading to cell death. This is especially effective in cancers with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, like certain breast and ovarian cancers.
• Delivering Toxic Drugs Right into the Cancer Cell: Some targeted therapies act like innovative delivery systems. They are monoclonal antibodies attached to chemotherapy drugs or radioactive particles. These "guided missiles" travel through the bloodstream and release their payload only when they reach the cancer cell, minimizing damage to normal tissues.
• Marking Cancer Cells for Immune Attack: Certain targeted drugs flag cancer cells so that the immune system can recognize and destroy them. These are often monoclonal antibodies that not only block the growth of cancer but also act as a signal flare for immune cells.
• Blocking Cell Cycle Progression: Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. CDK inhibitors interfere with the internal clock that tells the cell when to divide. By slowing down the cell cycle, these drugs give the body a better chance to control the tumor.

It's important to note that targeted therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Before it begins, doctors conduct genetic and molecular tests to identify which targets are active in a patient's tumor. Only if a match is found will targeted therapy be recommended, making it a highly personalized and often more effective form of cancer care.

What is the Cost of Targeted Therapy in India?

Targeted therapy in India is more affordable than in many Western nations, without compromising on quality or treatment standards. The cost varies based on several factors, such as the specific drug used, the type of cancer, dosage frequency, number of treatment cycles, and hospital infrastructure. On average, targeted therapy in India costs between ₹50,000 and ₹3,00,000 ($600 to $3,600) per cycle, and most patients require 4 to 8 cycles depending on the condition and stage of cancer.

For international patients, India provides the added advantage of transparent pricing, bundled cancer care packages, and internationally accredited cancer centers with English-speaking staff and oncologists.

Below is a general cost breakdown of targeted therapy in India:

Note: These are average figures. Actual costs can vary based on hospital, city, drug brand, and type of cancer. Some newer targeted therapies or rare cancer treatments may cost more.

Insurance and Assistance

Most Indian hospitals assist patients with insurance documentation, and international patients can access affordable self-pay options or global medical facilitation services. Hospitals also offer pharmacy tie-ups for affordable branded and generic versions of targeted drugs.

Comparison of Targeted Therapy Costs: India vs Other Countries

India is a global destination for cancer care, offering cutting-edge targeted therapies at a fraction of the cost found in developed nations. International patients traveling for treatment often find that they can receive world-class care in India for 60–80% less than they would pay in the US, UK, or other Western countries.

Here's a comparison of average targeted therapy costs per cycle across countries:

Why Is Targeted Therapy More Affordable in India?

• Lower Drug Manufacturing Costs: India is a global hub for producing high-quality generic and biosimilar drugs, significantly reducing costs.
• Government-Approved Pricing Caps: India's regulatory bodies limit the price of many life-saving cancer drugs to ensure affordability.
• Low Operational Costs: Hospital operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure costs are relatively lower than in Western countries.
• Wide Availability of Generic Alternatives: Indian pharmaceutical companies produce approved generics for drugs like trastuzumab and imatinib at significantly lower prices.
• No Waiting Time: In contrast to public healthcare systems abroad, where patients may wait months for therapy approval or availability, Indian hospitals begin treatment immediately.

Same Quality, Lower Price

Many Indian hospitals are NABH and JCI-accredited, offering international-standard facilities, trained oncologists, and advanced diagnostics. Patients receive access to the same drugs used in Western hospitals, including FDA and EMA-approved targeted therapies.

What are the Factors That Influence the Cost of Targeted Therapy in India?

The total cost of targeted therapy can vary widely from patient to patient. While India offers far more affordable treatment than many Western countries, several key factors affect how much a patient will pay. Knowing these cost determinants can help patients and caregivers plan their finances and make informed decisions about where and how to undergo treatment.

• Type of Cancer and Stage: Different cancers respond to different targeted therapies. For example, HER2-positive breast cancer uses trastuzumab, while EGFR-positive lung cancer requires a different set of drugs. Advanced-stage or metastatic cancers often require longer durations or more intensive therapy, which directly increases the total cost.
• Type and Brand of Targeted Drug: The specific drug being used is one of the biggest cost factors. Original branded medications, like Herceptin, Avastin, or Imbruvica, are typically more expensive than their biosimilar or generic alternatives. The choice between imported and Indian-manufactured versions can significantly affect pricing.
• Number of Treatment Cycles: Targeted therapies are usually given in cycles, ranging from once every few weeks to daily oral medications. Some patients require only 4–6 cycles, while others may need 12 or more over several months. Each cycle adds to the total expenditure.
• Hospital and City of Treatment: Top-tier hospitals in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai often have slightly higher costs due to better infrastructure and facilities. However, they also offer access to highly experienced oncologists and advanced diagnostic labs. Mid-tier hospitals or cancer centers in smaller cities may offer slightly lower costs.
• Diagnostic and Genetic Testing: Before starting therapy, most patients undergo genetic or molecular profiling to check for specific mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK, HER2, BRAF). These tests, while essential, add to the upfront cost but are only required once at the beginning.
• Consultation and Monitoring: Frequent oncologist visits, lab tests, and imaging (like PET-CT scans or MRIs) are needed to monitor the therapy's effectiveness. These services are billed separately, although many hospitals offer bundled cancer care packages to make it more manageable.
• Route of Administration: Some targeted therapies are given via intravenous (IV) infusion, which may require a hospital visit or a day-care facility. Others are oral tablets that can be taken at home. IV drugs generally come with extra costs for nursing, infusion setup, and monitoring.
• Combination With Other Therapies: In many cases, targeted therapy is used alongside chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation. The addition of other treatments increases the total cost of care, although this combination often leads to better outcomes.

Why Choose India for Targeted Therapy?

India stands out not just because of lower prices but due to its comprehensive approach to cancer care that combines affordability with clinical precision. For international patients seeking targeted therapy, India offers a combination of global expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and compassionate support that goes far beyond cost savings.

• Access to Globally-Trained Oncologists: Many Indian oncologists are internationally trained, having completed fellowships or advanced programs in the US, UK, or Europe. Their experience with complex cancer cases ensures that patients receive globally benchmarked treatment recommendations, including the latest targeted therapy protocols.
• Personalized Treatment Planning: Indian cancer centers emphasize personalized medicine. Molecular profiling and genetic testing are commonly used to select the most suitable targeted therapy. Hospitals also design treatment protocols based on each patient's disease stage, overall health, and treatment goals—something not always accessible in overburdened public healthcare systems elsewhere.
• Availability of Latest Targeted Drugs: Top Indian hospitals maintain a robust stock of FDA-approved and EMA-compliant targeted drugs, both branded and biosimilar. It means patients don't face delays due to drug shortages or lack of access to new medications. From trastuzumab to osimertinib and rituximab, a wide range of options is available on-site.
• Integrated Cancer Care Ecosystem: India offers an all-in-one model where patients can undergo genetic testing, imaging, consultation, infusion therapy, and follow-up care under one roof. This seamless coordination reduces stress and improves the overall patient experience, especially for those traveling from abroad.
• No Visa Barriers and Quick Appointments: Medical visas for India are easy to obtain, and most top hospitals offer priority scheduling for international patients. There's little to no waiting time. Patients can begin therapy within days of arrival, which is crucial for aggressive or fast-growing cancers.
• Holistic Support Services: From airport pickup and accommodation to translator support and international patient coordinators, Indian hospitals cater to the unique needs of foreign patients. These services ensure that patients feel supported every step of the way, from the moment they land to post-treatment recovery.

Success Rate of Targeted Therapy in India

The success rate of targeted therapy in India has shown steady improvement over the past decade, thanks to advances in molecular diagnostics, access to the latest drugs, and precision-based cancer care. While the overall effectiveness of targeted therapy depends on the type of cancer and the presence of specific genetic markers, Indian oncology centers have demonstrated outcomes that are comparable to leading global institutions.

• In HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted therapy combined with chemotherapy has led to 5-year survival rates exceeding 90% in early-stage patients treated in major Indian hospitals.
• For EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, targeted drugs like gefitinib or osimertinib have shown progression-free survival of 12–18 months, even in advanced stages.
• In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), targeted therapy with imatinib has turned what was once a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition, with 10-year survival rates above 80–90%.
• Colorectal cancers with KRAS wild-type status respond favorably to EGFR inhibitors, with improved survival and quality of life.

Factors Contributing to High Success Rates in India

• Precision in Patient Selection: Indian oncologists rely heavily on genetic testing to determine therapy eligibility. They ensure that only patients with the right mutations receive targeted therapy, which improves success rates and reduces trial-and-error treatment.
• Early Diagnosis and Timely Initiation: With minimal waiting periods in India, treatment often begins quickly after diagnosis, improving clinical outcomes, especially in aggressive cancers.
• Combined Treatment Strategies: Targeted therapy is often part of a treatment plan that may include chemo, radiation, immunotherapy, or surgery. The integrated approach maximizes the chance of remission or long-term disease control.
• Regular Monitoring and Drug Optimization: Indian hospitals use frequent imaging and blood tests to monitor drug effectiveness and switch therapies when needed. This adaptability helps in maintaining long-term treatment success.

Apart from survival rates, one of the greatest successes of targeted therapy is the dramatic improvement in patients' quality of life. Most targeted drugs have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, allowing patients to continue their daily routines with greater ease and comfort. Many patients report improved energy levels, reduced pain, and better emotional well-being during therapy.

Patient Stories and Testimonials

Dr. Ankur Bahl, a leading medical oncologist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon, has earned international recognition for his expertise in advanced cancer treatments, particularly targeted therapy. Patients from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have sought his care, many of whom found renewed hope after conventional therapies failed.

Here are a few success stories from patients who received targeted therapy under Dr. Bahl's supervision:

Lina from Kenya – Breast Cancer, HER2-Positive

"I had already gone through several rounds of chemotherapy in Nairobi, but the cancer kept coming back. When I came to India, Dr. Ankur Bahl suggested a different approach—targeted therapy with Herceptin. Within three months, the tumor had significantly shrunk. I didn't lose my hair again, and I felt much stronger. Today, I am cancer-free for 18 months and back to work full-time."

— Lina M., Nairobi, Kenya

Zahir from Oman – Stage IV Lung Cancer (EGFR Mutation)

"We were told there was little hope, but Dr. Bahl didn't give up. He recommended targeted tablets specific to my EGFR mutation. The improvement was almost immediate—my breathing got better, and the scans showed the tumor shrinking. It's been over a year, and I'm still living an active life with my family."

— Zahir H., Muscat, Oman

Saima from Bangladesh – Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

"At just 34, I was diagnosed with CML. I came to India scared and confused. Dr. Ankur Bahl explained everything clearly and started me on a daily targeted pill. I didn't need chemotherapy or hospitalization. It's been two years, and my blood tests have been normal. I take one tablet a day and live a completely normal life."

— Saima R., Dhaka, Bangladesh