Did you know renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, has been increasing at an alarming rate in India over the last few years?

It is important to detect and cure kidney cancer as early as possible in order to increase the chances of survival of patients.

The good news is, India has seen several breakthrough treatments and has become one of the nist sorted out treatment destinations for kidney cancer in the world.

In India, there are a variety of treatment options available for curing kidney cancer, ranging from surgery to non-surgical methods.

The cost of kidney cancer treatment varies based on several factors.

Are you someone looking for kidney cancer treatment in India and want to get a rough cost estimation of it before starting your treatment journey?

In this blog, Karetrip will have a look at the cost of kidney cancer treatment in India, including the various treatment options available and the factors that influence the cost of treatment.

Kidney Treatment Options and Their Associated Costs in India

The choice of treatment is determined through careful evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals specialising in kidney cancer.

They consider various factors, including the stage and aggressiveness of cancer, overall health status, and individual preferences.

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes while preserving kidney function and maintaining the quality of life.

Here are the primary treatment options and their approximate costs:

1. Surgical Procedures

Surgery remains the primary approach for kidney cancer, aimed at removing the tumour and nearby healthy tissue. Simple Nephrectomy (complete kidney removal) is recommended for larger tumours or extensive cancer spread.

During this procedure, the surgeon only removes the kidney affected by cancer. Patients with Stage I kidney cancer are usually treated with simple nephrectomy.

Partial nephrectomy involves the removal of the part of the kidney affected by the tumour rather than the removal of the entire kidney. It is usually performed in the case of patients who have just one kidney left.

Surgical kidney cancer treatment costs in India can range anywhere from INR 2,50,000 to 5,00,000 depending upon the type of surgery.

A simple nephrectomy, which involves removing the entire kidney, is less expensive than a partial nephrectomy, which involves removing only the tumour and preserving the rest of the kidney.

2. Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, offer advantages over traditional open surgery. These techniques use smaller incisions, resulting in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and reduced scarring.

Laparoscopic surgeries and robot-assisted surgeries are generally more expensive than traditional surgical procedures.

The cost of such surgeries in India can range anywhere between INR 2,50,000 to 6,00,000.

3. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy utilises drugs that specifically target cancer cells, inhibiting their growth or inducing cell death. These drugs interfere with specific molecular pathways involved in cancer progression.

They may be used as a primary treatment for advanced kidney cancer or in combination with other therapies.

Targeted therapy for cancer can be anywhere between INR 75,000 to 2,50,000 depending upon the number of sessions needed.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 inhibitors or PD-L1 inhibitors, enhance the immune response against cancer cells.

These treatments have shown promising results in managing advanced kidney cancer.

The cost of immunotherapy in India starts at INR 1,00,000 and can go up to INR 4,00,000 per month given that one session is given after every 3-4 weeks.

1. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth.

It may be used as a primary treatment for early-stage kidney cancer or as a palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms in advanced cases.

It can cost around INR 1,00,000 to 2,50,000 per session for radiation therapy in India.

6. Chemotherapy

Although chemotherapy is not commonly used as a primary treatment for kidney cancer, it may be recommended in certain situations.

Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cell division process, targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells.

They are more commonly used for advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.

Chemotherapy is generally less expensive than other treatments and can cost around INR 10,000 to 50,000 per cycle.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Kidney Cancer Treatment in India

In the course of kidney cancer treatment in India, one should take into account a variety of factors that can influence the final cost of the services. They include:

• Reputation and Expertise of the Hospital: Hospitals well known for delivering good results in kidney cancer are relatively expensive due to the experience and reputation of the medical staff in the institution.

• Approach to Treatment: The treatment will be based on the clinical stage of cancer, the general state of health of the patient, and whatever is being recommended by the medical team.

The cost therapies are different when nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy are done than nonsurgical therapies when targeted therapy or immunotherapy is done.

• Duration of Treatment: For instance, the duration of treatment for kidney cancer may vary according to the stage and complexity of the disease. The addition of further treatment sessions, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, may have an impact on the overall cost.

• Diagnostic Tests and Imaging: Other diagnostic tests and imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRI scans, or biopsies, are required to make an appropriate diagnosis and to stage the kidney cancer, which adds to the overall cost of care.

• Pharmaceuticals and Treatment Technologies: Costs of medications could vary by brand, dosage, or length of therapy between agents: targeted therapy agents or immunotherapy agents.

Further, the use of technological facilities might play a part in the overall costs of therapy; for example, robotic surgical arms or equipment for radiation.

• Location: The location of the hospital can further establish the fact that the cost of kidney cancer treatment in India is determined.

Usually, the cost of hospitals in metropolitan cities or urban areas is higher than that of small towns or rural areas.

Treatment of kidney cancer in India is much cheaper compared to most other countries, making the place for many patients to seek low-cost but quality healthcare services.

However, one needs to research widely and get the correct estimations and what exactly serves as determinants of the cost in a particular case.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey. - Disclaimer