Doctor, how much will the treatment cost?” It’s one of the first questions that every cancer patient or their family asks. It’s not just about money; it’s about getting ready mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead.
Over the last decade, targeted therapy has changed how cancer is treated in India. It’s more precise and gentler on the body than traditional chemotherapy. In many cases, it also offers a better quality of life. But the reality is, it can also be expensive.
This guide will break everything down for you. It will cover the actual numbers, the hidden costs, ways to reduce your expenses, and how to ensure you get the right treatment without facing unnecessary financial stress.
What Exactly Is Targeted Therapy?
If chemotherapy is like carpet bombing, killing cancer cells but also harming healthy ones, then targeted therapy is like a guided missile. It works by attacking only the cancer cells with specific genetic changes. That’s why doctors first run tests to check for those changes in your cancer. If it has them, targeted therapy can be a game-changer.
For example:
In breast cancer with HER2-positive status, drugs like trastuzumab can significantly improve survival.
In lung cancer with certain mutations, medicines like erlotinib or osimertinib can help patients live longer with fewer side effects.
But here’s the flip side: precision comes at a price.
How Much Does Targeted Therapy Cost in India?
For the majority of medications, targeted therapy in India typically costs between ₹2 lakh and ₹3.5 lakh per cycle. Advanced combinations cost between ₹3 lakh and ₹7 lakh per cycle.
Additionally, keep in mind that this is an ongoing expense.For six months to a year, and occasionally longer, many patients take these medications.
Why the Costs Vary So Much
- Drug type: Compared to small-molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies are frequently more costly.
- Type and stage of cancer: Certain cancers necessitate combination treatments, which raise the price.
- Location of the hospital: In general, hospitals in metro areas charge more than those in smaller towns.
- Diagnostics: Prior to treatment, there is an upfront cost for genetic and molecular testing.
- Treatment duration: Higher costs are associated with more cycles.
The Real Bill: Cost Breakdown
When people hear “₹2 lakh per cycle,” they often think that’s the only cost. But there’s more.
| Expense | Average Cost (INR) |
| Drug cost (per cycle) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Diagnostics & genetic tests | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Infusion charges | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Monitoring & follow-ups | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Side-effect management | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 |
For instance, even with a less expensive biosimilar, a patient with breast cancer receiving trastuzumab every three weeks for a year could spend between ₹9 and 10 lakh, not including travel, lodging, and follow-up expenses.
Read Also: Chemotherapy Cost in India
Why Diagnostics Matter (Even If They Cost More Upfront)
Doctors must determine the precise “blueprint” of your cancer before beginning targeted therapy. This includes:
- CT, MRI, and PET scans: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 each
- Lab analysis and biopsy: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.
- IHC (immunohistochemistry): ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for each marker
- NGS and other genetic tests: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000
Yes, these tests increase your expenses, but they save you from spending lakhs on a medication that isn’t appropriate for your type of cancer.
Private vs. Government Hospitals: The Cost Gap
Metro Area Private Hospitals
- Quicker availability of novel medications
- Greater comfort at a higher cost
- The cost of branded medications can increase by 20–40%.
Examples of government and trust hospitals are Kidwai (Bengaluru), Tata Memorial (Mumbai), and AIIMS (Delhi).
- Many patients receive targeted therapy at no cost or with significant financial assistance.
- Although paperwork and waiting lists are typical, there are significant cost savings.
For instance, a dose of trastuzumab at a private hospital in Mumbai could cost ₹1.2 lakh.
The same drug could cost between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000 at Tata Memorial, or it could be free under a government program.
Read Also: Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Insurance, Government Schemes & Help Available
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the costs, know this—help exists.
- Health Insurance
Targeted therapy is covered by some policies, though the specifics differ. Always make sure the medication you require is covered.
- Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
covers cancer treatment at government and some private hospitals for qualified families.
- CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme)
For public servants and retirees.
- Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) – Maharashtra
covers a wide range of cancer treatments for residents of the state.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Numerous pharmaceutical companies provide free doses following a few paid ones or “buy three, get three free” models.
The Biosimilar Advantage
One of the leading producers of biosimilars, or less costly versions of pricey biologic medications, is India.
For instance:
Branded trastuzumab costs between 1.2 and 1.5 lakh rupees per dose.
Herclon biosimilar: ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 per dosage
These can save you 30 to 50 percent on expenses and have been proven to be equally safe and effective.
How to Cut Down Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Here are some actual, useful pointers:
- Examine costs.
Find out the cost of the medication from several pharmacies and hospitals.
- Request a Biosimilar
Your bill may be reduced if your oncologist concurs.
- Make use of government hospitals.
You can save lakhs even if you receive some of your treatment there.
- Participating in a PAP offered by pharmaceutical companies can save your life.
- Make Your Tests Better
To prevent paying for the same test twice, keep copies of all your reports.
- Remain Close by
Look for patient hostels run by NGOs close to hospitals if you are travelling for treatment.
A Real Story: Sunita’s Journey
An HER2-positive breast cancer diagnosis was made for Sunita, a 46-year-old Pune teacher. Her physician recommended trastuzumab as a targeted treatment.
Each dose at a private hospital costs ₹1.25 lakh. With 17 doses scheduled, her bill would exceed ₹21 lakh, which is significantly more than her family can afford.
She received half the doses for free through a patient assistance program. Additionally, she moved her infusions to a hospital run by the trust, where the administration fees were ₹4,000 rather than ₹15,000.
What did she end up costing? Although still high, the amount was almost 55% lower than the initial estimate of ₹9.5 lakh.
Bottom Line
With fewer side effects and a higher chance of survival, targeted therapy can help cancer patients, but the expense is frequently a major barrier.
The good news? Many patients can afford it thanks to government programs, insurance, assistance programs, and biosimilars.
Asking questions is okay. For example, “Is there a less expensive but equally effective alternative?”
- “Is this medication covered by a government program?”
- “Is there a PAP I can apply for?”
In addition to being a medical journey, cancer treatment is also an emotional and financial one. The first step to taking charge is being informed.
FAQ
Q1: Is targeted therapy covered by insurance or Ayushman Bharat in India?
Some insurance plans cover it, but always check the fine print. Ayushman Bharat covers many cancer treatments for eligible patients in empanelled hospitals.
Q2: Do biosimilars work as well as the original drug?
Yes; approved biosimilars go through strict testing to ensure they’re just as safe and effective.
Q3: Which tests are essential before starting targeted therapy?
Usually imaging scans, a biopsy, IHC, and genetic/molecular tests to confirm if targeted therapy will work for your cancer.
