Immunotherapy has been around since the late 1800s and has been an effective treatment option in many different cancer types since then, including blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Today in Chennai, immunotherapy is one of the most advanced and effective forms of cancer treatment that medical scientists have at their disposal, as it harnesses the body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells.
If you are searching for the best immunotherapy in Chennai for your loved one who has to undergo leukemia cancer treatment in Chennai or lymphoma cancer treatment in Chennai, then Chennai would be the right place for immunotherapy treatment that can help your loved one to live a long life without the use of chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.
When you are looking for a cost-effective place to get immunotherapy in Chennai, look no further than VS Hospitals. This hospital is the largest private healthcare provider in Chennai and has all of the latest technologies at its fingertips – like the cutting-edge radiosurgery system – to keep you safe and healthy throughout your treatment and recovery process. Read on to learn why VS Hospitals is the most affordable hospital to get immunotherapy in Chennai.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that involves giving a person drugs or other substances to help their immune system better recognize and fight cancer cells. This type of therapy is often used when cancers have spread (metastasized) beyond the area where they first started. Immunotherapy can be given as an injection, intravenously (IV), by mouth, or as part of surgery to remove cancerous tumours.
How Does it Work?
If anyone has cancer, they can prefer this immunotherapy rather than chemotherapy, because it is more effective than giving chemo. Cancer immunotherapy is an emerging form of treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
The therapy works by stimulating the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack the tumor. This approach differs from chemotherapy, which kills both healthy and diseased cells, and radiation therapy, which targets only diseased cells.
If you are wondering about the best immunotherapy in Chennai, then VS Hospitals is an ideal choice for you. Move your step ahead, and get better immunotherapy treatment there.
What Can I Do to Help Myself?
Taking proactive steps during immunotherapy can enhance your treatment results and improve overall well-being:
- Stay Informed: Understand your treatment and ask questions.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods to support your immune system.
- Exercise Regularly: Gentle activities like walking or yoga can keep you active without straining your body.
- Emotional Support: Talk to family, friends, or a counselor to manage emotional stress during treatment.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: Stick to prescribed medications and regular check-ups for best results.
Types of Immunotherapy in Chennai
The application of immunotherapy in cancer treatment involves leveraging the immune system of the body to assist in battling cancer cells. There are several different types of immunotherapies, each of which works in a slightly different way to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system’s natural antibodies. They can be designed to specifically target cancer cells and block the signals that help them grow and divide.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs block the checkpoints that cancer cells use to avoid detection by the immune system. By blocking these checkpoints, the immune system is able to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy: This is a type of immunotherapy in Chennai where T-cells (a type of immune cell) are taken from a patient’s blood and genetically modified to recognize and attack cancer cells. Subsequently, the genetically altered T-cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream.
- Cancer Vaccines: These are vaccines that are designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. They can be made from cancer cells or from substances that are found on cancer cells.
- Adoptive Cell Transfer: This is a type of treatment where immune cells are taken from a patient’s blood and modified in a laboratory to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The altered cells are subsequently introduced back into the patient’s body through infusion.
- Immune System Modulators: These are drugs that can help boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. They can be used alone or in combination with other types of immunotherapies.
Which Cancers are Treated with Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy refers to a category of cancer treatments that harness the body’s natural immune system to combat cancerous cells. It has shown great promise in treating a variety of cancer types, and the list of cancers that can be treated with immunotherapy continues to grow.
The following are some of the cancers that have been approved for immunotherapy treatment:
- Melanoma: Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and it has been one of the most responsive cancers to immunotherapy treatment.
- Lung Cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer and can be treated with immunotherapy, especially when combined with chemotherapy.
- Bladder Cancer: Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating advanced bladder cancer.
- Head and Neck Cancer: Immunotherapy is used to treat certain types of head and neck cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma.
- Kidney Cancer: Immunotherapy can be used to treat advanced kidney cancer.
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: Immunotherapy has been approved for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma that has relapsed or is resistant to other treatments.
- Liver Cancer: Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating advanced liver cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer: Immunotherapy is used to treat certain types of colorectal cancer, such as microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Immunotherapy is being studied for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. However, it is important to note that not all patients are eligible for immunotherapy in Chennai, and the decision to use this treatment is made on a case-by-case basis by healthcare providers.
What Kind of Treatment is Done Here?
VS Hospitals offers cancer immunotherapy. The experienced doctor is well known to make medicine for patients, with the patient’s blood. The patient’s blood proceeded in the lab, and medicine was prepared which was given back to the same patient. The medicine works well at killing cancer cells just like chemotherapy in Chennai.
How Safe is Immunotherapy at VS Hospitals?
The treatment is very safe. This hospital offers excellent immunotherapy in Chennai. Here the patient’s cell is taken, then it is processed in the lab, and then given back. So, there is no adverse impact while taking this treatment.No, the long-term or short-term impact of the treatment. Few patients may experience fever for a day or two. Hence, it helps to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Where is immunotherapy available in India?
Immunotherapy is available in several specialized cancer centers and hospitals across India. Prominent institutions such as Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, VS Hospitals in Chennai, and various private hospitals offer immunotherapy as a treatment option. Additionally, several oncology clinics and research centers in major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata also provide immunotherapy services.
Side Effects
While immunotherapy can be highly effective, it may also cause side effects, including:
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and weakness.
- Skin Reactions: Rashes, itching, or inflammation.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, chills, and muscle aches.
- Digestive Issues: Diarrhea, nausea, or loss of appetite.
- Breathing Problems: Shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Autoimmune Reactions: The immune system attacks healthy cells, leading to various complications.
- Endocrine System Disruption: Hormonal imbalances affecting thyroid or adrenal glands.
- Organ Inflammation: Potential inflammation of the liver, lungs, or other organs.
It’s essential for patients to communicate any side effects promptly to their healthcare professionals and oncologists for proper management.
Indications
Immunotherapy is recommended for various types of cancer, such as:
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Kidney cancer
- Certain types of lymphomas
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any of these cancers, exploring immunotherapy treatment in Chennai could offer new hope for successful outcomes.
Advantages of Immunotherapy
- Targeted Treatment: Unlike chemotherapy, which targets both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy specifically targets cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
- Reduced Side Effects: Patients undergoing immunotherapy often experience fewer side effects compared to traditional cancer treatments.
- Long-lasting Benefits: Immunotherapy can lead to prolonged remission in certain cancers, even when other treatments have failed.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients generally maintain better energy levels, allowing them to continue daily activities with minimal interruption.
- Effective in Advanced Stages: Immunotherapy shows promising results in patients with advanced or recurrent cancers, offering a potential lifeline where other treatments may have limitations.
Procedure
The immunotherapy treatment in Chennai for cancer patients involves several steps, designed to optimize the immune response and maximize therapeutic effects:
- Initial Consultation and Diagnosis: Patients undergo a thorough evaluation to assess their cancer type, stage, and overall health. Doctors evaluate if immunotherapy is the most suitable treatment option.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the diagnosis, a customized treatment plan is created. The plan may include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokine therapy, T-cell transfer, or monoclonal antibodies.
- Administration of Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can be administered in various forms, such as intravenous (IV) infusions, oral medication, or even injections. The duration and frequency vary based on cancer type and stage.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Regular follow-ups help monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. If necessary, doctors may adjust the treatment plan for optimal outcomes.
- Managing Side Effects: Although side effects are minimal, patients are observed for immune reactions. In Chennai’s advanced hospitals, oncologists ensure a smooth treatment process and address any side effects.
With expertise in these sophisticated procedures, Chennai’s hospitals ensure patients receive top-tier immunotherapy options. Additionally, immunotherapy cost in Chennai varies depending on the hospital, type of immunotherapy, and treatment duration, but remains competitively priced, making it accessible for a wide range of patients.
Inclusions in the Immunotherapy Package
The immunotherapy treatment package typically covers a variety of services, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care. Below are the common inclusions:
- Consultations with oncologists: Initial assessments and follow-up appointments.
- Diagnostic tests: Blood tests, imaging, and biopsy tests (if required) to determine eligibility.
- Medication: Immunotherapy drugs specific to the patient’s cancer type.
- Hospital stay: If inpatient care is required during the course of treatment.
- Monitoring and supportive care: Regular health monitoring and management of side effects.
- Post-treatment care: Follow-up visits and additional diagnostic tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment Cost in Chennai
The immunotherapy cancer treatment cost in Chennai can vary significantly. Typically, the cost depends on the type and frequency of immunotherapy used, the hospital, and the specific cancer type. While prices are lower compared to international standards, patients should consult with hospitals to get a detailed cost breakdown.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Immunotherapy
Several factors can influence the Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment Cost in Chennai, including:
- Type of cancer: Different cancers may require specific types of immunotherapy, affecting the overall cost.
- Type of immunotherapy: The kind of immunotherapy (monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, etc.) can significantly alter the treatment cost.
- Hospital and location: The hospital chosen and its location in Chennai can influence the price due to varying medical infrastructure and services.
- Duration of treatment: Some patients may need more cycles of immunotherapy than others, depending on how they respond to the treatment.
- Diagnostic tests: The complexity of diagnostic tests required before and during treatment can increase overall costs.
- Patient’s overall health: If additional treatments or supportive care is necessary, such as dealing with side effects or other health conditions, the cost might rise.
Cost of Immunotherapy in Chennai
The Cost of Immunotherapy in Chennai can vary based on the factors mentioned above. The table below provides a general idea of the immunotherapy cost in Chennai across different cancer types and hospitals:
| Type of Immunotherapy | Approximate Cost (INR) |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 per cycle |
| Cancer Vaccines | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 per cycle |
| T-cell Transfer Therapy | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 per cycle |
| Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors | ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per cycle |
| Combined Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy | ₹6,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 per cycle |
What is the Latest on Cancer Immunotherapy Research?
Ongoing research continues to expand the boundaries of immunotherapy treatment in Chennai and worldwide, focusing on:
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: By genetically modifying T-cells to identify cancer cells, CAR-T cell therapy has shown remarkable success, especially in blood cancers.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Research on checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins that inhibit immune responses, has led to successful treatment outcomes in various cancers.
- Personalized Vaccines: Tailoring vaccines to individual cancer profiles is another promising approach, helping the immune system recognize and destroy specific cancer cells.
- Combination Therapies: Combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy is under study and shows enhanced effectiveness in difficult-to-treat cancers.
With advanced technology and experienced oncologists, immunotherapy in Chennai stays at the forefront of these breakthroughs, making such innovative treatments accessible to patients.
Conclusion
The objective of this blog post is to discuss why VS Hospitals is one of the best places for immunotherapy in Chennai. Their multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses will be able to provide you with high-quality immunotherapy care that focuses on your individual needs and requirements.
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