What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a treatment for cancer in which drugs are designed specifically to identify or attack the cancer cells by preventing healthy cells. Targeted therapy has the advantage that it only affects the cancerous cells, not the surrounding cells. In this, the oncologist uses some drugs that directly affect the genes and proteins that support the cancer cells. It can help to treat a wide range of cancers. Targeted therapy can also be used with other therapies for an effective treatment. The targeted therapy cost in India typically starts from INR 50,000.
Types of Targeted Therapy and Their Cost in India
- Monoclonal Antibodies: It includes medication that helps to target a particular cancer cell. It typically focuses on the region surrounded by the cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies cost in India is around INR 40,000.
- Generate Expression Modulators: They help to interfere with general regulation. It costs around INR 20,000.
- Immunotherapies: This therapy works by making the immune system attach to the cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies are used in immunotherapy. It costs nearly INR 50,000.
- Signal Transduction inhibitors: interrupt the signals of the cells and help to change the behavior of the cell. It costs around INR 30,000.
Average Targeted Therapy Costs in India
The average targeted therapy cost in India typically starts from INR 50,000. The targeted therapy cost in india depends on several factors such as stage, type of cancer, treatment duration, and healthcare facility. You can opt for government schemes and medical insurance to cover the cost of targeted therapy. The cost of targeted therapy in India is quite low.
Diagnostic Tests Before Targeted Therapy
Before targeted therapy, some diagnostic tests are required for the assessment of the body's health, stage, and type of cancer. Here are several diagnostic tests and their cost.
- Biopsy: In this a sample of tissue through scratching is collected and diagnosed. It costs nearly INR 4000 to 12000.
- Complete blood count: It is the assessment of the blood that specifies the number of platelets and other blood components. It costs around INR 400 to 800.
- Imaging tests: Some of the imaging tests are performed before targeted therapy such as MRI, CT scan, and PET scan. It costs around INR 1000 to INR 2500.
- Molecular and genetic testing: It helps to identify specific genetic mutations. It costs around INR 10,000 to INR 15,000.
- Polymerase chain reaction: It helps to amplify and detect the specific genetic material associated with cancer. It costs around INR 5000 to 15,000.
Factors Influencing the Targeted Therapy Cost in India
Numerous factors typically influence targeted therapy cost in India. These factors include:
- Type of cancer: The cost of targeted therapy depends on the specific type of the cancer as different types of cancer use different types of targeted therapy.
- Drugs use: The cost also depends on the type of drugs used in targeted therapy. Every drug for targeted therapy has a different cost.
- Type of hospital: The cost also depends on the type of hospital. Private hospitals may charge higher as compared to government hospitals.
- Geographical locations: The cost of targeted therapy in metro cities is quite high compared to normal towns.
- Oncologist’s Fee: The cost of targeted therapy depends on the fee of the oncologist. Every oncologist charges a different fee.
Preparation Before Targeted Therapy
Preparation before targeted therapy helps to manage the therapy or treatment. Several practices are incorporated for the preparation of targeted therapy which include.
- Medical assessment
- Diagnostic tests
- Review of current medication
- Keep a balanced diet
- Quit smoking
- Discuss treatment with the doctor
- Stay hydrated
These preparatory steps are essential to maximize the effectiveness of targeted therapy and ensure the patient's safety and well-being throughout the treatment process.
Tips to Recover After Targeted Therapy
The recovery tips for targeted therapy include. Recovery tips are implemented after the targeted therapy helps in a comprehensive recovery.
- Follow medical advice
- Stay active
- Monitoring health
- Follow up care
- Emotional and mental support
- Lifestyle adjustment
- Personal hygiene
Implementing these recovery tips can help in managing the aftermath of targeted therapy, improving quality of life, and supporting overall well-being during the recovery phase.