What is CAR-T Cell Therapy and How Much Does It Cost?

A Complete Guide on CAR-T Cell Therapy Cost in India

According to a recent study, CAR-T cell therapy has shown a 73% response rate in leukaemia patients. Clinical trials conducted by researchers of IIT Bombay suggest that this therapy could be a cost-effective alternative to existing treatments for patients with specific blood cancers. Read on to explore what CAR-T cell therapy is and how much it could impact your savings.

What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?

Chimeric antigen receptor or CAR T-cell therapy is a type of treatment that involves turning a patient's T lymphocyte cells into cancer-fighting machines in the laboratory. In this therapy, healthcare professionals introduce a new gene that helps bind to specific proteins on the patient’s cancer cells.

Doctors develop a large number of CAR-T cells in the laboratory and inject them back into the patient’s body through infusion. For treating specific relapsed or refractory blood cancers, CAR T-cell therapy has emerged as a promising option for patients and doctors.

However, while chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is primarily used for blood cancers, it is also being studied for the treatment of other types of cancer.

How Much Does CAR-T Cell Therapy Cost in India?

The cost of CAR-T cell therapy generally ranges between Rs. 25,00,000 and Rs. 50,00,000 in hospitals of Tier 1 cities in India, varying depending on several factors.

Here is an overview table below that mentions city-wise estimated CAR T-cell therapy costs:

What are the Pre and Post-Treatment Costs of CAR-T-Cell Therapy?

Additional expenses associated with CAR-T therapy are mentioned in the following:

1. Pre-CAR-T-Cell Therapy Costs:

It includes consultation fees, charges for diagnostic tests and more:

• Specialist Consultation Fee: Rs. 2,000 - Rs. 5,000
• Kidney Function Test: Rs. 8,000 -  Rs. 15,000
• Peritoneal Dialysis Initiation: Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 50,000

Moreover, you may be asked to undergo additional evaluations, such as blood work, imaging, and infection screening, to ensure you are an ideal candidate for this therapy. These tests can cost approximately Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.

2. Post-Treatment CAR-T-Cell Therapy Costs:

Post-treatment costs include medicines and consultation fees.

• Medications: Rs. 6,000 - Rs. 12,000 per month
• Follow-Up Consultations: Rs. 1,000 - Rs. 3,000 per month

This is just an overview to help you plan for this treatment. To get the actual cost of the surgery, it is advisable to consult with a certified doctor before proceeding.

What are the Factors Affecting CAR-T-Cell Therapy Cost in India?

Several factors influence the overall cost, including:

• Hospital’s location, reputation, facilities and admission fee
• Choice of room accommodated
• Consultation fees
• Hospitalisation expenses
• Diagnostic and imaging tests
• Patients’ health condition and age
• Type and stage of the cancer
• Specific CAR-T product used
• Expertise and experience of an oncologist and radiologist
• Post-treatment costs
• Insurance and policy coverage

What Happens During CAR T-Cell Therapy?

The whole procedure consists of several stages:

• T Cells Collection (Leukapheresis) : Blood is collected from the patient. After that, T-cells are isolated and preserved utilising the latest technology.
• Genetic Modification : In a specialised laboratory, the collected T-cells are genetically modified to express CARs so that the T-cells can identify and attack cancer cells more effectively.
• Cell Expansion : The modified CAR T-cells are multiplied in the lab in large numbers to ensure sufficient reinfusion.
• Conditioning Chemotherapy : Before the cells are injected back into the patients, they go through a chemotherapy course to make space for CAR T-cells to settle and multiply effectively.
• Reinfusion of CAR T-Cells : The genetically modified T-cells are injected into the patient’s blood, so they start identifying and destroying cancer cells.

After the infusion, doctors closely monitor the patient for potential side effects, especially during the first 10 to 15 days. These side effects may include neurological symptoms or specific immune reactions, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS).