Proton Beam Therapy in India

Proton Therapy- Cost in India, Procedure & What conditions it Treats?

Imagine a cancer treatment so precise it can target tumours with sub-millimetre accuracy, sparing healthy tissue and reducing side effects. That is the promise of Proton Beam Therapy, a cutting-edge advancement in oncology that is transforming how certain cancers are treated. Once available only in select global centres, this high-tech solution is now making its mark in India.

Understanding Proton Beam Therapy

Also known as Proton therapy, Proton Beam Therapy is an advanced form of treatment which uses a focused beam of protons and delivers it directly to the cancerous cells. This therapy reduces damage to nearby healthy organs and tissues. Proton Beam Therapy is especially beneficial for treating tumours in children and cancers located near sensitive organs, as it reduces radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Cost of Proton Beam Therapy in India

The cost of proton beam therapy in India is generally between Rs. 25 lakhs and Rs. 50 lakhs. The average cost of the therapy is Rs. 30 lakhs. Depending on factors like the stage of cancer, number of sessions and hospital facilities, this cost may vary.

Furthermore, the costs are determined by the type and location of cancer. Here is an overview of proton beam therapy costs for some of the different types of cancers in India:

Mandatory Pre-Treatment Costs of Proton Beam Therapy in India

Before the actual treatment begins, patients undergo several necessary evaluations and tests that add up to the overall cost of proton beam therapy. Some of them are:

How Does Proton Beam Therapy Work?

Treatment of cancer involves three primary ways: chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Each of them has various subtypes. Proton therapy is essentially a type of radiation therapy. It is one of the most advanced options that is being adopted by hospitals and oncologists worldwide for the treatment of cancer. Here is an overview of its process:

• In proton beam therapy, a machine is used to speed up protons, which are tiny particles found in atoms.
• These fast-moving protons are then directed very precisely to target cancerous cells while sparing the healthy tissues.
• Treatment is planned with the help of advanced imaging MRI and CT scans.
• The computer algorithms shape and control the proton beam in a precise manner.

It is a non-invasive method and has potentially fewer side effects than other traditional means of cancer treatment.

Medical Conditions Commonly Treated with Proton Beam Therapy

Due to its precision and decreased side effects, proton beam therapy is very effective for the treatment of certain types of cancers and tumours. Here are a few such conditions:

• Brain Tumours
• Breast Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Eye Melanoma
• Sarcoma
• Cancer in Children
• Esophageal Cancer
• Lymphoma
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Prostate Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Tumours in the Base of Skull
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Pituitary Gland Tumours
• Tumours Affecting Spine

As more and more centres emerge, India is becoming a more accessible and cost-effective destination for proton beam therapy. This gives patients a better chance at recovery through one of the most advanced therapies of cancer treatment available today.