Most Expensive Cancer Drugs In India: What To Know?

Cancer, one of the most devastating diseases worldwide, is also one of the most expensive to treat, especially in developing nations such as India. For many cancer patients, accessing the best treatments can be a challenge due to the high costs of medicines. This blog dives into the most expensive cancer drugs available in India, explores why these drugs are so costly and looks at how these prices impact patients.

Why is cancer treatment so expensive?

The high cost of cancer medicines stems from several factors, starting with the extensive research and development process involved in creating a new drug. Developing a cancer drug requires years of research, multiple clinical trials, and significant financial investment. On top of that, the production of medicines like biologics and targeted therapies is more complex than traditional pharmaceuticals, adding to their overall price.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and in many cases, patients require targeted therapies or immunotherapies. These therapies are designed to attack specific cancer cells without affecting normal cells, making them more effective but also significantly more expensive than older treatments like chemotherapy.

Other contributing factors include the rarity and seriousness of certain cancers, which lead to lower competition among manufacturers and fewer generics available in the market. Additionally, the cost of cancer drugs in India is often influenced by global pricing, as many of these medications are developed by international pharmaceutical companies.

10 Most expensive cancer drugs in India

Are there ways to make cancer treatment more affordable?

Fortunately, there are initiatives in place to help reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment in India:

1. Government Programs: Initiatives like the Jan Aushadhi Scheme aim to provide affordable generic medicines to patients, including those undergoing cancer treatment. The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana is another scheme that offers health insurance coverage to low-income families.

2. Patient Assistance Programs: Some pharma companies offer patient assistance programs that provide free or discounted medications to those who cannot afford them. These programs can make a huge difference in the cost of cancer treatment.

3. Generic Medicines: As patents on expensive cancer drugs expire, more generic versions are becoming available, which can reduce the overall cost of treatment. However, not all cancer drugs have generic alternatives, and some generics may not be as effective as the branded versions.

4. Super Speciality Pharmacies: They offer high-cost medications at competitive prices, particularly for complex treatments like cancer, where branded drugs can be very expensive. MrMed, for example, focuses on providing anticancer medications, rare disease treatments, and life-saving medicines. They also offer home delivery services, reducing the hassle and making treatment more accessible, especially for patients in remote areas.

5. Hospitals Offering Free or Affordable Cancer Treatment: Institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai) provide free treatment to over 60% of their cancer patients. Adyar Cancer Institute (Chennai) and AIIMS (New Delhi) also offer subsidised or low-cost cancer care, ensuring access to advanced treatments for economically disadvantaged patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which cancer treatment is most expensive in India?

The most expensive cancer treatments in India often involve advanced therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Specifically, drugs like Obinutuzumab used for treating blood cancers, and Ibrutinib, used for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, can reach prices of ₹4,36,000 and ₹3,99,305, respectively. 

Other costly treatments include Atezolizumab and Pertuzumab, with prices exceeding ₹2,75,000. These treatments target specific cancer cells and are typically more expensive than traditional chemotherapy due to the complex research, development, and manufacturing processes involved.

2. What is the most successful cancer drug?

The most successful cancer drug varies depending on the cancer type. However, Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nivolumab (Opdivo) are notable immunotherapy drugs that have shown significant success across various cancers, including melanoma and lung cancer. They enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells, leading to improved survival rates. Additionally, Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is highly effective for HER2-positive breast cancer, significantly increasing survival rates and quality of life for patients.

3. What is the 7-day rule in chemotherapy?

The 7-day rule in chemotherapy refers to a guideline regarding the timing of chemotherapy cycles. It suggests that after receiving chemotherapy, patients should allow a minimum of 7 days before starting the next cycle. This waiting period is crucial for the body to recover from the side effects of the drugs, as chemotherapy can significantly impact healthy cells, especially those in the bone marrow that produce blood cells. Monitoring blood counts during this period is essential to ensure that patients are fit to receive the next treatment cycle, minimising risks and enhancing the effectiveness of the overall chemotherapy regimen.

4. Which cancers are 100% curable?

While no cancer can be guaranteed to be 100% curable, some types have high cure rates when detected early. Testicular cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma have cure rates exceeding 90%. Thyroid cancer, especially papillary thyroid cancer, also boasts a high cure rate. Additionally, early-stage skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma, can be almost 100% curable. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children shows an 85-90% cure rate with effective treatment. 

5. Is chemotherapy painful?

Chemotherapy is not typically described as painful, but it can cause discomfort and various side effects that may be unpleasant. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and soreness at injection sites. Some may also have mouth sores or gastrointestinal issues, which can be painful. However, pain management strategies are available, and healthcare providers often prescribe medications to help alleviate these side effects. 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

The World Health Organization says that 30-50% of cancers can currently be prevented by eliminating risk factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and insufficient nutrition. Screening tests such as mammograms can find cancers at very early stages, which can make the cure and effective treatment possible. Include more plant-based foods in your diet, stay physically active, and maintain a healthy weight. 

Additionally, if you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, exploring patient assistance programs, generic drug options, and government initiatives can help alleviate the financial burden. By staying informed and proactive, you can better manage your health and reduce your risk of cancer.

References

1. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cancer-institute/cancers/bone-soft-tissue/treatment.aspx
2. https://newvehiclez.com/navigating-health-insurance-for-people-with-cancer.html
3. https://www.hcgoncology.com/blog/why-should-you-not-skip-your-chemotherapy-cycles/