Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy is a widely used cancer treatment that involves the use of powerful drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It works by interfering with cell division, preventing cancer cells from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with surgery, radiation, or targeted therapy. It is administered intravenously, orally, or via injection, depending on the type and stage of cancer. While effective, chemotherapy can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and weakened immunity.
Chemotherapy Types
Chemotherapy can be categorized into different types based on its purpose and mechanism of action:
1. Based on Purpose
- Curative Chemotherapy – Aims to eliminate cancer completely.
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy – Given after surgery or radiation to kill remaining cancer cells.
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy – Given before surgery to shrink tumors.
- Palliative Chemotherapy – Used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancer cases.
2. Based on Drug Mechanism
- Alkylating Agents (e.g., Cyclophosphamide)
- Antimetabolites (e.g., Methotrexate)
- Anti-Tumor Antibiotics (e.g., Doxorubicin)
- Plant Alkaloids (e.g., Vincristine)
- Topoisomerase Inhibitors (e.g., Etoposide)
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy (e.g., Monoclonal Antibodies)
Chemotherapy Treatment Cost in India
The cost of chemotherapy treatment in India varies based on the type of cancer, hospital, and drug regimen. Basic chemotherapy sessions can range from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 ($60–$240) per cycle, while advanced targeted therapy or immunotherapy can cost ₹1–₹5 lakh ($1,200–$6,000) per cycle.
Chemotherapy Treatment Success Rate in India
The success rate of chemotherapy in India varies based on cancer type, stage, and patient response. Early-stage cancers have a 60-90% success rate, while advanced-stage cancers see 30-50% effectiveness.
Chemotherapy Recovery Time
Chemotherapy recovery time varies based on the type of cancer, treatment duration, and patient health. Side effects like fatigue, nausea, and low immunity may last weeks to months after treatment. Most patients start recovering within 3-6 months, but full recovery of immunity and strength can take up to a year.
Best Chemotherapy Hospitals in India
Are you searching for the top hospitals for chemotherapy treatment for cancer cure? A list of the best chemotherapy hospitals in India is given below-
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Top Chemotherapy Specialists in India
India has many oncologists for chemotherapy treatment for cancer care. A list of the best chemotherapy specialists in India is given below-
Dr. Suresh Advani – Medical oncology, Jaslok Hospital, and Research Centre, Mumbai.
Dr. Vinod Raina – 40 years of experience, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Delhi
Dr. Rakesh Chopra – Medical oncology, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon.
Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi – Specializes in lung, breast, and thyroid cancers, at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon.
Dr. Chandrakanth MV- Expertise in chemotherapy, HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore
Dr. Anshuman Kumar- Extensive experience in chemotherapy, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr. Rajib De- A consultant in haemato-oncolog, Kolkata
Dr. Tapti Sen- Specializing in chemotherapy, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata
Dr. Maitrayee Bhattacharya- Expertise in chemotherapy, Fortis Hospital, Kolkata.
Dr. Rajeev Sharan – Specializes in chemotherapy, Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna.