Cost of CAR T-cell Therapy in Major Cities in India
Now that you know about this therapy, it is time you know the CAR T-cell therapy cost in India.
CAR T-cell therapy can cost anywhere around $45,000 to $85,000, which is substantially less than its cost outside, which can reach $350,300 and above.
The treatment cost can also vary depending on the origin of the therapy. For example:
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Indigenous CAR-T therapy, or NexCAR19, costs around ₹40 lakhs and above ($45,000 to $85,000).
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Global CAR-T therapy costs anywhere between $400,000 and $500,000, in addition to hospitalization costs.
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Imported CAR-T therapy can cost around ₹3-4 crore ($350,300 and above).
Let’s look at the cost of this treatment globally, picking the top destinations offering it.
CAR T-cell therapy cost in India vs. Other Countries
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India
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$45,000 to $85,000
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US
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$400,000 - $1 million (higher including hospital fees, etc.)
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Turkey
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$100,000 to $300,000
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Canada
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$390,000 to $550,000
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Singapore
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$375,000 to $475,000
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Germany
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$328,330 to $383,052
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Factors Affecting the Cost of CAR T-cell Therapy
As you may notice, the cost of this treatment is comparatively low in India. However, it is still up there on the higher side of treatment costs. Let’s have a look at the different factors that affect its cost:
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Development and manufacturing cost: One of the most significant contributors to the cost of several novel treatments. Initial development and manufacturing include several expensive processes such as cell culturing and genetic modification. All of which require significant expertise and precision for successful results.
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Clinical trial and regulatory costs: CAR T-cell therapies undergo rigorous clinical trials that ensure efficacy and stability. Regulatory compliance and associated costs contribute to the overall expense, shooting up their costs in the market.
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Supply chain logistics: Logistical complexities and costs involved in transporting the patient cells to and from the lab after modification to the treatment center add to the cost.
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Hospital costs: Another inevitable factor that adds to the overall treatment costs. Hospitals can bill a specific fee for administering the therapy, which includes the doctor’s and team’s fees.
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Patient-specific costs: The overall costs vary based on the patient’s health and the necessary dosage.
Understanding these factors is necessary to overcome the complexities of CAR T-cell therapy costs in India.
Pre- and Post Medical Tests for CAR T-cell Therapy
Before the actual therapy, there are a few tests that you may have to undergo to ensure a smooth process:
Pre-CAR-T Therapy tests:
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Blood tests for the blood counts, infection tests, and kidney or liver function tests that help assess the organ function.
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Imaging scans: CT, PET, and MRI scans to assess the cancer’s extent and check for any spread. ECG, chest x-rays, and bone marrow aspiration are also conducted.
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Other tests: Pulmonary function tests, neurological evaluation, and dental examination, along with baseline cognitive function tests for establishing baseline cognitive function.
Post-CAR-T therapy tests:
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Observing vital signs for side effects of the therapy such as cytokine release syndrome and ICANS.
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Monitoring the blood cell levels, kidney and liver function, and inflammatory markers through blood tests.
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MRI, PET, and CT to monitor the recurrence of the cancer.
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Neurological and cognitive function assessment for any cognitive changes.
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Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) measurement: This helps monitor cancer recurrence.
These were all the necessary tests that you would have to undergo before and after the therapy.
