Treatments
Immunotherapy in India
Quick answer
Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It treats cancers such as lung cancer, melanoma and kidney cancer, often given by drip every few weeks. International patients may start treatment in India and continue at home with shared plans.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
The most common immunotherapy drugs are checkpoint inhibitors, which release the brakes on immune cells. Others include CAR-T cell therapy and cancer vaccines. Immunotherapy can produce long-lasting responses in some patients.
Tests such as PD-L1 expression or tumour mutational burden may help predict response. Immunotherapy can be used alone or with chemotherapy.
Who needs immunotherapy
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancers and others
How it is done
- Your tumour is tested for markers if needed.
- Blood tests check organ function.
- The drug is given through a drip over a short time.
- Treatment repeats every few weeks.
- Side effects are monitored closely.
- Scans check response.
Before you travel to India
- Biopsy and marker test results such as PD-L1
- Staging scans
- Blood tests including thyroid and liver function
- Records of autoimmune diseases
- An attendant for initial cycles
Recovery and flying home
- Most patients continue daily activities
- Side effects can appear weeks or months later
- Treatment may continue at home with shared plans
- Regular blood tests are needed
- Scans assess response
Risks
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Diarrhoea or colitis
- Thyroid or other hormone problems
- Lung inflammation
- Liver inflammation
Alternatives
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiotherapy
- Clinical trials
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for immunotherapy
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research InstituteMumbai
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
- Continental HospitalsHyderabad
Specialists
Dr Ashok Kumar VaidMedanta - The Medicity- Dr Ankur BahlFortis Memorial Research Institute
- Dr Sandeep GoyleKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
- Dr Minish JainRuby Hall Clinic
- Dr Sudha SinhaYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda
- Dr Kunjahari MedhiMedanta - The Medicity
Frequently asked questions
Does immunotherapy work for everyone?
No, only some patients respond. Tests may help predict response. Your oncologist will advise.
Are side effects different from chemotherapy?
Yes, they come from immune activity against healthy organs. They can appear late. Report new symptoms promptly.
Can I continue immunotherapy at home?
Often yes, if the drug is available locally. The Indian team can share plans. Check availability before travelling.
How long is treatment?
Treatment may continue for months or longer. Your oncologist will advise. Some patients stop after a set period.
Is immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy?
Sometimes, especially in lung cancer. Combinations depend on cancer type. Your oncologist chooses.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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