Treatments
Targeted Therapy in India
Quick answer
Targeted therapy uses medicines that block specific genes or proteins driving a cancer's growth, such as HER2 in breast cancer or EGFR and ALK in lung cancer. It suits patients whose tumour tests positive for a matching target. Many drugs are tablets, so after starting in India, treatment often continues at home.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
العربية · Български · বাংলা · English · Español · Français · हिन्दी · Português · Română · Русский · Shqip · Oʻzbekcha
At a glance
Cost of targeted therapy in India
Published package prices range from $1,445 to $7,230 across 1 source (latest retrieved 2026-10-23). The final figure depends on the hospital, room category, implants and length of stay; every quote we send is in writing from the hospital.
| Hospital / source | City | Price | Includes | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PACE Hospitals | Hyderabad | $1,445–$7,230 | retrieved 2026-10-23 |
Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted drugs act on a particular fault in the cancer. That is why molecular testing of the tumour, sometimes called biomarker or genomic testing, comes first. Without a matching target, these drugs are unlikely to help.
Targeted therapies include oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for example for EGFR-mutant lung cancer) and monoclonal antibodies given by drip (for example trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer). Some are combined with chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
Who needs targeted therapy
- HER2-positive breast cancer
- Lung cancer with EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or other actionable changes
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia with the BCR-ABL change
- Some colorectal, kidney and liver cancers
- Patients whose tumour profiling shows a treatable target
How it is done
- A tumour sample or blood (liquid biopsy) is tested for targets.
- The oncologist matches a drug to the result.
- Baseline blood tests and, for some drugs, heart scans are done.
- Tablets are started at home or infusions given in day care.
- Side effects and blood tests are monitored on a regular schedule.
- Scans check whether the tumour is responding, and treatment is adjusted if resistance develops.
Before you travel to India
- Biopsy blocks or slides, so molecular testing can be done or repeated
- Any existing genomic or biomarker reports
- Recent staging scans
- Echocardiogram if HER2 drugs are planned
- Medication list, since some targeted drugs interact with common medicines
Recovery and flying home
- Most people stay outpatients and keep up normal routines
- Skin, bowel or liver side effects are checked at each visit
- Oral drugs can usually continue at home once tolerance is confirmed
- Resistance can develop, so periodic scans and sometimes repeat testing are needed
- Your home oncologist can supervise with input from the Indian team
Risks
- Acne-like rash and dry skin
- Diarrhoea
- Liver test changes
- Heart function changes with some HER2 drugs
- High blood pressure
- Lung inflammation, uncommon but serious
Alternatives
- Chemotherapy when no target is found
- Immunotherapy for suitable cancers
- Hormone therapy for hormone-positive cancers
- Clinical trials of newer targeted drugs
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for targeted therapy
- 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
Why do I need my biopsy blocks?
Targeted therapy depends on testing the tumour for specific changes. If the original tissue is available, testing can be done without another biopsy. Ask your home hospital to release the blocks.
Is a blood test enough instead of a biopsy?
A liquid biopsy can detect some changes, especially in lung cancer. It may miss others. Your oncologist decides whether tissue testing is needed.
Will the medicine be available in my country?
Availability varies. Some drugs have generic versions made in India. Check local supply before relying on home refills.
Can I take targeted tablets while travelling?
Yes, carry them in hand luggage with a prescription letter. Keep to the dosing schedule across time zones. Your pharmacist can help plan this.
What happens if the drug stops working?
Cancers can become resistant. A repeat biopsy may show a new change that another drug can target. Other treatment options are then discussed.
Sources
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
Get a free quote and medical opinion
Share a few details and your reports. We return written quotes from up to 3 accredited hospitals, usually within 48 hours. The service is free for patients.