Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a type of rare blood cancer in which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells. The myelodysplastic syndrome treatment is crucial as it may impact the quality of your life.
India has emerged as a popular destination for myelodysplastic syndrome treatment, offering advanced care at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries. This makes India an attractive option for patients seeking affordable and efficient myelodysplastic syndrome treatment.
Now, let’s get an insight into myelodysplastic syndrome, factors affecting its cost, types of treatment, financial assistance options, and top hospitals in India to treat it.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment Cost in India
Myelodysplastic syndrome treatment cost in India ranges from 12000 USD to 35000 USD. It can also vary widely depending on the type of procedure or location of the hospital, but the cost of myelodysplastic syndrome treatment in India is generally much more affordable than in Western countries.
Note: Keep in mind that the costs given here are only for the treatment.
Factors That Can Affect Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment Cost in India
While considering treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome in India, various factors can influence the overall cost. The following are the key factors that can affect the treatment costs.
- Types of Treatment: The bone marrow transplant is more costlier than other treatments due to its complex process.
- Hospital and Location: Hospitals in big cities might be costlier than those in the smaller cities.
- Duration of treatment: The duration of the treatment will also affect the cost of the treatment.
- Diagnostic Tests: Diagnostic cost depends on the initial assessments, regular monitoring, and follow-up tests. Advanced imaging and laboratory tests may also be required, influencing the overall budget.
- Medications: The price of the medication varies depending on the type, brand, and dosage. Some newer therapies may be more expensive.
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning a budget for myelodysplastic syndrome treatment in India, it is essential to take into consideration the following supplementary costs:
- Travel and accommodation for international patients.
- Post-treatment follow-ups and medication.
- Potential complications may extend hospital stays.
- Caregiver expenses.
Understanding the Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), also known as myelodysplasia or myelodysplastic neoplasm, is a group of disorders that prevent blood stem cells from maturing into healthy blood cells. If this syndrome remains untreated, it may cause anemia, frequent infections, nonstop bleeding, and sometimes AML as well.
The types of MDS are based on the total number of healthy and immature blood cells, the presence of sideroblast (storing iron instead of using it to make hemoglobin), and chromosomal changes. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified six types of MDS:
- MDS with multilineage dysplasia (MDS-MLD)
- MDS with single lineage dysplasia (MDS-SLD)
- MDS with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS)
- MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB)
- Myelodysplastic syndrome associated with an isolated del (5q) chromosome
- Myelodysplastic syndrome, unclassifiable (MDS-U)
What Are the Diagnostic Tests for Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) diagnostics involve a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and sometimes genetic analysis. Here is the list of diagnostic tests for myelodysplastic syndrome.
- Blood Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS)
- Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
- Bone Marrow Aspiration
- Bone Marrow Biopsy
- Cytogenetic Analysis
- Chromosome Analysis
- Molecular Genetic Testing
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Other Tests
- Flow Cytometry
- Iron Studies
Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment Types
The myelodysplastic syndrome treatment type is based on several factors, such as type of MDS, MDS conditions, age, and overall health.
Here are the types of treatment for MDS.
1. Stem Cell Transplant/Bone Marrow Transplant:
It is a procedure to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It can be an allogenic (uses donor stem cells) or autologous (uses the patient’s stem cells) type of treatment.
2. Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy employs powerful drugs to target and destroy abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow. It is frequently used to prepare patients for stem cell transplants by reducing the cancer cell load.
3. Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy aims to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
4. Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells by blocking certain pathways essential for their growth and survival.
Supportive care and Treatments
The myelodysplastic syndrome may include supportive care and treatment to get rid of unhealthy blood cells. Supportive care includes,
- Blood transfusion
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA)
- Antibiotics
Why Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment Required For Patients Suffering From Blood Disorders?
Treatment is essential for patients with MDS for the following key reasons:
- Prevention of severe symptoms like fatigue, weakness, bleeding tendencies, and infections.
- Management of progression to acute leukemia
- Improving the blood cell count
- Enhancing the bone marrow functions
Top Hospitals for the Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment in India
Individuals from around the globe seek myelodysplastic syndrome treatment in India, renowned for its world-class medical facilities and expertise. The country has numerous prestigious hospitals specializing in MDS therapies, offering cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care.
Here is the list of top hospitals that provide treatment for MDS.
- Fortis Hospital, Gurugram
- Max Hospital, New Delhi
- Fortis Escort Hospital, New Delhi
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- Global Hospital, Chennai
Preparing for Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment in India
If you’re considering myelodysplastic syndrome treatment in India, here are some things you may need to be aware of:
- Collect all necessary documentation of prior consultations and diagnostic tests.
- Select a good hospital and a good doctor to operate on you. (You can contact us at BMTClinic.com if you’re looking for myelodysplastic syndrome treatment in India.)
- Verify visa regulations (medical visas for international patients).
- Ensure that you make arrangements for a caregiver to be with you all the time that you are in the hospital.
- It is advisable to plan for an extended trip because the treatment and recovery period may range from weeks to months.
Financial Assistance Options for Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment
Here are some financial assistance options for myelodysplastic syndrome treatment in India.
- Insurance Coverage
- Patient assistance programs
- Non-profit organization (NGO)
- Crowdfunding
- Government Schemes (India) such as Ayushman Bharat
A Note from BMT Clinic
BMT Clinic is dedicated to helping patients find the right doctors and facilities for specialized care. As a leader in medical tourism, we welcome international patients and offer streamlined services to assist with travel, accommodation, and post-treatment follow-up. Our goal is to provide the highest quality care in a supportive environment, helping patients and their families navigate this journey with confidence. Let us guide you on your journey to recovery.
