Chronic myeloid leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects myeloid stem cells in the bone marrow and is characterized by the overproduction of the white blood cells. India has rapidly emerged as a preferred destination for patients seeking world-class treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Medical tourism services in India offer comprehensive support for international patients, including travel arrangements, accommodation, and visa assistance.
Now, let us delve into factors affecting CML treatment costs in India, treatment options available, and top hospitals for CML treatment.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Cost in India
The cost of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment in India can vary significantly, ranging from INR 10 Lakhs to INR 29.3 Lakhs ($13,000 to $35000). Factors such as the type of procedure, hospital location, and doctor’s expertise can influence the final cost. However, compared to Western countries, CML treatment in India is generally much more affordable.
Note: Keep in mind that the costs given here are only for the treatment.
Cost Comparison of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Cost in Different Cities in India
| Cities | Prices |
| Delhi | Range from $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Noida | Range from $13,000 to $35,000 |
| Gurgaon | Range from $15,000 to $38,000 |
| Bangalore | Range from $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Mumbai | Range from $14,500 to $39,000 |
| Kolkata | Range from $13,000 to $ 34,000 |
| Chennai | Range from $16,000 to $40,000 |
| Hyderabad | Range from $14,000 to $37,000 |
Factors That Can Affect Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Cost in India
Here are factors that can influence the cost of chronic myeloid leukemia treatment in India.
- Type of procedure: The stem cell transplant is more costlier than other treatments due to its complex process.
- Hospital reputation and location: Hospitals in big cities might be costlier than those in the smaller cities.
- Doctor’s expertise: A highly experienced specialist may charge more than a less experienced specialist.
- Duration of hospital stay: Hospitalizations for a longer time can affect the cost of the treatment.
- Pre- and post-treatment care: This involves prescriptions, lab tests, drugs, and a subsequent review of the patient’s progress.
- Medication costs: Some treatment procedures may involve expensive drugs.
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning a budget for chronic myeloid leukemia 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 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic granulocytic leukemia, and chronic myelocytic leukemia. It is a type of blood cancer that affects the myeloid stem cells in the bone marrow. It is characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of the granulocytes (a type of white blood cells). CML progresses slowly and can often be managed effectively with modern treatments, particularly during its early stages. CML that returns after treatment or does not respond to standard treatment.
A myeloid stem cell develops into one of three essential types of mature blood cells:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- Platelets
- Granulocytes (Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and Basophils)
CML progresses through various stages, each with varying levels of symptoms and treatment challenges. The stages of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are:
- Chronic Phase: During the chronic phase, patients may have mild or no symptoms, and the disease is relatively easy to manage with treatment.
- Accelerated Phase: In this phase, the disease begins to progress more rapidly, and patients may start experiencing more symptoms, including increased fatigue, weight loss, and fever.
- Blast Phase: In this stage, a large number of immature white blood cells (blasts) appear in the blood and bone marrow, causing severe symptoms.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Types
The chronic myeloid leukemia treatment is provided based on factors like the patient’s age, type of CML, stages of disease, and the treatment response. Following are the different types of treatment that are available to treat CML.
- 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. It is often used for patients with severe CML.
- Targeted Therapy: This treatment utilizes drugs such as imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib to target the abnormal BCR-ABL gene that causes CML. These drugs help to block the growth and survival of cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of powerful drugs, such as hydroxyurea or busulfan. This is used to prepare the bone marrow for a stem cell transplant by destroying existing cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It can be effective in treating relapsed or refractory CML.
- Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and is often used in preparation for a stem cell transplant or to manage symptoms associated with CML.
- Leukapheresis: Leukapheresis is a medical procedure that removes white blood cells from the blood. Leukapheresis can be used to help manage CML by reducing the number of white blood cells in the blood.
Who May Need Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment?
Here are some common indications that may suggest the need for CML treatment:
- Recently diagnosed with CML
- Advanced stage of CML, like Blast or Chronic phase
- CML-related symptoms
- Fatigue or Weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Pain or a sense of fullness below the ribs (due to an enlarged spleen)
- Bone pain
- Consistently high white blood cells count
- Resistant or Relapsed CML
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Why Is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Required For Patients Suffering From Blood Disorders?
Here is the reason why CML treatment is necessary:
- To control disease progression
- To prevent complications
- To improve survival rates
- To restore normal blood cell production
- To reduce risk of resistance
- To treatment resistant-CML
Preparing for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment in India
If you’re considering chronic myeloid leukemia 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 chronic myeloid leukemia 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.
Also Read:- Bone Marrow Transplant Cost in India
Why Choose BMT Clinic
BMT Clinic is a trusted organization dedicated to helping patients find the right doctors, medical facilities, and specialized care tailored to their needs. The aim is to create an affordable treatment plan that meets your financial considerations while ensuring high-quality care. In addition, we help patients with a variety of other matters, such as obtaining medical visas and travel authorization.
