Immunotherapy Cost in United Arab Emirates

The cost of immunotherapy in the UAE typically ranges from $2,000 to $18,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors are the most widely used type. In the UAE, the cost depends on:

• The drug: for example pembrolizumab or nivolumab.
• Dose: often based on body weight.
• Number of cycles: treatment may continue for up to two years.
• Tests: such as PD-L1 testing.

Immunotherapy is usually priced per cycle, and a full course may cost much more than the range above.

Cancer Research UK explains that cancers can switch off immune T cells by triggering 'checkpoint' proteins. Checkpoint inhibitor drugs block those signals so that the T cells can recognise and destroy cancer cells again. They are now used for melanoma and for cancers of the lung, kidney, bladder, and head and neck, among others.

CRUK says suitability depends on the cancer type, its stage and previous treatments. Some drugs require a test on the cancer sample, such as PD-L1.

Coverage for cancer treatment depends on the insurance plan's terms and limits, and planned treatment needs prior approval under basic UAE plans.

Because immunotherapy activates the immune system, it can inflame the skin, gut, lungs, liver, kidneys or hormone glands. CRUK notes these effects can appear months after treatment, so new symptoms should be reported promptly. Regular blood tests are needed.