Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost In India - Get Cost Estimate

What is the Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India?

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood disorder, accounting for 15% of all haematological malignancies and 1.23% of all cancers worldwide. Every year, around 6,800 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed in India.

The average cost of multiple myeloma treatment in India typically ranges from INR 15,00,000 to INR 24,00,000 for Indian patients, whereas for International patients, the average cost ranges between USD 25,000 to USD 40,000. This cost includes transplant charges, medical consumables, and hospital stay for 25-30 days.

What is Multiple Myeloma?

One of the important components of the immune system is immunoglobulins, also referred to as antibodies. These are secreted by plasma cells, the differentiated B-lymphocyte in white blood cells. The role of immunoglobulins is to recognise antigen (foreign particle) and protect the body against it.

Due to some cytogenetic abnormalities such as translocation and deletion of genes, plasma cells start proliferating continuously and transform into cancerous cells. An excess of these plasma cells cluster together to form tumours in the bone marrow. If this turns into multiple tumours or when the bone marrow shows greater than 10% plasma cells, this diagnosis is typically a multiple myeloma. 

The patient suffering from multiple myeloma faces end organ disease associated with the following complications:

• Hypercalcemia
• Renal insufficiency
• Anaemia
• Bone lesion

Based on the extent of spread, multiple myeloma can be categorised as:

• Indolent myeloma. This type of myeloma usually develops slowly without any physical symptoms. It doesn’t lead to bone tumours, but rapid increase in abnormal myeloma (M) protein and M plasma cells.
• Solitary plasmacytoma. This type of myeloma leads to bone marrow tumour and appearance of its related symptoms. On close monitoring, treatment is effective. 

In order to treat multiple myeloma, the haematologist suggests a comprehensive treatment plan which may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplantation.

What are the Types of Multiple Myeloma Treatment?

Plasma cell diseases are a spectrum of disorders that arise with the benign form of blood cancer called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to the malignant form of multiple myeloma. 

A haematologist expert in treating myeloma plans the treatment procedure based on several factors such as extent of spread, patient’s age and health status. The approach associated with each type of treatment option listed below aims to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

• Traditional Chemotherapy: These therapy involves cytotoxic drugs target rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. This focuses to inhibit cell proliferation and tumour multiplication.
• Targeted Therapy: This therapy specifically targets the proteins involved in abnormal cell proliferation. After the protein for which the drug is available, it is specifically targeted to that point. It assists the immune system to destroy cancer cells, inhibits signals which initiate abnormal growth and kills them.
• Corticosteroids: They are used to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. They do that by suppressing the immune system. Corticosteroids are usually combined with other drugs and treatment approaches as a part of comprehensive treatment.
• Monoclonal Antibodies: These are laboratory-made antibodies that recognise and target specific proteins present on myeloma cells. This is a preferred treatment approach when other stem cell therapies are not recommended by the doctor.
• Bone Marrow Transplantation: Patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma may undergo an autologous stem cell transplant, the technique which aims to rejuvenate the body's ability to generate healthy blood cells. The bone marrow producing defective cells are replaced with healthy bone marrow, subsequently diminishing the complications associated with the disease. 
• CAR T-Cell Therapy: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a type of cancer immunotherapy is a cell-based gene therapy which modifies the body’s immune cells to fight against cancer cells. It alters the genes of immune cells in such a way that it itself recognises the cancer cells which it was unable to do earlier and later destroys them.

What are the Key Factors That Affect the Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India?

Treatment strategies for multiple myeloma encompass a range of modalities aimed at reducing tumour burden, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life. Since treatment of multiple myeloma involves a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient's specific circumstances, it's crucial to get informed about the factors which may affect the cost of multiple myeloma treatment in India, which are as follows:

Type of Treatment Approach

Based on the patient's health condition, the doctor suggests a suitable approach which impacts the overall cost of the procedure. In addition, the cost of corticosteroids, essential for managing multiple myeloma in Indian patients, typically ranges from INR 200 to INR 300. For international patients, the cost varies between USD 3 and USD 4 per dose. 

Type of transplant

In severe cases, doctors may suggest a bone marrow transplant. Haematologists' choice of transplant depends on various factors, including disease severity, availability of a suitable donor, patient age and health status, and the risks and benefits associated with each approach.

Stage and Severity of the Disease

The stage of multiple myeloma(MGUS, smouldering myeloma, etc.), diagnosis, and progression affect the intensity and combination of treatment approaches, thereby influencing costs. 

Hospital facility and surgeon's expertise

The choice of hospital or healthcare facility and the surgeon's experience play crucial roles in determining treatment costs. Costs may vary widely based on the hospital's reputation, infrastructure, and location. Highly experienced and specialised doctors may charge higher fees.

Duration of Treatment

Multiple myeloma may bring other comorbidities with it, such as bone issues and anaemia. Hence, it's essential to manage these comorbidities alongside treating multiple myeloma. This influences treatment duration and the frequency of therapies, thereby affecting overall costs.

Additional stay at hospital/ICU

In certain medical situations, patients may require extended hospitalisation or ICU stays for post-operative care. Thus, the additional hospital stay costs around INR 12,000 and INR 20,000 (USD 200 to USD 300) on a per-day basis.

These factors highlight the importance of considering financial aspects and the varying costs of medications, which significantly influence how multiple myeloma treatment should be managed.

What are Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Expenses in Multiple Myeloma Treatment?

Once doctor’s detect symptoms of multiple myeloma, they carry out blood tests to diagnose and stage the disease to assess the patient's health. Based on that, they select appropriate therapies like chemotherapy or targeted treatments. Even after the treatment, it’s crucial to look after any possibility of recurrence. These additional costs must be considered by the patient.

• Pre-treatment cost (complete blood count, genetic testing, haemolytic marker test, tissue typing,imaging studies etc.): INR 50,000 to INR 80,000 (USD 1000 to USD 1500)
• Post-treatment cost for initial 2 months (bone marrow biopsy, follow-up consultations and medications): INR 60,000 to INR 70,000 (USD 1000 to USD 1200)

What should be Post-treatment Care after Multiple Myeloma treatment?

For some patients with multiple myeloma, treatment may eliminate or eradicate the cancer, while for others, complete eradication may not be achieved. Some patients with multiple myeloma may require ongoing treatments to manage the cancer. after your initial recovery from multiple myeloma, there are ways to improve your long-term health which are as follows:

Regular follow-ups

After the treatment of multiple myeloma, it’s important to look after any sort of complication. This is done to discuss any further symptoms which may arise after the treatment. Further examinations such as blood tests or imaging studies such as CT scans or x-rays may be required as well. It’s done to ensure that there is no side effect or chance of recurrence after the treatment gets over.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle

Since multiple myeloma destroys various cells involved in blood formation, it’s highly recommended to switch to a healthy lifestyle and food habits to ensure faster recovery. Some of these can be followed:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Maintain body weight
• Take a good amount of sleep
• Stop drinking
• Quit smoking 
• Regular physical activity

Regular monitoring of symptoms

This is crucial for early detection of any potential issues or signs of recurrence. After medical checkups with the doctors, it’s important to educate about any change in health status which needs to be addressed promptly. This proactive approach supports overall health maintenance and improves outcomes for the patients.

Does Insurance Cover Multiple Myeloma Treatment in India?

The multiple myeloma treatment cost in India encompasses various therapeutic aspects, such as diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care, which collectively contribute to the overall expenditure for patients seeking comprehensive treatment.

When your doctor recommends any treatment for multiple myeloma, your next step is to submit your doctor's prescription, investigation reports, and hospital admission papers to the insurance agency along with your policy papers. The insurance company will evaluate whether your claim meets the eligibility criteria and collaborate with the hospital to ensure that your medical expenses are covered in accordance with the terms of your policy.

In India, health insurance policies typically cover hospitalisation expenses, including room charges, surgical costs, medication expenses (including chemotherapy and other prescribed drugs), diagnostic tests, and sometimes even stem cell therapies.

Hence, it's also crucial to understand the insurance's coverage scope and associated hospital network. Otherwise, you may need to bear the remaining costs at your own responsibility or may opt for some alternative financial sources.