India Emerges as Global Hub for Affordable CAR-T Therapy, Attracting International Patients

India is seeing a surge in international patients seeking CAR-T cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment for blood cancers, due to its significantly lower costs and faster access compared to the US and Europe. While CAR-T therapy can cost ₹3–4 crore ($350,000–$500,000) in Western countries, Indian hospitals offer the same for ₹50 lakh ($50,000–$85,000), making it up to 90% cheaper. Patients from the Gulf, Africa, and Europe are traveling to India as many of their home countries lack access, or the treatment remains prohibitively expensive. India now offers two approved CAR-T therapies—NexCAR19 and Qartemi—available at leading centers like Apollo, Max, and Manipal. Clinical trials show success rates of up to 73%, comparable to global standards, further boosting confidence in India’s expertise. The country’s world-class oncologists and streamlined medical tourism services make it a preferred destination for advanced cancer care. Source: Moneycontrol, MedicalTourismCo, Indian Express