How Much Does Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in India in 2025? A Complete Guide
Overview
What Is Lung Cancer & Common Treatment Options
Lung cancer arises from abnormal cell growth in lung tissues, mainly classified as Non‑Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Treatment pathways typically include:
- Surgery (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, VATS)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Targeted Therapy (EGFR, ALK inhibitors)
- Immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors, CAR‑T-cell)
Why India for Lung Cancer Treatment?
Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers globally, requiring advanced treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. For international patients, India has emerged as a top medical tourism destination due to:
✅ World-class hospitals (JCI & NABH accredited)
✅ Highly skilled oncologists with global expertise
✅ Cost savings of 60–80% compared to the US, UK, or UAE
✅ Minimal waiting times & streamlined medical visa process
In this guide, we break down the 2025 lung cancer treatment costs in India, compare top hospitals, and explain how Shifam Health helps international patients access affordable, high-quality care.
📌 Key Stats:
- India treats over 50,000+ international cancer patients yearly.
- Survival rates for early-stage lung cancer in India match Western standards.
- Treatment costs are 3–5X cheaper than in the US or Europe.
Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in India 2025 (USD & INR)
| Treatment Type | Cost Range (USD) | Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Lobectomy (Surgery) | $5,000 – $9,000 | ₹4,15,000 – ₹7,50,000 |
| Pneumonectomy | $7,000 – $12,000 | ₹5,80,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| Chemotherapy (per cycle) | $800 – $2,500 | ₹65,000 – ₹2,10,000 |
| Radiation Therapy (IMRT) | $3,000 – $6,000 | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Immunotherapy (Keytruda per dose) | $2,000 – $4,500 | ₹1,65,000 – ₹3,75,000 |
| Targeted Therapy (per month) | $1,500 – $3,500 | ₹1,25,000 – ₹2,90,000 |
| PET-CT Scan | $300 – $600 | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
📌 Note: Costs vary based on cancer stage, hospital tier, and patient condition.
City & Hospital Breakdown: Costs for International Patients
| City | Hospital | Surgery | Chemo (6 cycles) | Radiation (25 sessions) | IP Therapy | Package Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi NCR | Medanta | $7,200–8,800 (vaidam.com) | $6,000 | $5,000 | $12–20k | $30k |
| Mumbai | Tata Memorial* | ₹2.5–6 L; subsidized government pricing for eligible | ₹35–80 k×6 | ₹2.5–5 L | ₹3–10 L | ₹8–15 L |
| Bangalore | Apollo/Sheikh Hospital | same as metro avg | — | — | — | $7k–12k |
| Chennai | Fortis | $3k–8k | — | — | — | $6k–11k |
| Hyderabad | Max/Artemis | $3k–8k | — | — | — | $6k–11k |
India vs Other Countries: Cost Comparison
| Country | Surgery Cost | Chemotherapy (6 cycles) | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | $5,000 – $12,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| USA | $70,000 – $150,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| UK | £40,000 – £90,000 | £20,000 – £45,000 | £60,000 – £150,000 |
| UAE | $35,000 – $80,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 | $60,000 – $130,000 |
| Singapore | $45,000 – $100,000 | $30,000 – $55,000 | $75,000 – $160,000 |
✅ India saves patients 60–85% compared to Western nations.
Factors Affecting Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Cancer Stage: Early-stage surgery is cheaper; advanced-stage requires pricey immuno/targeted therapy.
Treatment Combination: Multimodal approaches increase cost by 40–60%.
Hospital Tier & Room Class: Metro, JCI/NABH-accredited private hospitals at premium rates.
Length of Stay: 20–75 days, ICU stays, post-op care add ₹5k–30k/day
Ancillary Services: Diagnostics, care coordination, interpreters, rehab services.
FAQs: Lung Cancer Treatment in India
→ $5,000–$12,000 (vs. $70,000+ in the US).
→ Yes! Many Indian hospitals accept international insurance. We help with approvals.
→ 2–4 weeks for surgery; 6–8 weeks for chemo/radiation.
→ Yes! Keytruda, Opdivo, Tagrisso are widely available at 40–60% lower costs.