CAR-T cell therapy — once available only in the USA and a handful of European centres — is now routinely accessible in India for patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell leukaemia, B-cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. With India’s indigenous NexCAR19 (approved by CDSCO in 2023, ImmunoACT/IIT Bombay/Tata Memorial Hospital) plus access to imported products, CAR-T therapy in India is now available at USD 50,000–90,000 — versus USD 400,000–500,000 in the USA.
What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a personalized immunotherapy. Patients’ own T-cells are collected, genetically modified to target cancer cells (CD19 for B-cell cancers, BCMA for multiple myeloma), grown in lab, and infused back. It has produced complete and durable responses in patients who had failed multiple prior treatments.
Indications for CAR-T in India
- Relapsed/refractory B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-ALL) — paediatric and adult
- Relapsed/refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Relapsed/refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Relapsed/refractory Follicular Lymphoma
- Relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma (BCMA-targeted)
Cost in India vs USA
| Product | India | USA |
|---|---|---|
| NexCAR19 (India) | USD 50,000–55,000 | N/A |
| Kymriah / Yescarta (imported) | USD 75,000–90,000 | USD 400,000–500,000 |
Centres Offering CAR-T in India
Leading BMT and haematology centres including BLK Max, Apollo, Medanta, HCG Cancer Centre, and Artemis Hospital now offer CAR-T therapy for international patients.
→ See full BMT & CAR-T guide for international patients
Planning Treatment in India?
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