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Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells. It remains the backbone of cancer treatment for most solid tumours and blood cancers. Modern protocols combine multiple drugs in cycles, giving your body time to recover between rounds. The goal varies by situation: cure (adjuvant or neoadjuvant), control (palliative), or symptom relief.
In India, chemotherapy is widely available at government and private hospitals. Generic drugs have brought costs down significantly. A standard 6-cycle regimen costs between INR 50,000 and INR 4,00,000 depending on the drugs used, hospital tier, and whether you choose branded or generic formulations. Government schemes like PMJAY cover chemotherapy for eligible patients.
VICI Healthcare delivers chemotherapy as outpatient daycare. You arrive in the morning, receive your infusion, and go home the same day. This cuts hospitalisation costs by 30-40% while maintaining the same clinical outcomes as inpatient treatment. Our protocols use evidence-based generic drugs where clinically equivalent, with full transparency on pricing.
How Chemotherapy Works
Before treatment: Blood tests (CBC, liver/kidney function) confirm you are fit for the cycle. Your oncologist reviews your weight, adjusts doses, and prescribes anti-nausea medication. A port or PICC line may be placed for easier IV access.
During infusion: Pre-medications (ondansetron, dexamethasone) are given first to prevent nausea. The chemotherapy drugs are then infused over 30 minutes to several hours depending on the regimen. You sit in a comfortable recliner chair throughout.
After treatment: Post-hydration fluids are given if needed. You receive take-home anti-nausea and supportive medications. Most patients go home 4-6 hours after arrival. Side effects typically peak 3-5 days after infusion.
Between cycles: Rest and recovery for 2-3 weeks. Blood tests at day 10-14 to check counts. Your team monitors side effects by phone or WhatsApp. The next cycle starts when your counts recover.
Common Chemotherapy Regimens and Costs
| Regimen | Drugs | Duration | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC-T (breast cancer) | Doxorubicin + Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel | 4+4 cycles over 4-5 months | INR 80,000-1,50,000 (generic) |
| FOLFOX (colon cancer) | 5-FU + Leucovorin + Oxaliplatin | 12 cycles over 6 months | INR 1,20,000-2,50,000 |
| Cisplatin + Paclitaxel (cervical) | Cisplatin + Paclitaxel | 6 cycles every 3 weeks | INR 1,00,000-1,50,000 |
| Gemcitabine + Cisplatin (lung/bladder) | Gemcitabine + Cisplatin | 4-6 cycles | INR 80,000-2,00,000 |
| CHOP (lymphoma) | Cyclophosphamide + Doxorubicin + Vincristine + Prednisolone | 6-8 cycles every 3 weeks | INR 60,000-1,50,000 |
| MAP (bone cancer) | Methotrexate + Doxorubicin + Cisplatin | Neoadjuvant + adjuvant over 6-9 months | INR 2,00,000-5,00,000 |
Side Effects and Management
| Side Effect | How Common | How We Manage It |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea and vomiting | 30-80% depending on regimen | Ondansetron + dexamethasone pre-chemo; metoclopramide at home; ginger tea helps some patients |
| Hair loss (alopecia) | 50-100% with taxanes/anthracyclines | Temporary; regrows 3-6 months post-treatment. Scalp cooling available at select centres |
| Fatigue | 70-80% | Light exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep. Peaks day 3-5 post-cycle |
| Low blood counts | 30-50% grade 2+ | Weekly CBC monitoring; G-CSF if neutrophil count drops below threshold; antibiotics for fever |
| Mouth sores | 10-40% | Oral hygiene, salt water rinses, prescribed mouthwash, soft diet |
| Neuropathy (tingling) | 20-40% with platinum/taxane drugs | Dose adjustment; B vitamins; duloxetine for persistent symptoms |