Proton Beam Therapy Cost in India

Proton Beam Therapy is a novel mode of irradiation treatment that is more effective compared to conventional radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer cells.

The proton beam therapy cost in India starts from $45,000 and can go up to $60,000 depending on several factors discussed below.

This treatment is comparatively mild with respect to the side effects and is particularly precise in targeting cancer cells in sensitive areas. India has successfully become a trusted destination for such sophisticated cancer treatments - mainly due to its state-of-the-art technology, availability, and proficient surgeons.

The following section illustrates the different aspects of the therapy, focusing on its cost in India and a comparative analysis with other countries.

Proton Beam Therapy & Its Types

Proton Beam Therapy or PBT is a type of radiation therapy that is effective in cancer cases, especially those that are too close to an essential organ. For example, if you have a tumor near your heart and you use traditional radiation therapy, there’s a high risk of damage to the heart.

Precisely targeting such tumors is best done with the help of procedures such as proton beam therapy, as it uses positively charged particles/beams to target cancer cells and destroy them.

This is also helpful in cases when chemotherapy and other traditional cancer treatments do not provide the desired results. It is also effective in the case of non-cancerous tumors. Especially in cases when there’s a need of re-radiation therapy and the doctor recommends this, instead

The therapy usually has two main types:

1. Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS)

A technique that’s more precise than Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy or IMRT is Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy. Also known as Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy, this technique uses less radiation that does not harm the surrounding healthy cells.

However, this technique is unhelpful in cases of tumors that are too close to delicate structures such as nerves or vessels.

2. Passive Scattering Proton Beam Therapy (PSPT)

This second type of PBT uses a single ray of protons to target the cancer cells. As the name suggests, this narrow beam of protons is scattered using scattering devices that create a uniform dose.

Scattering devices such as scatter foils help spread the narrow beam, delivering the required dose to the target area. Your surgeon can help you understand which one of the two types will be chosen in your case after conducting their analysis.

Before PBT

• Cancer diagnosis and PBT suitability confirmed.
• Baseline tests, dental clearance, multidisciplinary consult.
• Simulation scan + custom immobilization device (1 week).
• 3D treatment planning and Quality Assurance checks (3-7 days).

In India - Treatment

• Daily sessions (Mon–Fri, 4-8 weeks): 15-30 min each; imaging + proton delivery.
• Weekly reviews: Side effect management, re-alignment if needed.
• Total: 25-40 fractions typical. Outpatient throughout.

After PBT

• Weeks 1-4: Fatigue/skin recovery; weekly follow-ups initially.

• Months 1-6: Monthly checks + imaging at Month 3.

• Months 6-24: Quarterly visits + 6-monthly scans.

• Long-term: Annual surveillance lifelong.

Best Hospitals in India with Proton Beam Therapy

Here's a list of the best hospitals in India that provide PBT:

• Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai is the first Proton therapy facility and offers comprehensive cancer care with experienced multidisciplinary teams.
• ACTREC Proton Therapy Facility, TMC, Mumbai has multiple treatment rooms and PBS capability and provides subsidized treatment to eligible patients.
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Delhi NCR offers top-tier cancer care with IMRT, IGRT and CyberKnife technologies.