CAR T-Cell Therapy in Chennai
CAR T-Cell Therapy at Iswarya Cancer Centre, Chennai
Advanced cellular immunotherapy for refractory and relapsed blood cancers — engineered T-cells that hunt down cancer cells. Delivered by a multidisciplinary oncology, BMT and intensive care team at OMR Kottivakkam.
CAR T-Cell (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a breakthrough cellular immunotherapy that genetically reprograms a patient's own T-cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells. It has produced durable remissions in patients with blood cancers that did not respond to multiple lines of chemotherapy.
Iswarya Cancer Centre delivers CAR T-Cell therapy in close coordination between our medical oncology, bone marrow transplant and intensive care teams. The full pathway — patient selection, leukapheresis, lymphodepleting chemotherapy, CAR T-cell infusion and post-infusion management of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity — is managed in a BMT-grade transplant ICU.
We work with both internationally and nationally approved CAR T-Cell products. Subsidised access programmes may be available depending on the product and indication — please ask our patient navigator about current options.
Why Choose Iswarya Hospital
Integrated BMT + Oncology Team
CAR T-Cell therapy needs the same infrastructure as a bone marrow transplant — Iswarya runs both programmes in the same dedicated unit.
Transplant-Grade ICU
Sealed transplant unit with HEPA filtration, 1:1 nursing, and protocols for managing CRS and ICANS (immune-effector neurotoxicity).
Patient Selection Tumour Board
Every CAR-T candidate is reviewed by haematology, BMT, intensive care and pharmacy to ensure safety and optimal product choice.
End-to-End Pathway
Leukapheresis, bridging therapy, lymphodepletion, infusion, CRS management and long-term follow-up — under one roof, one team.
Subsidised Access Programmes
Active links to product manufacturers and access programmes that may significantly reduce out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients.
International Patient Desk
Visa support, accommodation tie-ups and translator services for patients travelling from overseas for CAR T-Cell therapy.
Conditions Treated
Procedures & Treatments Offered
Treatment Cost in Chennai (Approximate)
Approximate cost ranges for CAR T-Cell therapy and related cellular therapies at Iswarya Cancer Centre, OMR Chennai. Cost depends on the specific CAR-T product chosen, ICU course and CRS management. Subsidised access programmes may be available — please ask our patient navigator.
| Procedure | Cost Range (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CAR T-Cell Therapy Eligibility Workup | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 | — |
| CAR T-Cell Therapy (full pathway) | ₹40,00,000 – ₹60,00,000 | Product + ICU + 30-day care |
| Bone Marrow Transplant (Allogeneic) | ₹25,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 | Alternative cellular therapy |
| Bone Marrow Transplant (Autologous) | ₹15,00,000 – ₹22,00,000 | — |
| Post-Infusion Follow-up Visit | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 | — |
* Costs are indicative only. Actual cost depends on case complexity, room category, implants, and insurance plan. Cashless treatment available with 25+ insurance partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAR T-Cell therapy?+
CAR T-Cell therapy is a cellular immunotherapy where a patient's own T-cells are collected, genetically engineered to recognise a cancer marker (commonly CD19 or BCMA), expanded in a lab and re-infused. The engineered cells then hunt and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Which cancers can be treated with CAR T-Cell therapy?+
Currently approved indications include refractory/relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Trials are extending CAR-T to other cancers.
How much does CAR T-Cell therapy cost in India?+
CAR T-Cell therapy in India typically costs ₹40–60 lakh for the full pathway — including product, leukapheresis, lymphodepleting chemo, infusion, CRS management and 30-day care. Indian-developed CAR-T products and subsidised access programmes can reduce this for eligible patients.
What are the side effects of CAR T-Cell therapy?+
The two main side effects are Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) — a sudden inflammatory response — and ICANS (immune-effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome). Both are managed with established protocols including tocilizumab, steroids and ICU-level support.
How long is the hospital stay for CAR T-Cell therapy?+
Most patients stay 14–28 days in the transplant unit, with intensive monitoring for CRS and neurotoxicity in the first two weeks after infusion. Outpatient follow-up continues for at least 12 months.
Is CAR T-Cell therapy covered by insurance in India?+
Coverage varies by insurer and product. Some private insurers and corporate plans cover CAR-T partially or fully. Subsidised manufacturer access programmes and crowd-funding via verified platforms are common. Talk to our financial counsellor for current options.
Does Iswarya Hospital offer bone marrow transplant?+
Yes. Iswarya Cancer Centre runs an integrated bone marrow transplant programme — autologous, allogeneic (matched related and unrelated) and CAR T-Cell therapy — in the same dedicated transplant unit.
Talk to a CAR T-Cell Therapy Specialist
Free initial review • Subsidised access programme guidance • International patient desk available