Cost Guide of Bone Marrow Transplant in India

The average cost of bone marrow transplant ranges from USD 17,343 to USD 53,551. The success rate of a bone marrow transplant surgery is 70-90% with a matched sibling donor and about 35-65% with an unrelated donor for nonmalignant diseases. Bone Marrow Transplant is a procedure through which diseased and damaged bone marrow (spongy substance inside the bones that stores and makes blood cells) is replaced with healthy bone marrow. It has three types: autologous, allogeneic, and haplo-allogeneic bone marrow transplant.

Types of BMT and Their Cost in India

Given below is a summarized list of the types of BMT and their respective average costs: 

Note: It’s important to note that these are approximate costs and can vary based on individual factors including the specific procedure, the patient’s health status, the type of hospital, risks involved, etc.

Given below are a summarized list of the types of BMT and their sources of donors: 

Note: Most people requiring marrow or blood transplants have cancer, like lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma. The type of treatment one needs depends upon the severity of the disease.

1. Autologous bone marrow transplant: A very high dose of chemotherapy is followed by the infusion of the patient’s collected peripheral bone marrow or stem cells previously. It is given to eliminate cancer cells from the patient’s body. Infusing the new peripheral stem cells or marrow replaces the destroyed bone marrow damaged and destroyed by radiation and/or chemotherapy.

The average costs for Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant in India may vary depending on factors such as the city and hospital chosen, the patient’s medical condition, the length of hospital stay, and the type of procedure performed. Here is a rough estimate of the average costs for various components of the procedure:

• Hospital room charges (per day): USD 60-182
• Fees for the use of medical equipment: USD 608-2,434
• Laboratory tests and imaging studies: USD 365-1,217
• Pharmacy charges for medications and other supplies: USD 1,217-6,085
• Consultation fees for healthcare professionals involved in the procedure: USD 608-2434
• Charges for rehabilitation services and follow-up care: USD 608-2434

2. Allogeneic bone marrow transplant: In this, a very high dose of radiation and/or chemotherapy, is followed by the infusion of the donor’s collected peripheral bone marrow or stem cells. It is given to eliminate cancer cells from the patient’s body. The infusion of peripheral stem cells, new marrow, or cord blood that have been damaged and destroyed by radiation and/or chemotherapy.

However, patients who have received an allogeneic transplant are at risk of developing a perplexing disease called graft-versus-host-disease or GvHD. In this, the cells from the donor graft attack the host’s or patient’s tissues or organs. It may be severe or mild.

Other charges in the case of Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant in India is as follows:

• Hospital room charges (per day): USD 97-182
• Fees for the use of medical equipment (per day): USD 182-304
• Laboratory tests and imaging studies: USD 608-1,217
• Pharmacy charges for medications and other supplies: USD 6,085-8,519
• Consultation fees for healthcare professionals involved in the procedure: USD 608-1,217
• Charges for rehabilitation services and follow-up care: USD 1,217-2,434
• Charges for blood transfusions and blood products (per unit of blood product or transfusion): USD 270-680
• Charges for stem cell collection and processing: USD 6,800- 13,600
• Donor search and HLA testing charges (in case of an unrelated donor transplant): USD 2,040-2,720

3. Haplo-allogeneic bone marrow transplant: It is a type of allogeneic transplantation. In this, blood-forming healthy cells from a half-matched donor replace the damaged and unhealthy cells. The donor is generally a family member. The blood is tested for the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) of the patient. The HLA marker or the protein is found in most body cells. The umbilical cord or donor blood is closely matched with the patient’s HLA. If a matching donor cannot be found, then a haploidentical or haplo allogeneic transplant may be a treatment option. A half-matched donor is usually the patient’s child, mother, or father. Siblings can be half-donors at a chance of 50%. It is rare that aunts, uncles, or cousins would be a half-matched donor.

Other  charges in Haplo-Allogeneic Bone marrow transplant in India may include:

• Hospital room charges (per day): USD 60-121
• Fees for the use of medical equipment: USD 60-182
• Laboratory tests and imaging studies: USD 608-1,217
• Pharmacy charges for medications and other supplies: USD 1,825-3,042
• Consultation fees for healthcare professionals involved in the procedure: USD 608-1,217
• Charges for rehabilitation services and follow-up care: USD 608-1,217
• Charges for blood transfusions and blood products: USD 608-1,217
• Charges for stem cell collection and processing: USD 9,736-14,605
• Donor search and HLA testing charges (in case of an unrelated donor transplant): USD 2,434-4,868

Factors Affecting BMT Cost in India

• Excellent medical professionals: The doctors and surgeons are highly skilled and have an immense level of expertise. The doctors discuss the potential risks and procedures of bone marrow transplantation.
• The health and age of the patient: Older patients may not be able to tolerate high doses of medicines and drugs than younger patients. The overall age and the health of the patient affect the treatment cost.
• Renowned hospitals: Indian hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art and modern infrastructure. They house special operation theatres and specialized departments.
• Affordable cost: Medical treatment packages that include post-operative care, cost of treatment, hotel charges, medication, transportation, flight charges, etc. are affordable compared to other countries.
• Pre and post-operative costs: Before and after any treatment plan is devised, biopsy, imaging tests, physical examinations, blood tests, etc. are required to correctly diagnose and find out the location of the tumor. Along with all of these, medications, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may be given before and/or after surgery.
• Location and Size of the tumor: The tumor can spread (metastasize) to other distant organs or be in the same area (benign) where it has formed. A cancer stage refers to how far or till which organs cancer has reached. Early-stage cancers are easier to treat compared to advanced stages.

The estimated costs for additional charges may be added for BMT surgery in India

• Charges for any additional medical tests or procedures that may be required: USD 500-1000
• Cost of donor work-up and evaluation: USD 2000-3000
• Fees for anesthesia services during the transplant: USD 1000-1500
• Transportation and accommodation charges for the patient and caregiver during the hospital stay: USD 500-1000
• Cost of any complications or unexpected medical conditions that may arise during or after the transplant: USD 2000-5000
• Charges for emergency or intensive care services, if required: USD 1000-2000 per day

City-wise BMT Cost Estimation

Average Consultation Fees for Bone Marrow Transplant in India

>>What are the pre-medical tests included in the cost of the BMT procedure?

1. Blood tests: The blood is collected from the vein in the arm and is sent to the lab for examination. It includes tests for hepatitis, RPR, HSV, ferritin, pregnancy test, ABO blood typing, CBC, disease-specific lab tests, etc.

2. Tissue typing: It consists of a series of blood tests that evaluate the closeness or compatibility of the tissues between the recipient and the donor. There are certain markers in the blood that stimulate antibody production. If after the treatment the recipient’s body starts producing antibodies against the donor’s bone marrow cells, it can lead to a fatal condition for the recipient. Also, it can detect transmissible diseases and any medical problems.

3. Chest X-ray: X-rays are done to create images of the lungs and the heart. It gives information about the size of the lungs and the heart and also might detect infections or lung disease. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) help in measuring the function and capacity of the lungs along with the oxygen-carrying ability of the blood. A person is asked to breathe into a device called a spirometer during an examination.

4. Computed tomography scan (CT Scan): Depending on the type of scan a person needs, IV or oral contrast material can be used to check the extent of the disease. It clicks images of the soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones inside the body. It gives more detailed images than X-rays.

5. Positron emission tomography (PET Scan): This test measures oxygen use, blood flow, glucose metabolism, as well as the tissues and organs inside the body. A very small dose of radioactive sugar is injected into the vein of the patient, called a radiotracer. It travels throughout the body and is absorbed by the tissues and organs that are under observation.

6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is a painless test that creates clear images of the tissues and organs inside the body. It uses magnetic waves. Some scans may be done with contrast material. It alters the magnetic properties of the surrounding molecules of water, which heighten the image resolution. It enhances the visibility of inflammations, infections, tumors, blood vessels, the blood supply to other organs, etc.

7. Heart Tests: Prior therapies can affect the heart. Tests are done to identify any potential problems and to treat them before any transplant procedure.

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): It is used to evaluate the rhythms of the heart. It is painless and non-invasive. Electrodes (flat, sticky, flat patches) are placed on the chest of the patient. These electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart (heart rhythm). It is done in cases of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), blocked or narrowed arteries, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, etc.
• Echocardiogram: It is a graphic outline of the movement of the heart. In this, a transducer or a wand is placed on the patient’s chest. It emits ultrasound waves which are high-frequency sound waves. The echocardiogram provides images of the heart chambers and valves so the pumping of the heart can be tested. It is often combined with Doppler ultrasound to test the blood flow across the heart valves.

8. Bone marrow biopsy: It is performed to evaluate the function of the bone marrow and to assess any diseases involved. In this, a thick needle is placed in the posterior hip bone of the patient to remove a sample of solid bone marrow. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic or pain-relieving medicine to reduce the discomfort during the procedure. Bone marrow aspiration is done first where an incision is made through which a fine needle is inserted to take out the liquid portion of the bone marrow.

9. Skeletal survey: It is a series of radiographs that are systematically performed to cover the entire skeleton or anatomical regions that are appropriate for clinical indications. It accurately diffuses abnormalities and identifies the focal of the skeleton, and differentiates them from the changes in the development and other anatomical variants that may happen in children and infants. A typical skeletal survey uses conventional X-rays that include posteroanterior (PA) projections and bilateral anteroposterior (AP) of hands, feet, femur, forearms, pelvis, skull, humerus, leg, and spine. A survey of the joint includes PA and AP of the elbow, ankle, hip, wrist, knee, and sacroiliac joints. Tests are done to monitor the patient’s condition.

What are the post-medical tests included in the cost of the BMT procedure?

After the procedure has been completed, the new stem cells travel through the blood to the bone marrow. The new bone marrow cells multiply and begin to make healthy and new blood cells. This is known as engraftment. It generally takes several weeks before the blood cell levels return to the normal range. Tests are done to monitor the patient’s condition.

• Complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures the levels of white blood cells, platelets, red blood cells, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and hemoglobin. It checks the presence of the abnormal cells.
• Blood chemistry tests measure the amount of certain chemicals in the blood. The tests include kidney function tests (measures creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), a basic metabolic panel (includes kidney function tests and electrolyte panel), a comprehensive metabolic panel (measures, glucose, calcium, LFT, KFT, and electrolyte panel), liver function test (measures bilirubin, ALT, AST, albumin, ALP, and total protein), and an electrolyte panel (potassium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sodium, and phosphate). It checks the functioning of the organs.
• Imaging tests include chest X-ray, computed tomography scan (CT Scan), positron emission tomography (PET Scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, heart tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), and echocardiogram. It checks for abnormalities in the organs.
• Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are performed to evaluate the function of the bone marrow and to assess any diseases involved. In bone marrow aspiration, an incision is made through which a fine needle is inserted to take out the liquid portion of the bone marrow. In this, a thick needle is placed in the posterior hip bone of the patient to remove a sample of solid bone marrow.

Top Hospitals in India for Bone Marrow Transplant

>>Apollo Hospital, Chennai

Apollo Hospital has been accredited by NABH and JCI. It has a 695-bed capacity. It provides facilities like robust safety and infection protocols, a wide variety of procedures performed successfully including critical and complex procedures, different departments for specialized procedures, etc.   

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>>Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai

Fortis Hiranandani Hospital has been accredited by ISO and NABH. It has a 149 bedded facility. Emergency medical care is provided to patients who are critically ill patients with the help of a super ICU setup. It has different departments like cardiac surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, gynecology, neurology, etc. 

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>>Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi

Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital has been accredited with NABH. It has a 250-bed capacity. It has 12 modular operation theatres. It offers technologies like 256 Slice CT Angio, Flat panel c-arm detector, 3.0 Tesla digital brand MRI, Da Vinci Xi Robotic System, Optical Coherence Tomography, etc. 

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>>BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Bangalore

BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital has been accredited by NABL and NABH. It has a 250-bed capacity. It has 14 operation theatres. It has specialized departments for cardiac sciences, ENT, general surgery, infertility, cosmetic surgery, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, urology, and ophthalmology. It also offers International patient assistance.

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>>VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi

VPS Lakeshore Hospital has been accredited by NABH. It has a 350-bed capacity. It has 10 operation theatres and 43 intensive care units. It offers technologies like laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, heart valve repairs, coronary artery bypass, surgery for atrial fibrillation, endoscopic brain tumor, kidney transplantation, minimally invasive surgery, etc. 

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Top Doctors in India for Bone Marrow Transplant

Qualification: MBBS, MD, DM

• He is a member of APBMT, ISHBT, IMA, and American Style Transplant and Cellular Therapy. He is also professionally certified in Multiple Myeloma at Mayo Clinic.
• He has successfully performed procedures like Stem Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant.
• He has provided effective treatment for blood disorders and hematological diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, aplastic anemia, thalassemia, AML, MDS, CML, etc.

Qualification: MBBS, DNB, MD

• She is a member of DMC and is certified in General Medicine
• She has successfully treated diseases like hemophilia, leukemia, deep vein thrombosis, sickle cell anemia, and lymphoma.
• She has also treated symptoms like fever, continuing fatigue, night sweats, continuous weight loss, shortness of breath, etc.

Qualification: MBBS, MD

• He is a member of ACP, ASCO, ASH, TMA, PMC, IACA, HCMA, DMC, and TMC.
• He has successfully treated diseases like bone marrow transplants, acute lymphocytic leukemia, aplastic anemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, thalassemia, etc.
• He has also provided relief for symptoms like unexplained muscle or joint pain, persistent night sweats or fever, changes in bowel movements, hoarseness, unintentional weight loss, etc.

Qualification:MBBS, MD, DM

• He is a member of EHA and ISHTM. He has published several research papers on various diseases like pediatric myeloid leukemia, sleep apnea, bilateral lung consolidation, etc.
• He has successfully treated diseases like hemophilia, deep vein thrombosis, leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia.
• He has also treated symptoms like night sweats, fever, weight loss, shortness of breath, etc. that are related to diseases like thalassemia, autoimmune diseases, spinal injury, etc.

Qualification: MD (pediatrics), Oncology (pediatrics)

• He is a member of FRCP, RCP, IAP, and MNAMS
• He has provided effective treatment for blood disorders and hematological diseases like aplastic anemia, leukemia, myeloma, lymphoma, deep vein thrombosis, etc.
• He has successfully performed bone marrow transplants through technologies like ablation therapy (cold, chemicals, hot, and lasers)