Brachytherapy- Best Doctors, Hospitals & Cost of Treatment in India

Treatment overview

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy in which a small radioactive source is placed inside or very close to a tumour, delivering a precisely targeted high dose of radiation to the cancer while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is used to treat cancers of the cervix, uterus, prostate, breast, skin, head and neck, and other sites, either on its own or combined with external beam radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy. The two main approaches are high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, where the source is inserted for a few minutes per session and then removed, and low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, where radioactive seeds may be permanently implanted or a source kept in place for a longer period. Most HDR sessions are delivered as day-care visits, though some types require a short hospital stay when applicators must remain in place between fractions. The total number of sessions and overall treatment span depend on the cancer type, site, and whether brachytherapy is being combined with other treatments.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: ~$500 – $1,000

Typical tests for this treatment: CBC (complete blood count), Liver function tests (LFT), Kidney function tests (KFT), ECG, CT or MRI of the treatment site (for applicator planning), Tumour markers (e.g. PSA for prostate, CA-125 for gynaecological — as applicable), Pre-anaesthesia fitness evaluation. Done in India before treatment begins. Cost varies with case complexity.

Treatment / Procedure estimate

Estimated cost in India: $3,500 – $8,500

Treatment Duration

Treatment duration in India: ~3 weeks (~5 hospital visit days across the full span)

Usually Included in Treatment Package

• Radiation oncologist consultations and treatment planning
• CT or MRI-based 3D dose planning (simulation)
• All brachytherapy sessions as per the prescribed course
• Applicator placement under anaesthesia or sedation (where required)
• Afterloading machine usage and dosimetry by medical physicist
• Supportive medications and pain relief during sessions
• Routine blood tests and oncologist reviews during the course

Usually Not Included

• Travel and accommodation
• Visa processing and travel insurance
• Concurrent external beam radiotherapy (if combined protocol — priced separately)
• Concurrent chemotherapy drugs (if combined protocol)
• Hospitalization for radiation-related complications
• Advanced technique upgrades (proton therapy, MRI-guided brachytherapy surcharge)