Total Body Irradiation (TBI)- Best Doctors, Hospitals & Cost of Treatment in India

Treatment overview

Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is a specialised form of external beam radiation therapy in which the entire body receives a carefully measured dose of radiation, most commonly as part of the conditioning regimen before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Its three goals are to suppress the immune system so donor cells are not rejected, to clear existing cells from the bone marrow to make room for the new ones, and to destroy any residual cancer cells in sanctuary sites such as the central nervous system. High-dose TBI is typically delivered in multiple short sessions over three to four days — often twice daily — using a linear accelerator, with shielding placed over sensitive organs such as the lungs. Because TBI is always embedded within the broader transplant pathway, it is planned and delivered in close coordination with the haematology and transplant team; the conditioning week and the weeks immediately following are usually spent as an inpatient.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: ~$500 – $1,000

Typical tests for this treatment: CBC with differential, Liver function tests (LFT), Kidney function tests (KFT / serum creatinine), Pulmonary function tests (PFT), 2D Echocardiogram (baseline cardiac function), CT simulation scan for TBI planning and lung shield design, Thyroid function tests (TSH, T4), HbA1c and fasting blood glucose. Done in India before treatment begins. Cost varies with case complexity.

Treatment / Procedure estimate

Estimated cost in India: $3,500 – $6,000

Treatment Duration

Treatment duration in India: ~4 days (~4 hospital visit days across the full span)

Usually Included in Treatment Package

• Radiation oncologist consultations and treatment planning (CT simulation)
• All TBI fractions across the full conditioning schedule (typically 6-8 fractions over 3-4 days)
• Custom lung and organ shielding fabricated for each patient
• Anti-nausea and supportive medications administered during each session
• Daily position verification and radiation therapist supervision
• Weekly clinical review by radiation oncologist during treatment

Usually Not Included

• Travel and accommodation
• Visa processing and travel insurance
• Concurrent high-dose chemotherapy drugs (cyclophosphamide, etoposide, fludarabine — billed separately by transplant team)
• Stem cell transplant procedure itself (separate package)
• Growth factor injections or blood product transfusions if required
• Hospitalization charges beyond the TBI conditioning days (transplant inpatient stay billed separately)