Compare major cancer hospitals in India for international patients, including Apollo, Medanta, Fortis, HCG, Max, Kokilaben and other leading cancer centres — their main strengths, treatment options, indicative costs and how to choose the right hospital for your diagnosis.
Looking for the right hospital for cancer treatment in India can be difficult. The best option depends on your cancer type, stage, pathology, previous treatment and the treatment you may need — such as cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, proton therapy, bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy or CAR-T cell therapy.
India has several major cancer centres treating international patients. Some are particularly strong in complex cancer surgery, others in blood cancers and bone marrow transplantation, while certain centres offer specialised technologies such as proton beam therapy or advanced stereotactic radiation.
This guide compares 10 cancer hospitals in India, their main areas of expertise, indicative treatment costs and the factors international patients should consider before choosing a hospital.
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Best cancer hospitals in India: quick comparison
| Hospital | City | Particularly relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai | Chennai | Proton therapy, advanced radiation, complex oncology |
| Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai | Mumbai | Complex cancer surgery, multidisciplinary oncology |
| Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram | Gurugram | Blood cancers, BMT, CAR-T, complex oncology |
| HCG Cancer Hospital, K. R. Road, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Dedicated oncology care, cancer surgery, radiation |
| Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram | Gurugram | BMT, blood cancers, advanced radiation |
| Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | BMT, blood cancers, multidisciplinary care |
| Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi | New Delhi | Comprehensive oncology, BMT |
| Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Surgery, radiation, BMT |
| Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Paediatric cancer and paediatric BMT |
| Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai | Mumbai | Multidisciplinary oncology, international patient care |
There is no single cancer hospital that is best for every patient. A person with leukaemia may need a strong haemato-oncology and transplant programme, while someone with a tumour near the brain stem may need specialised radiation expertise. A patient with pancreatic, liver or colorectal cancer may instead need an experienced surgical oncology team.
Cancer treatment cost in India in 2026
Cancer treatment costs in India vary considerably depending on the diagnosis, cancer stage, treatment protocol, hospital, doctor, room category and length of treatment.
The ranges below are indicative only and useful for initial planning. The final treatment estimate must come from the treating hospital after doctors review your pathology, scans and medical history.
| Cancer treatment | Indicative cost (USD) | Typical pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | $500–$2,500 per cycle | Usually outpatient |
| Radiation therapy | $3,000–$8,000 | Approximately 4–7 weeks |
| Proton therapy | $15,000–$35,000 | Approximately 4–8 weeks |
| Breast cancer surgery + reconstruction | $4,000–$12,000 | Surgery + recovery |
| Lung cancer surgery | $6,000–$15,000 | Usually several days inpatient |
| Colorectal cancer surgery | $5,000–$14,000 | Surgery + recovery |
| Head and neck cancer surgery | $5,000–$16,000 | Depends on reconstruction |
| Liver cancer surgery / ablation | $6,000–$18,000 | Depends on procedure |
| Autologous bone marrow transplant | $18,000–$30,000 | Usually 6–8 weeks total |
| Allogeneic bone marrow transplant | $15,000–$30,000 | Often 8–12 weeks |
| CAR-T cell therapy | $25,000–$45,000+ | Several weeks |
| Immunotherapy | $1,500–$5,000 per cycle | Often ongoing |
Flights, accommodation, food, visas, local transport and companion expenses are usually separate.
Best cancer hospitals in India by treatment
Proton therapy
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai is one of the main hospitals international patients consider when proton beam therapy has been recommended.
Proton therapy may be particularly relevant for selected tumours close to sensitive structures such as the brain, spinal cord, skull base or head and neck, as well as selected paediatric cancers.
Not every patient who needs radiation therapy needs proton therapy. A radiation oncologist should determine whether proton treatment provides a meaningful clinical advantage in a particular case.
Blood cancer and bone marrow transplant
Hospitals commonly considered for complex haemato-oncology and bone marrow transplantation include:
- Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
These centres may treat patients with leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anaemia and other haematological conditions.
CAR-T cell therapy
Selected patients may also compare:
- Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- HCG Cancer Hospital, K. R. Road, Bengaluru
CAR-T therapy is not suitable for every blood cancer. Eligibility depends on the diagnosis, previous treatment, disease status and the patient's overall health.
Complex cancer surgery
For complex surgical oncology, patients may compare:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- HCG Cancer Hospital, K. R. Road, Bengaluru
- Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
The relevant hospital depends heavily on the specific organ and tumour type. Experience in pancreatic surgery, for example, is different from experience in head and neck, thoracic or gynaecological cancer surgery.
Paediatric cancer
Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad may be considered for childhood cancers requiring a paediatric oncology environment.
Children with cancer often need not only oncology treatment but also access to paediatric intensive care, paediatric infectious disease support, nutrition, transfusion medicine and specialised nursing.
10 cancer hospitals in India
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is particularly known for proton beam therapy and advanced radiation oncology. Proton therapy delivers radiation to a tumour while reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to surrounding tissues, which can be useful for selected tumours located close to critical structures such as the brain, spine, skull base and head and neck. The centre also provides multidisciplinary cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy and advanced conventional radiation.
- Best suited for: Proton therapy and complex radiation cases
- Key treatments: Proton beam therapy, surgical oncology, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, robotic surgery and advanced radiation therapy
- Who may consider it: Patients who have been advised to undergo radiation therapy, particularly for tumours close to sensitive structures, selected patients requiring re-irradiation and children needing specialised radiation treatment.
Indicative cost: Approximately $8,000–$35,000 depending on treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is a major multispeciality hospital in Mumbai with a comprehensive oncology programme. Its cancer services include breast, gastrointestinal, thoracic, head and neck, urological and gynaecological oncology, along with medical and radiation oncology. For international patients requiring complex treatment involving several specialties, having surgical, medical and radiation oncology within the same hospital may simplify coordination.
- Best suited for: Complex cancer surgery and multidisciplinary oncology
- Key treatments: Surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, robotic surgery, bone marrow transplantation and molecular or genomic testing
- Who may consider it: Patients needing major cancer surgery, robotic procedures, combined surgery and radiation, molecular testing or multidisciplinary cancer care in Mumbai.
Indicative cost: Approximately $5,000–$35,000 depending on treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
Medanta has a large oncology and haematology programme in Gurugram, near Delhi. It is particularly relevant for international patients researching treatment for blood cancers, bone marrow transplantation and advanced systemic therapies. Its transplant programme may include autologous, allogeneic and haploidentical transplantation, depending on the patient's condition and donor situation.
- Best suited for: Blood cancers, bone marrow transplant and complex oncology
- Key treatments: Autologous, allogeneic and haploidentical BMT, CAR-T cell therapy, robotic cancer surgery, HIPEC, medical oncology and radiation therapy
- Who may consider it: Patients with leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, MDS or aplastic anaemia, and selected patients considering CAR-T therapy or transplantation.
Indicative cost: BMT approximately $20,000–$30,000; CAR-T approximately $28,000–$48,000; robotic surgery approximately $8,000–$20,000; HIPEC approximately $10,000–$18,000 (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
HCG Cancer Hospital, K. R. Road, Bengaluru
HCG is different from many large Indian hospital groups because its network focuses specifically on cancer diagnosis and treatment. Patients have access to oncology imaging, pathology, surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation treatment within a cancer-focused environment.
- Best suited for: Dedicated cancer care
- Key treatments: Genomic testing, PET-CT, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, robotic surgery, HIPEC and radiation oncology
- Who may consider it: Patients who prefer a hospital focused specifically on oncology and want access to multidisciplinary tumour-board evaluation, cancer imaging, pathology and several treatment modalities.
Indicative cost: Approximately $3,500–$25,000 depending on treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at HCG Cancer Hospital, K. R. Road, Bengaluru
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
Fortis Memorial Research Institute is a large tertiary hospital in Gurugram with oncology, haemato-oncology, transplantation and advanced radiation services. Selected patients with brain tumours or brain metastases may also be evaluated for stereotactic technologies such as Gamma Knife, and advanced image-guided radiation technologies may be useful for tumours requiring highly precise treatment.
- Best suited for: Blood cancers, advanced radiation and complex oncology
- Key treatments: Surgical oncology, medical oncology, haemato-oncology, bone marrow transplantation, CAR-T therapy for selected patients and stereotactic radiation treatments
- Who may consider it: Patients with blood cancers, patients requiring BMT, selected brain tumour cases and people needing multidisciplinary cancer treatment near Delhi.
Indicative cost: Approximately $6,000–$45,000 depending on treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru
Manipal Hospital combines a long-established bone marrow transplantation programme with comprehensive oncology services. An advantage for medically complex patients is access to other specialties within the same hospital, including cardiology, nephrology, hepatology and intensive care.
- Best suited for: Bone marrow transplantation, blood cancers and multidisciplinary cancer care
- Key treatments: Autologous, allogeneic and haploidentical BMT, robotic surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, IMRT, IGRT, VMAT and SBRT
- Who may consider it: Patients with AML, ALL, CML, CLL, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, MDS or aplastic anaemia, particularly when access to multiple medical specialties may be important during treatment.
Indicative cost: Approximately $5,000–$32,000 depending on treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket provides surgical, medical and radiation oncology within a major tertiary-care hospital. It can be convenient for international patients who want to receive several parts of their treatment within the same healthcare system in Delhi.
- Best suited for: Comprehensive oncology and bone marrow transplantation
- Key treatments: Medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, haemato-oncology, bone marrow transplantation, robotic cancer surgery and multidisciplinary tumour-board review
- Who may consider it: Patients who prefer treatment in New Delhi and need several oncology specialties available at one hospital.
Indicative cost: Varies by treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Yashoda Hospitals provides medical, surgical and radiation oncology, as well as bone marrow transplantation services. Its radiation programme includes technologies used for highly targeted cancer treatment, while surgical services include complex and minimally invasive procedures for selected cancers.
- Best suited for: Comprehensive oncology in Hyderabad
- Key treatments: IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, SBRT, SRS, autologous and allogeneic BMT, robotic surgery and HIPEC
- Who may consider it: Patients requiring cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, BMT or combined multidisciplinary treatment who are considering Hyderabad.
Indicative cost: Approximately $4,000–$28,000 depending on treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Cancer treatment for children requires a different clinical environment from adult oncology. Rainbow Children's Hospital provides paediatric oncology services for conditions including childhood leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma. Paediatric stem-cell transplantation may also be considered for selected malignant and non-malignant conditions.
- Best suited for: Childhood cancer
- Key treatments: Paediatric chemotherapy, surgery, paediatric haemato-oncology and stem-cell transplantation
- Who may consider it: Families seeking treatment for childhood blood cancers, solid tumours or paediatric bone marrow transplantation.
Indicative cost: Approximately $5,000–$35,000 depending on whether treatment involves chemotherapy, surgery or transplantation (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai provides multidisciplinary cancer treatment including medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology. For international patients, remote case review or pre-travel consultation may help determine whether treatment at the hospital is appropriate before arranging travel.
- Best suited for: Multidisciplinary oncology and international patient coordination
- Key treatments: Medical oncology, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, surgical oncology, robotic surgery, HIPEC, radiation oncology and bone marrow transplantation
- Who may consider it: Patients who want treatment in Mumbai, require several oncology specialties or want a medical opinion before travelling.
Indicative cost: Approximately $5,000–$28,000 depending on treatment (indicative only, unverified — the treating hospital confirms the final estimate after reviewing your case)
Get help with treatment at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
Choosing a cancer hospital in India: what international patients should check
International patients should consider more than the reputation of a hospital.
Does the hospital treat your specific type of cancer regularly?
A well-known cancer hospital may still not be the strongest option for every tumour. Look for a team with experience in your exact diagnosis and proposed treatment.
Can your case be reviewed before you travel?
Whenever possible, send pathology reports, scans and previous treatment records before booking flights. A remote medical review can help determine whether additional tests are needed, which specialist should evaluate you, whether the proposed treatment is available, an approximate treatment duration and an initial cost estimate.
Does the hospital have all the specialties you may need?
Complex cancer treatment may involve surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, intensive care, nutrition, rehabilitation and pain and palliative medicine. This is particularly important for advanced cancers and major cancer surgery.
What happens after you return home?
Ask how follow-up will work once you leave India. For some treatments, the treating team may be able to provide a follow-up plan or remote consultation, while routine monitoring can continue with your doctor at home.
How to choose a cancer hospital in India
Instead of choosing the hospital with the biggest name, compare hospitals based on your actual medical needs.
1. Start with the exact diagnosis
Cancer treatment can differ dramatically even between patients with cancer in the same organ. Pathology subtype, molecular markers, disease stage and previous treatment can all affect the recommended approach.
2. Compare the treating specialists
The individual doctor and multidisciplinary team are often just as important as the hospital itself. Look for specialists with experience treating your particular tumour and performing the treatment being proposed.
3. Compare treatment plans, not only prices
Two hospitals may give different estimates because they are proposing different treatment strategies. Before comparing costs, understand what treatment is recommended, how many treatment cycles or sessions are included, whether medicines and ICU care are included, what type of room is included, which investigations are additional, and what could increase the final cost.
4. Consider the technology only when it matters
Proton therapy, robotic surgery, CAR-T therapy, Gamma Knife, HIPEC and other technologies can be valuable for selected patients, but newer technology does not automatically suit every cancer. The question is whether a technology provides a meaningful advantage for your particular case.
5. Plan for the full treatment period
Patients travelling from another country need to consider not only hospital costs but also accommodation, visas, flights, companion expenses and the possibility of staying longer than initially expected.
The real cost of cancer treatment in India
The hospital procedure is only one part of the total budget. International patients should also consider the following expenses.
- Diagnostic tests — pathology review, PET-CT, MRI, CT, immunohistochemistry, blood tests and molecular or genomic testing may add approximately $250–$2,600 or more.
- Accommodation — outpatient treatment may require several weeks close to the hospital. Budget accommodation may start around $30–$80 per night.
- Companion expenses — flights, accommodation, meals, visas and local transport for a family member should be included in the budget.
- Local transport — radiation and chemotherapy may involve frequent hospital visits.
- Medicines after discharge — some post-treatment medicines may not be included in the original estimate.
- Contingency budget — complications, new investigations or a longer stay can increase the final cost.
How long may you need to stay in India?
| Treatment | Possible stay |
|---|---|
| Cancer surgery | Around 2–4 weeks including recovery |
| Radiation therapy | Around 4–8 weeks |
| Chemotherapy | Depends on the number and timing of cycles |
| Proton therapy | Around 4–8 weeks |
| Autologous BMT | Around 6–8 weeks |
| Allogeneic BMT | Around 8–12 weeks or longer |
| CAR-T therapy | Several weeks depending on response |
What medical records should you send?
- Pathology or biopsy report
- Immunohistochemistry results
- PET-CT report
- CT or MRI reports
- DICOM scan files if available
- Recent blood tests
- Molecular or genetic test results
- Previous surgery reports
- Chemotherapy history
- Previous radiation records
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Current medication list
You do not need to have everything before asking for help. Start with the medical records you already have.
How this guide was put together
The hospitals in this comparison were selected based on factors relevant to international cancer patients, including breadth of oncology services, access to surgical, medical and radiation oncology, availability of complex cancer treatments, bone marrow transplantation capabilities where relevant, specialist oncology infrastructure, multidisciplinary cancer care and the ability to review cases remotely before travel where available.
This list is intended to help patients compare suitable options, not to establish a single ranking. The most appropriate hospital depends on the individual diagnosis and treatment requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best cancer hospital in India?
There is no single hospital that is best for every cancer patient. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai may be relevant when proton therapy is being considered. Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru and Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi may be compared for blood cancers and bone marrow transplantation. HCG Cancer Hospital, K. R. Road, Bengaluru provides dedicated cancer care, while Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad focuses on paediatric patients. The appropriate hospital depends on the diagnosis, stage, proposed treatment and specialist expertise required.
How much does cancer treatment cost in India?
Costs depend on the cancer type, stage and treatment. Indicative ranges include approximately $500–$2,500 per chemotherapy cycle, $3,000–$8,000 for conventional radiation therapy, $15,000–$35,000 for proton therapy and approximately $15,000–$30,000 for bone marrow transplantation. A hospital must review your medical records before providing a meaningful estimate.
How much does proton therapy cost in India?
A full course of proton therapy may cost approximately $15,000–$35,000, depending on the tumour type, complexity and number of sessions.
How much does a bone marrow transplant cost in India?
An autologous bone marrow transplant may cost approximately $18,000–$30,000, while an allogeneic transplant may cost around $15,000–$30,000. Complex cases may cost more.
How much does CAR-T cell therapy cost in India?
Indicative CAR-T treatment costs may be approximately $25,000–$45,000 or more, depending on the therapy used, hospital and clinical circumstances.
Can I get a second opinion before travelling to India?
Usually, yes. Many major cancer hospitals can review medical records before the patient travels, and some offer video consultations. The hospital will normally need pathology, scans and previous treatment information before giving a meaningful recommendation or cost estimate.
How long will I need to stay in India for cancer treatment?
It depends on the treatment. Cancer surgery may require several weeks including recovery. Radiation therapy often lasts four to eight weeks. Bone marrow transplantation may require six to twelve weeks or longer.
What is usually not included in the treatment price?
Patients should separately check flights, accommodation, visas, food, companion expenses, local transport, additional investigations, post-discharge medicines and unexpected complications.
Should I choose the cheapest cancer hospital?
Price should be considered together with the proposed treatment, the treating specialist's experience with your cancer, hospital capabilities, what is included in the quotation and follow-up arrangements.
Do I need to choose a hospital before sending my case?
No. You can begin by sharing your diagnosis and available medical records. Suitable hospital and doctor options can then be considered according to your case.
Sources and medical references
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
- HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
- Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
- Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight, Hyderabad
- Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
- National Cancer Grid (India)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Not sure which cancer hospital is right for you?
The hospital with the newest technology is not necessarily the hospital you need. The cheapest quotation is not necessarily the best value. And the biggest hospital is not automatically the strongest choice for your particular cancer. Start with your diagnosis and the medical information you already have.
Share your case and, with your consent, Medical Help India will connect you with relevant healthcare providers who can help coordinate suitable hospital and doctor options, appointments, travel support, admission and follow-up. Our service is free for patients and does not increase the hospital bill.

