Treatment Overview
Molecular targeted therapy in India is an advanced cancer treatment approach that uses specific molecular or genetic characteristics of a patient’s cancer to identify treatments designed to interfere with the signals that help cancer cells grow, divide, survive, or spread.
Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which can affect many rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies are designed around a particular biological target. Depending on the cancer and biomarker, these treatments may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Named endocrine-therapy lists sit on Hormone Therapy in India. Named targeted-therapy lists sit on Targeted Therapy in India.
There is a named GAF Healthcare partner planning sheet for molecular targeted therapy: $10,000–$32,000, typically Oral or infusion by mutation. Neighbouring United States comparison figures on the same sheet are $90,000–$180,000. That India band is a pathway planning range for oncology review, a matched medicine and associated monitoring. It is not the price of a single tablet and it is not a whole-cancer package.
Neighbouring targeted therapy is $8,000–$30,000, typically oral or infusion · months of therapy. Neighbouring precision oncology is $2,000–$7,000, typically NGS panel + clinic visit. Neighbouring chemotherapy is $1,500–$8,000+. Neighbouring immunotherapy is $15,000–$45,000. Neighbouring hormone therapy is $1,000–$4,500. Neighbouring antibody-drug conjugate therapy is $25,000–$70,000. Neighbouring immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is $18,000–$50,000.
Disease pathways sit on breast cancer treatment in India, colon cancer treatment in India, ovarian cancer treatment in India, prostate cancer treatment in India, pancreatic cancer treatment in India, bile duct cancer surgery in India, leukemia treatment in India and lymphoma treatment in India. Neighbouring systemic lists sit on adjuvant chemotherapy in India and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in India. There is no live GAF lung-cancer-only, gastric-cancer-only, kidney-cancer-only, liver-cancer-only or thyroid-cancer-only treatment page.
The important point is that molecular targeted therapy is not one single medicine or one standard treatment protocol. The appropriate therapy depends on the cancer type, stage, molecular profile, previous treatments, overall health and the specific biomarker identified in the tumour.
Important: A molecular alteration is not automatically a prescription. The treating oncology team should decide whether a matched medicine is appropriate after reviewing pathology, the laboratory method, evidence for that cancer and the patient’s overall condition. A quotation should be obtained only after records review.
What is molecular targeted therapy?
Molecular targeted therapy is a form of cancer treatment that focuses on specific proteins, genes, pathways or other molecular features that help cancer cells grow and survive.
Cancer develops when cells acquire biological changes that disrupt normal growth and control mechanisms. Some of these changes create specific vulnerabilities. If doctors can identify a clinically actionable vulnerability, a medicine may be selected to interfere with that pathway.
The National Cancer Institute describes targeted therapy as treatment that targets proteins controlling how cancer cells grow, divide and spread, and identifies it as a foundation of precision medicine.
A simple way to understand the concept is:
Cancer → Molecular testing → Identify actionable biomarker → Match treatment to target → Monitor response and resistance
This is why molecular targeted therapy is closely connected with precision oncology. Neighbouring precision oncology is $2,000–$7,000. Named genomic-testing lists sit on Precision Oncology in India.
Molecular targeted therapy versus chemotherapy
Targeted therapy and chemotherapy are both used to treat cancer, but they are fundamentally different approaches.
Traditional chemotherapy generally works by damaging or killing rapidly dividing cells. Because some healthy cells also divide rapidly, chemotherapy can affect tissues such as the bone marrow, hair follicles and gastrointestinal lining.
Targeted therapy is designed around a particular biological target. Small-molecule drugs can enter cells and interfere with intracellular targets, while monoclonal antibodies can bind to targets on the surface of cancer cells or in the tumour environment.
| Feature | Molecular targeted therapy | Chemotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Main principle | Targets specific molecular pathways or proteins | Generally attacks rapidly dividing cells |
| Treatment selection | Often biomarker-driven | Usually based on cancer type, stage and clinical factors |
| Biomarker testing | Frequently important | Not always required |
| Administration | Oral, IV or injection depending on drug | Often IV, but oral medicines also exist |
| GAF Healthcare India planning | $10,000–$32,000 | $1,500–$8,000+ |
| Typical stay on the cost sheet | Oral or infusion by mutation | Outpatient cycles · 3–6 months typical |
The two approaches are not competitors in every situation. A patient may receive both targeted therapy and chemotherapy if evidence supports the combination.
Neighbouring chemotherapy is a different sheet and is not a molecular-matched quotation.
How does molecular targeted therapy work?
Targeted medicines can interfere with cancer biology at different points.
Some block a growth signal. Others inhibit an abnormal enzyme. Some prevent the formation of new blood vessels that support tumour growth. Others interfere with specific molecular pathways or proteins that cancer cells depend upon. Some antibody-based therapies attach to a target on the cancer cell and may block its signalling or recruit the immune system.
Broadly, targeted medicines fall into two major categories.
1. Small-molecule targeted drugs
These medicines are small enough to enter cells and can target proteins or signalling pathways inside cancer cells. Many kinase inhibitors fall into this category.
Examples include drugs targeting pathways involving EGFR, ALK, BRAF, RET, MET, ROS1, HER2, BCR-ABL, FLT3, KIT, FGFR and IDH.
The exact medicine depends on the cancer and molecular alteration.
2. Monoclonal antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced proteins designed to bind to particular targets.
Examples include therapies directed against targets such as HER2, EGFR, VEGF/VEGFR-related pathways, CD20 and other cancer-associated proteins.
The National Cancer Institute identifies small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies as the two broad categories into which many targeted therapies fall. Neighbouring antibody-drug conjugate therapy is a different class when an antibody carries a cytotoxic payload.
What is biomarker testing?
Biomarker testing is one of the most important steps in molecular targeted therapy.
A biomarker is a biological characteristic that can provide information about a cancer and potentially help doctors select treatment.
Biomarkers may involve gene mutations, gene fusions, gene amplification, protein expression, receptor status, DNA repair abnormalities, molecular signatures and other genomic or cellular alterations.
The NCI explains that biomarker testing can examine genes, proteins and other substances associated with cancer and can help doctors determine whether a patient may benefit from particular targeted therapies.
For example, a patient with lung cancer may undergo molecular testing for alterations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, KRAS, MET, RET, or other actionable abnormalities depending on the clinical situation. There is no live GAF lung-cancer-only treatment page.
A patient with breast cancer may undergo testing for markers such as HER2 and hormone receptors. See breast cancer treatment in India and HER2-positive breast cancer.
Colorectal cancer treatment selection can involve molecular characteristics such as RAS and BRAF status. See colon cancer treatment in India and colon cancer targeted therapy.
The exact panel should be selected according to the cancer type and clinical circumstances rather than ordering every available test indiscriminately.
Why molecular testing matters before targeted therapy
Two people can have the same type of cancer but different molecular characteristics.
For example, two patients may both have non-small-cell lung cancer, yet one may have an EGFR alteration while another may have an ALK rearrangement and a third may have neither.
Their treatment options may therefore be different.
This is one of the fundamental principles of precision oncology: the name of the cancer alone may not provide enough information to select the most appropriate systemic treatment.
The NCI notes that biomarker testing may be particularly important in advanced or recurrent cancer and is already routinely used to guide treatment in certain cancer types.
Common molecular targets in cancer
The molecular targets doctors look for depend heavily on the cancer.
| Biomarker / target | Cancers where it may be clinically relevant |
|---|---|
| EGFR | Mainly non-small-cell lung cancer and selected other cancers |
| ALK | Non-small-cell lung cancer and selected other malignancies |
| ROS1 | Selected non-small-cell lung cancers |
| BRAF | Melanoma, colorectal, lung, thyroid and other cancers |
| KRAS | Colorectal, lung and other cancers; specific variants can determine treatment |
| HER2 / ERBB2 | Breast, gastric and selected colorectal, lung and other cancers |
| BRCA1/BRCA2 | Breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and other cancers |
| NTRK fusion | Various solid tumours |
| RET | Thyroid, lung and other cancers |
| MET | Selected lung and other cancers |
| FGFR alterations | Selected bladder, cholangiocarcinoma and other cancers |
| KIT | Gastrointestinal stromal tumours and selected other cancers |
| BCR-ABL | Chronic myeloid leukemia |
| IDH1/IDH2 | Selected brain and blood cancers |
| FLT3 | Acute myeloid leukemia |
| PDGFRA | Selected gastrointestinal stromal tumours |
This list is not exhaustive. New biomarkers and molecularly guided treatments continue to emerge.
The NCI maintains a cancer-specific list of approved targeted medicines, illustrating how extensive and rapidly evolving this treatment field has become.
Molecular targeted therapy for selected cancers
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the areas where molecular testing has become particularly important.
For patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, doctors may investigate EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, KRAS, MET, RET, NTRK, HER2 and other actionable alterations.
The purpose is to determine whether the tumour contains an alteration for which an appropriate targeted treatment exists. There is no live GAF lung-cancer-only treatment page.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer treatment is increasingly influenced by molecular and receptor characteristics.
Important markers can include HER2, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), BRCA1/BRCA2 in selected settings, PIK3CA, ESR1 and other molecular alterations depending on disease stage and treatment history.
HER2-positive breast cancer can be treated with HER2-directed therapies when clinically appropriate. See breast cancer treatment in India, HER2-positive breast cancer and hormone therapy for breast cancer. Neighbouring hormone therapy is $1,000–$4,500.
Colorectal cancer
Molecular testing is particularly relevant in advanced colorectal cancer.
Depending on the clinical setting, doctors may assess KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, HER2, MSI/MMR status and other potentially actionable alterations.
RAS status can affect the use of certain EGFR-directed treatments, while BRAF alterations may open different treatment strategies.
See colon cancer treatment in India, colon cancer targeted therapy and colon cancer immunotherapy.
Gastric cancer
Targeted treatment may be considered in selected patients with gastric or gastroesophageal cancers. Potentially important biomarkers include HER2, FGFR2 alterations, CLDN18.2, MSI/MMR and other emerging biomarkers.
There is no live GAF gastric-cancer-only treatment page.
Ovarian cancer
Molecular testing has become an important part of treatment planning for ovarian cancer. Testing may include BRCA1, BRCA2, homologous recombination-related markers and other molecular characteristics.
PARP inhibitors are an important example of biomarker-informed treatment in selected ovarian cancer settings. See ovarian cancer treatment in India. Neighbouring intraperitoneal chemotherapy in India is a different regional route.
Genetic and tumour testing should be distinguished because a tumour may contain a mutation acquired during cancer development, while a germline test looks for inherited genetic changes.
Prostate cancer
Advanced prostate cancer can involve several molecular and biological pathways that may influence treatment, including BRCA1/BRCA2, other homologous recombination repair genes, mismatch repair / microsatellite instability and other actionable molecular changes.
See prostate cancer treatment in India.
Kidney, liver and bile-duct cancers
Targeted treatment has an established role in advanced kidney cancer, often acting on angiogenesis or intracellular signalling. There is no live GAF kidney-cancer-only treatment page. Neighbouring surgical lists sit on radical nephrectomy in India.
Targeted medicines may also be considered for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma. Potential biomarkers in selected cholangiocarcinoma patients can include FGFR2, IDH1, HER2, BRAF and other actionable abnormalities. See bile duct cancer surgery in India. There is no live GAF liver-cancer-only treatment page.
Blood cancers
Targeted therapy has transformed treatment for several haematological malignancies.
One of the classic examples is BCR-ABL-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, for which tyrosine kinase inhibitors can specifically inhibit the abnormal BCR-ABL signalling pathway.
Other blood cancers may involve targets such as FLT3, IDH1, IDH2, BTK, BCL-2, CD20, CD19 and other molecular or cellular targets.
See leukemia treatment in India, lymphoma treatment in India and multiple myeloma treatment in India.
What tests are used to identify molecular targets?
Doctors may use one or more of the following.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
IHC evaluates the presence or level of specific proteins in tumour tissue. It is widely used for markers such as HER2 and hormone receptors.
Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH)
FISH can identify specific gene rearrangements or amplifications.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
PCR-based tests can detect particular genetic alterations.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
NGS can analyse multiple genes or molecular alterations simultaneously. This can be particularly useful when a cancer may have several possible actionable targets.
Liquid biopsy
Liquid biopsy analyses cancer-related genetic material, such as circulating tumour DNA, from blood or other body fluids.
It may be useful when tissue is unavailable or when rapid molecular information is needed in selected clinical situations. ESMO has published recommendations regarding the use of circulating tumour DNA assays for molecular testing and treatment selection in cancer.
However, a liquid biopsy does not automatically replace tissue biopsy in every patient.
| Feature | Tissue testing | Liquid biopsy |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Tumour tissue | Usually blood |
| Information | Histology + molecular information | Molecular information from circulating tumour material |
| Major advantage | Provides direct tumour tissue | Less invasive and can be repeated more easily |
| Limitation | Requires adequate tissue | May fail to detect alterations if tumour DNA is insufficient |
| Use | Commonly central to diagnosis and profiling | Selected clinical situations |
What is a comprehensive genomic profiling test?
A comprehensive genomic profiling test can evaluate multiple genes and molecular alterations from a tumour sample.
Instead of ordering a separate test for every possible alteration, a broader panel may be used when several therapeutic targets are potentially relevant.
The NCI notes that biomarker tests can range from tests for a single biomarker to multigene panels, whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing.
However, more testing does not automatically mean better treatment.
A molecular result needs to be clinically interpreted. Some alterations have an established treatment. Some are potentially actionable. Some have uncertain significance. And some have no currently useful treatment associated with them.
Neighbouring precision oncology is $2,000–$7,000.
Who is a candidate?
A patient may be considered for targeted therapy when the cancer contains an actionable biomarker, the targeted medicine is appropriate for that cancer and clinical setting, the patient has an indication supported by evidence or applicable regulatory approval, the patient’s overall health allows the treatment, the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks, and the treatment fits the overall oncology strategy.
Targeted therapy is not automatically appropriate simply because a genetic mutation is found.
The clinical significance of the mutation must be established.
When is molecular testing recommended?
Testing is particularly relevant in cancers where molecular findings can directly influence treatment.
Doctors may recommend testing at initial diagnosis of selected cancers, before systemic therapy, when cancer has spread, when cancer returns, when the cancer stops responding to treatment, when resistance to a targeted drug is suspected, or when clinical trial eligibility is being considered.
The NCI notes that genomic biomarker testing is commonly considered in advanced or recurrent cancers and is routinely used for treatment selection in certain cancers.
Molecular targeted therapy treatment process in India
Step 1: Initial oncology consultation
A medical oncologist reviews diagnosis, pathology, stage, imaging, previous treatments, medical history, current symptoms, performance status and available treatment options.
Step 2: Pathology review
If the patient has previously been diagnosed outside India, the treating centre may review pathology slides, blocks or reports. This can be particularly important before making major treatment decisions.
Step 3: Molecular testing
The oncologist determines which biomarkers should be tested. Testing may involve IHC, PCR, FISH, NGS or other methods.
Step 4: Molecular tumour review
The molecular results are interpreted alongside the pathology and clinical findings.
Step 5: Treatment selection
The oncology team determines whether there is a suitable targeted treatment. Options may include an approved targeted therapy, targeted therapy combined with another treatment, a clinical trial, or another standard treatment if no actionable target is identified.
Step 6: Treatment administration
Depending on the medicine, treatment may be given orally, by intravenous infusion or by injection.
Step 7: Monitoring
Doctors monitor tumour response, symptoms, blood counts, liver function, kidney function, drug-specific adverse effects and disease progression.
Step 8: Management of resistance
If the cancer progresses, doctors may repeat molecular testing or perform additional evaluation to understand why the treatment stopped working.
How long does molecular targeted therapy take?
There is no single treatment duration.
Some targeted medicines are taken continuously for months or years as long as the cancer remains controlled and the treatment remains tolerable. Others are administered in defined cycles.
GAF Healthcare partner planning is $10,000–$32,000, typically Oral or infusion by mutation.
The duration depends on cancer type, stage, treatment objective, specific medicine, response, toxicity, development of resistance and availability of alternative treatment options.
Therefore, patients should be cautious of websites promising a fixed “number of days” for targeted therapy.
How is response monitored?
Monitoring usually combines clinical assessment with laboratory tests and imaging.
Depending on the cancer, doctors may use CT, MRI, PET-CT, ultrasound, tumour markers, blood tests, molecular testing and ctDNA in selected situations.
Response may be described as complete response, partial response, stable disease or progressive disease.
Treatment response should be interpreted by the treating oncology team rather than based on symptoms alone.
What happens if targeted therapy stops working?
Cancer cells can develop resistance. This is one of the major challenges of targeted therapy.
Resistance may occur because the cancer develops another mutation, a second pathway becomes dominant, the original target changes, the tumour contains different molecular populations, or the drug no longer adequately suppresses the cancer pathway.
When clinically appropriate, doctors may investigate the new molecular profile. This can involve another tissue biopsy or liquid biopsy.
The objective is to determine whether another treatment target has emerged.
Side effects of molecular targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is sometimes described as having fewer side effects than chemotherapy. While it may be more selective, targeted therapy is not side-effect free.
Side effects depend strongly on the medicine and its molecular target.
Possible adverse effects include skin rash, diarrhoea, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, mouth sores, high blood pressure, liver enzyme abnormalities, changes in blood counts, hand-foot syndrome, hair or nail changes, heart-related effects with certain medicines, lung inflammation with certain drugs, bleeding or clotting complications with selected treatments, and infusion reactions with some antibody therapies.
Patients should report new or severe symptoms promptly.
Do not stop a targeted cancer medicine independently without discussing it with the treating oncology team.
If fever, shaking chills, severe diarrhoea, chest pain, breathlessness, collapse, confusion or rapidly worsening rash develops, seek a local emergency department immediately. Do not wait for the next clinic appointment or use WhatsApp as emergency care.
Is molecular targeted therapy better than chemotherapy?
There is no universal answer.
For a patient whose cancer has a specific actionable molecular alteration, a matched targeted therapy may provide an important treatment option.
For another patient without an actionable alteration, conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, surgery or another treatment may be more appropriate.
The correct question is therefore not “Is targeted therapy better than chemotherapy?”
A more clinically useful question is: Does this patient’s cancer have a molecular target for which targeted treatment is appropriate?
Can targeted therapy be combined with chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
Yes.
Depending on the cancer, targeted therapy may be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, surgery or other targeted medicines.
In selected cancers, targeted therapy and immunotherapy may be used within the same treatment strategy. Combining treatments is not automatically beneficial. The sequence and combination must be supported by clinical evidence because drug interactions, toxicity and treatment effectiveness all need to be considered.
See adjuvant chemotherapy in India, neoadjuvant chemotherapy in India and external beam radiotherapy in India. Neighbouring immunotherapy is $15,000–$45,000.
Molecular targeted therapy and precision oncology
Precision oncology is broader than targeted therapy.
It may incorporate molecular profiling, genomic testing, biomarker testing, targeted therapy, immunotherapy selection, molecular pathology, liquid biopsy, clinical trials and multidisciplinary tumour boards.
Targeted therapy is therefore one important component of precision oncology.
Modern oncology is increasingly moving from an exclusively organ-based approach toward treatment strategies informed by tumour biology. ESMO has highlighted the development of molecularly guided therapies that can sometimes apply across different tumour types when a relevant biomarker is present.
Tumour-agnostic targeted therapy
Traditionally, cancer medicines were developed according to where the cancer started.
Molecular oncology has introduced another approach: treating a cancer based on a specific molecular alteration regardless of the organ in which the tumour originated, when sufficient clinical evidence and regulatory indications exist.
Examples of biomarker-driven approaches include selected cancers with NTRK fusions, BRAF V600E, RET alterations and other actionable molecular abnormalities.
This is sometimes called tumour-agnostic therapy.
However, not every mutation automatically qualifies a patient for a tumour-agnostic treatment. The evidence, specific alteration, cancer context and regulatory status matter.
Cost of molecular targeted therapy in India
The cost of molecular targeted therapy in India varies widely and should not be represented by a single fixed price.
GAF Healthcare partner planning for the named molecular targeted therapy pathway is $10,000–$32,000, typically Oral or infusion by mutation. Neighbouring United States comparison figures are $90,000–$180,000. Neighbouring targeted therapy is $8,000–$30,000. Neighbouring precision oncology is $2,000–$7,000.
The final cost can depend on the targeted drug selected, generic or branded formulation, dose, the patient’s body weight or body surface area, oral versus injectable medicine, number of treatment cycles, treatment duration, molecular testing, pathology review, hospital charges, day-care or inpatient requirements, imaging and laboratory monitoring, management of side effects, and whether additional treatments are required.
| Cost component | What influences the cost |
|---|---|
| Oncology consultation | Specialist and hospital |
| Pathology review | Number and complexity of tests |
| Biomarker testing | Single-marker test vs broader molecular panel |
| NGS testing | Number of genes and testing platform |
| Targeted medicine | Drug, dose, formulation and brand |
| Administration | Oral treatment vs infusion/injection |
| Imaging | CT, MRI, PET-CT and other scans |
| Laboratory monitoring | Blood counts, kidney/liver tests and other monitoring |
| Hospital stay | Usually depends on treatment and complications |
| Supportive medicines | Side effects and treatment requirements |
A personalised quotation should therefore be prepared only after reviewing the patient’s diagnosis, pathology, molecular report and proposed treatment plan.
Molecular targeted therapy cost by Indian city
There is no reliable single national tariff. GAF Healthcare uses one national partner planning band of $10,000–$32,000 rather than inventing city-specific prices.
International patients comparing medical oncologists listing Molecular Targeted Therapy commonly start with Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Partner medical oncology hospitals in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru, and in Chennai and Hyderabad, are a typical first filter. City sheets include Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Varanasi are not live GAF catalog cities on this site.
| City | Catalogue doctors list | India planning band |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi NCR | Medical oncologists listing Molecular Targeted Therapy | $10,000–$32,000 |
| Mumbai | Medical oncologists listing Molecular Targeted Therapy | $10,000–$32,000 |
| Bengaluru | Medical oncologists listing Molecular Targeted Therapy | $10,000–$32,000 |
| Chennai | Medical oncologists listing Molecular Targeted Therapy | $10,000–$32,000 |
| Hyderabad | Medical oncologists listing Molecular Targeted Therapy | $10,000–$32,000 |
How to choose a centre
Patients should look beyond a hospital’s general reputation and ask whether the campus can provide the specific services required.
Important questions include whether the centre has medical oncologists experienced in the patient’s particular cancer, whether appropriate biomarker testing can be arranged, whether specialist oncology pathology can review external slides and tissue blocks, whether medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists can discuss complex cases, whether the hospital can procure the required medicine under appropriate regulatory and clinical conditions, whether clinical trials are available when standard options are limited, and whether supportive and palliative care is in place.
Hospital selection should therefore be cancer-specific and biomarker-specific rather than based solely on hospital reputation.
Why consider India?
India has a large network of cancer hospitals and specialist oncology centres offering medical oncology, molecular diagnostics and systemic cancer treatment.
GAF Healthcare coordinates named partner programmes in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. The appropriate centre depends on the cancer type, molecular target and treatment complexity rather than city alone.
Major centres provide services including medical oncology, molecular pathology, genomic testing, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, haematology and clinical research.
India’s drug regulatory ecosystem also continues to see approvals and marketing of newer oncology medicines and biological products. CDSCO’s current approval records include medicines such as targeted agents and biologic oncology therapies, demonstrating the evolving treatment landscape in India.
Documents international patients should send before travelling
International patients should ideally provide:
- Biopsy report
- Histopathology report
- Immunohistochemistry reports
- Molecular or genomic reports
- Previous treatment summaries
- Chemotherapy records
- Previous targeted therapy records
- Radiation therapy records
- CT, MRI and PET-CT reports
- Recent blood tests
- Medication list
- Discharge summaries
- Previous genetic testing
- Previous biopsy slides or tissue blocks where available
If possible, bring the original pathology material when the treating hospital requests it.
Can a patient get a second opinion before starting targeted therapy?
Yes.
A second oncology opinion can be particularly useful when the molecular report is complex, the treatment is expensive, the recommended treatment is experimental, there are multiple possible treatment options, the cancer has progressed after targeted therapy, or the patient has received conflicting recommendations.
A second opinion should ideally include review of the pathology, imaging and molecular results rather than relying only on a written treatment summary.
Questions to ask your oncologist
- What molecular alteration has been identified?
- Is this alteration clinically actionable?
- What treatment is being recommended for it?
- Is the treatment approved for this cancer and clinical situation?
- Is additional biomarker testing required?
- Is tissue testing or liquid biopsy more appropriate?
- What benefit is expected from the treatment?
- What are the major side effects?
- How often will treatment be given?
- How long may treatment continue?
- How will response be monitored?
- What happens if the cancer progresses?
- Is there another targeted treatment available?
- Are clinical trials relevant?
- What is the estimated total treatment cost?
Frequently asked questions
What is molecular targeted therapy?
Molecular targeted therapy is cancer treatment designed to interfere with specific molecular targets involved in tumour growth, survival or spread.
Is targeted therapy a type of chemotherapy?
No. Targeted therapy and chemotherapy work differently, although doctors may use them together.
Does targeted therapy work for every cancer?
No. It is most useful when the cancer has a relevant target for which an effective treatment is available.
Is genetic testing necessary?
It depends on the cancer. Many targeted therapies require biomarker testing to determine whether the treatment is appropriate.
What is the difference between molecular testing and genetic testing?
Molecular or tumour testing generally examines changes in the cancer itself. Genetic testing may refer to testing inherited DNA changes. The two tests answer different clinical questions.
Is NGS necessary for every cancer patient?
No. The appropriate testing strategy depends on the cancer type, stage, treatment history and available treatment options.
Can targeted therapy cure cancer?
Sometimes targeted therapy can produce deep and durable responses, but whether it can cure cancer depends on the cancer type, stage, molecular alteration and treatment setting.
How long does targeted therapy continue?
Some therapies are given for a defined number of cycles, while others continue as long as the cancer remains controlled and the patient can safely tolerate treatment.
Can targeted therapy cause side effects?
Yes. Targeted therapy can cause significant side effects, although the pattern differs from conventional chemotherapy and varies substantially between medicines.
Can targeted therapy stop working?
Yes. Cancer can develop resistance through additional molecular changes or alternative biological pathways.
Can molecular testing be repeated?
Yes. In selected situations, doctors may repeat molecular testing after progression to look for new resistance mechanisms or actionable alterations.
Is liquid biopsy reliable?
Liquid biopsy can provide useful molecular information in selected situations, but it does not replace tissue testing in every patient.
Is targeted therapy available in India?
Yes. Targeted cancer therapies are part of modern medical oncology practice in India, and major cancer centres provide targeted treatment services. India’s regulatory authority also maintains current records of approved and newly introduced medicines.
Can international patients receive targeted therapy in India?
International patients can seek oncology consultation and treatment in India, subject to the treating hospital’s assessment, applicable medical and regulatory requirements, and availability of the recommended medicine.
Key takeaways
- Molecular targeted therapy is a biomarker-driven approach, not a single drug.
- GAF Healthcare partner planning for this pathway is $10,000–$32,000, typically Oral or infusion by mutation.
- Neighbouring United States comparison figures are $90,000–$180,000.
- Neighbouring targeted-therapy planning is $8,000–$30,000. Neighbouring precision-oncology testing is $2,000–$7,000.
- The first step is understanding the cancer: pathology, stage, molecular profile, previous treatment and overall health.
- A mutation is not automatically a prescription.
- Targeted therapy is not side-effect free. Severe symptoms belong in a local emergency department, not on WhatsApp.
- For international patients, send the molecular report and complete pathology documentation before travelling whenever possible.
Related cancer treatment guides
Live GAF lists that often sit next to this page:
- Breast Cancer Treatment in India
- Colon Cancer Treatment in India
- Ovarian Cancer Treatment in India
- Prostate Cancer Treatment in India
- Leukemia Treatment in India
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy in India
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in India
- Targeted Therapy cost sheet
- Precision Oncology cost sheet
- Immunotherapy cost sheet
Medical disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and treatment-cost planning purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified oncologist.
Molecular targeted therapy is highly individualised. A treatment that is appropriate for one patient may not be appropriate for another, even when they have the same type of cancer. Treatment decisions should be based on pathology, cancer stage, molecular findings, clinical guidelines, previous treatment and the patient’s overall health.
Drug availability, regulatory approvals, indications and treatment protocols can change. Patients should confirm the current status of any medicine with their treating oncology team and the relevant Indian regulatory authorities.
Cost figures are indicative and may change according to hospital, city, cancer diagnosis, medicine, dose, treatment duration, investigations, specialist fees and other clinical factors.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources and references
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) — Targeted therapy to treat cancer, including small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies
- National Cancer Institute — Biomarker testing for cancer treatment
- National Cancer Institute — Targeted therapy drug list by cancer type
- National Cancer Institute — Tumour marker tests in common use
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) — Tumour-agnostic therapies framework
- ESMO Precision Medicine Working Group — ctDNA recommendations
- American Cancer Society — How targeted therapy works
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Government of India — New drugs and biological products, including oncology medicines
- GAF Healthcare cost sheet — Molecular Targeted Therapy ($10,000–$32,000; Oral or infusion by mutation)
- GAF Healthcare cost sheet — Targeted Therapy ($8,000–$30,000)
- GAF Healthcare cost sheet — Precision Oncology ($2,000–$7,000)
- GAF Healthcare cost sheet — Chemotherapy ($1,500–$8,000+)
Medical information should be interpreted in the context of current clinical guidelines and the individual patient’s diagnosis. Published hospital and provider cost estimates are indicative and can change without notice.
Treatment Process
- 1
Share records
The patient provides pathology, molecular reports and previous treatment details before anyone books travel.
- 2
Oncology review
A medical oncologist reviews whether a matched medicine, another systemic class or no India list is the honest next step.
- 3
Name the target
The team writes the alteration, assay method, evidence level and whether repeat tissue or liquid testing is required.
- 4
Itemized estimate
GAF molecular targeted planning is $10,000–$32,000. Neighbouring targeted therapy is $8,000–$30,000. Neighbouring precision oncology is $2,000–$7,000.
- 5
Travel if appropriate
Stable planned cases travel after records review. Severe diarrhoea, breathlessness or collapse is a local emergency.
- 6
Start the medicine
The named drug is given orally, by infusion or by injection according to the written protocol.
- 7
Monitor response
Blood tests, organ function and imaging watch benefit, toxicity and emerging resistance.
- 8
Follow-up plan
The patient leaves with the target name, medicine, monitoring calendar and who will continue care at home.
