15 Frequently Asked Questions : Proton Therapy in India for Canadian Patients

Q1 · Why Do Canadian Patients Consider Proton Therapy in India?

Canadian patients may consider Proton Therapy in India for several reasons:

• Access to specialised Proton Beam Therapy facilities.
• Advanced radiation treatment planning and delivery.
• Potentially reduced radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues in appropriately selected cases.
• Treatment options for selected complex or difficult-to-treat tumours.
• Access to multidisciplinary cancer care.
• Availability of Proton Therapy for selected paediatric cancers.
• Treatment options for tumours located close to sensitive organs and structures.
• Availability of advanced techniques such as Pencil Beam Scanning and Intensity-Modulated Proton

Therapy (IMPT).

• Potentially lower treatment costs than some international private-treatment options.
• Access to surgical, medical and radiation oncology services within major cancer centres.

The decision should be based on medical suitability rather than cost alone.

Q2 · What Is the Cost of Proton Therapy in India Compared With Canada?

Canadian patients should compare the complete treatment cost rather than looking only at the treatment fee.

For Easy Comparison, Costs are mentioned in US Dollars (USD), Indian Rupees (INR) and Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Exchange Rate Used for Planning

C$1 ≈ US$0.73  •  US$1 = INR 95

Important: These are planning ranges only, not fixed quotations. Actual costs may vary according to cancer type and stage, number of treatment sessions, treatment planning, imaging, concurrent chemotherapy, anaesthesia requirements, medicines, accommodation and other individual requirements.

What Should Be Included in the Total Cost?

Canadian patients should ask for a detailed quotation covering:

• Radiation oncologist consultation
• Specialist cancer evaluation
• Review of pathology and previous treatment
• Imaging and staging investigations
• CT/MRI simulation
• Treatment planning
• Proton Therapy sessions
• Proton treatment-delivery charges
• Image guidance and treatment verification
• Anaesthesia, where required
• Blood tests and other investigations
• Medicines
• Hospitalisation, if required
• Management of treatment-related complications
• Follow-up consultations
• Rehabilitation or supportive care, where required
• Travel and accommodation
• Visa expenses
• Travel and medical insurance

The final financial decision should consider both medical suitability and the complete treatment journey.

Compare the full planned treatment journey, not only the treatment quotation.

Compare the Complete Treatment Cost

Canada: A Canadian patient should consider the complete cancer-treatment pathway, including specialist assessment, treatment availability, personal expenses and any applicable private or out-of-country costs.

India: The treatment budget may include specialist consultation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, Proton Therapy, follow-up and the patient's travel and accommodation expenses.

Q3 · Which Indian Cities Are Best for Proton Therapy for Canadian Patients?

The right city depends on the availability of Proton Therapy, cancer centre, radiation oncology team, treatment technology, multidisciplinary support and the patient's individual diagnosis.

Q4 · Which Hospitals in India Offer Proton Therapy or Cancer Care for Canadian Patients?

Canadian patients can consider major cancer hospitals across India for oncology consultation, diagnosis, treatment planning, referral and multidisciplinary cancer care.

Not every hospital listed below directly operates a Proton Therapy facility. Canadian patients should confirm the exact location where Proton Therapy will be delivered before making travel arrangements.

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai is a major Proton Therapy centre and provides advanced radiation treatment together with comprehensive cancer-care services.

Navi Mumbai

• Tata Memorial Centre – Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC)
• Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai
• MGM New Bombay Hospital
• Reliance Hospital, Navi Mumbai

ACTREC, Navi Mumbai is an important cancer centre with a dedicated proton beam therapy facility.

Important: Hospitals may differ in whether they provide Proton Therapy directly, cancer evaluation, referral, treatment planning or other oncology services. Canadian patients should confirm the specific Proton Therapy centre, treatment availability and treating radiation oncology team before travelling.

Q5 · What Types of Proton Therapy and Cancer Treatments Are Available in India?

Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, Proton Therapy may be considered for selected:

Brain and Central Nervous System Tumours

Proton Therapy may be considered for selected tumours located near sensitive neurological structures.

Skull-Base Tumours

The precision of proton treatment may be useful for selected tumours close to critical structures.

Head and Neck Cancers

Selected head and neck cancers may be evaluated for Proton Therapy where reducing radiation exposure to surrounding tissues is clinically important.

Paediatric Cancers

Children may be considered for Proton Therapy because developing tissues can be particularly sensitive to radiation exposure.

Spine Tumours

Selected spinal and paraspinal tumours may be considered for Proton Therapy when critical structures are close to the treatment target.

Sarcomas and Bone Tumours

Selected bone and soft-tissue tumours may be evaluated for proton treatment.

Prostate Cancer

Selected prostate cancer patients may be considered for Proton Therapy depending on their disease characteristics and treatment goals.

Other Selected Cancers

Depending on the centre and clinical indication, Proton Therapy may be evaluated for selected cancers involving the lung, liver, gastrointestinal tract and other sites.

Re-Irradiation In carefully selected patients who have previously received radiation, Proton Therapy may sometimes be considered where reducing additional radiation exposure to previously treated healthy tissues is important.

The availability and suitability of Proton Therapy vary according to the cancer type and individual clinical circumstances.

Q6 · How Can Canadian Patients Get a Proton Therapy Quotation From India?

Canadian patients can generally begin the evaluation process remotely by submitting their medical records for specialist review.

Commonly Requested Documents

• Cancer diagnosis
• Biopsy / histopathology report
• PET-CT, CT or MRI reports
• Actual imaging files where available
• Previous radiation treatment records
• Previous chemotherapy records
• Surgical reports
• Blood investigation reports
• Discharge summaries
• Current medication list
• Previous treatment response information

Typical Process

Step 1: Send medical records for specialist review.

Step 2: A radiation oncology team reviews the diagnosis, stage and previous treatment.

Step 3: The specialist evaluates whether Proton Therapy may be appropriate.

Step 4: Additional reports or imaging may be requested.

Step 5: A preliminary treatment plan and estimated quotation may be prepared.

Step 6: The patient receives guidance regarding treatment duration, travel and accommodation.

Step 7: Final treatment planning is confirmed after clinical assessment.

Canadian patients should request a written, itemised quotation and clarify exactly what is included.

Q7 · Can Canadian Patients Get a Second Opinion Before Choosing Proton Therapy?

Yes. A second opinion can be particularly valuable before travelling internationally for advanced radiation treatment.

Patients may ask a radiation oncologist to compare:

• Proton Therapy
• IMRT
• VMAT
• Stereotactic radiotherapy
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Combined treatment approaches

The specialist should explain:

• Why Proton Therapy is being considered
• Whether it provides a meaningful advantage for the specific cancer
• Expected benefits
• Potential risks and side effects
• Alternative treatment options
• Expected treatment duration
• Whether previous radiation affects suitability

A second opinion can help Canadian patients make a more informed treatment decision.

Q8 · What Proton Therapy Records Should Canadian Patients Take Home?

Canadian patients should maintain a complete copy of their treatment records for future follow-up in Canada.

Ask the hospital for:

• Final diagnosis
• Pathology report
• Treatment summary
• Proton treatment plan
• Radiation dose information
• Treatment dates
• Number of fractions
• Imaging reports
• Follow-up recommendations
• Medication list
• Discharge summary
• Treatment-related complications, if any
• Recommended follow-up schedule

Where available, patients should also retain electronic copies of relevant imaging and treatment-planning records.

Q9 · Is Advanced Proton Technology Available in India?

Yes. Proton facilities in India use advanced treatment technologies including Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) and Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT).

Advanced proton treatment can allow highly precise radiation delivery in appropriately selected patients.

Technology may be particularly relevant when a tumour is close to sensitive organs or when reducing radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissues is an important treatment objective.

However, advanced Proton Therapy is not automatically superior to modern photon-based radiation for every cancer.

The important question is: Will Proton Therapy provide a meaningful clinical advantage for this particular patient?

Q10 · Does Canadian Health Insurance or Travel Insurance Cover Proton Therapy in India?

Canadian patients should check with their provincial or territorial health authority and insurance provider before travelling.

Planned treatment outside Canada may not automatically be covered, and eligibility can depend on the province or territory, medical indication and prior approval requirements.

Patients should specifically ask about:

• Planned overseas cancer treatment
• Out-of-country specialist treatment
• Proton Therapy coverage
• Prior authorisation
• Emergency treatment
• Treatment-related complications
• Medical evacuation
• Hospitalisation
• Return travel
• Accommodation

Travel insurance may exclude planned medical tourism or treatment related to a pre-existing cancer diagnosis.

Do not assume that travel insurance will cover Proton Therapy or complications related to cancer treatment.

Obtain written confirmation before travelling.

Q11 · Can Proton Therapy Be Combined With Other Cancer Treatments During the Same Trip?

Yes, depending on the patient's treatment plan.

A cancer treatment programme may involve:

• Proton Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Surgery
• Diagnostic imaging
• Rehabilitation
• Supportive oncology care

Some patients may require staged treatment, while others may receive multiple treatments during the same treatment journey.

The treatment sequence should be determined by the multidisciplinary oncology team.

Canadian patients should ask whether additional treatment is expected during the same trip or after returning to Canada.

Q12 · What About Medical Visa, Flights and Hospital Admission for Proton Therapy in India?

Canadian patients travelling to India for planned cancer treatment should organise the appropriate medical travel documentation before departure.

Before Travel

• Obtain the hospital's treatment or appointment documentation.
• Apply for the appropriate Indian medical visa or other applicable visa.
• Check passport validity.
• Carry medical records and imaging.
• Arrange accommodation close to the treatment centre.
• Plan local transportation.
• Confirm the treatment schedule.
• Confirm the estimated duration of stay.
• Review travel insurance carefully.

Hospital Admission

The hospital may conduct:

• Specialist radiation oncology consultation
• Clinical examination
• Imaging review
• Blood tests
• CT/MRI simulation
• Treatment planning
• Multidisciplinary assessment
• Final suitability assessment

The final treatment schedule should be confirmed by the treating team.

Q13 · How Long Should Canadian Patients Stay in India for Proton Therapy?

The required stay depends on the cancer type, treatment plan and number of treatment fractions.

Patients may need to remain in India for several weeks because Proton Therapy is often delivered over multiple treatment sessions.

The stay may include:

• Initial consultation
• Treatment planning
• Simulation
• Proton treatment
• Medical monitoring
• Follow-up assessment

Canadian patients should not book a return flight based only on a general estimated treatment duration.

The treating radiation oncology team should advise when the patient is medically fit to travel.

For children, elderly patients or patients receiving combined cancer treatment, additional planning may be necessary.

Q14 · What Rehabilitation and Follow-Up Is Needed After Proton Therapy in Canada?

Follow-up should ideally be coordinated between the Indian oncology team and the patient's Canadian healthcare providers.

Depending on the cancer and treatment area, follow-up may include:

• Radiation oncology review
• Medical oncology follow-up
• Imaging
• Blood tests
• Medication management
• Nutritional support
• Physiotherapy
• Speech and swallowing therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological support
• Paediatric follow-up where applicable

Canadian patients should return home with a written treatment summary and recommended follow-up schedule.

Q15 · Should a Canadian Patient Choose Proton Therapy in Canada or India?

For Canadian patients, the decision should be based primarily on medical suitability, treatment quality, availability, total cost and continuity of care.

Consider Proton Therapy in India When

• Proton Therapy is clinically recommended.
• The treating specialist believes it offers a meaningful advantage.
• The required technology is available.
• The patient has received a clear treatment plan.
• The total cost and travel requirements are understood.
• Follow-up care can be coordinated after returning to Canada.

Before Travelling, Canadian Patients Should Confirm

• Exact cancer diagnosis
• Cancer stage
• Whether Proton Therapy is recommended
• Why Proton Therapy is preferred over alternative radiation techniques
• Expected treatment duration
• Number of sessions
• Expected side effects
• Total treatment cost
• Additional costs
• Accommodation requirements
• Travel requirements
• Follow-up arrangements
• Insurance coverage
• Emergency and complication arrangements

The best decision is not simply about finding the lowest price. It is about selecting the right treatment for the right cancer, delivered by an appropriately experienced specialist team with a clear plan for follow-up.