Chemotherapy Treatment in Delhi

Chemotherapy for cancer treatment is a powerful medical approach that uses specialised drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. As one of the most established cancer treatments, chemotherapy remains essential for treating blood cancers, solid tumours, and various childhood cancers. Under the expert care of Dr. Satyendra Katewa, a leading paediatric haemato-oncologist, patients receive personalised chemotherapy treatment along with full supportive care. Dr. Katewa specialises in chemotherapy for blood cancers in children and adults and uses advanced treatment protocols to ensure care is both safe and effective.

What Is Chemotherapy Treatment for Cancer?

Chemotherapy treatment for cancer uses powerful drugs, called chemotherapy drugs for cancer, that travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. These medications work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a hallmark of cancer growth. Chemotherapy can be given on its own or along with surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. This flexibility makes chemotherapy an important and widely used part of modern cancer care.

How Chemotherapy Works for Blood Cancer?

Chemotherapy works by hindering cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. The process transpires in such a way:

Cell Cycle Disruption – Chemotherapy drugs target different phases of the cell division cycle, preventing cancer cells from multiplying. Some drugs damage DNA, whilst others interfere with cell structures needed for division.

Systemic Treatment – Unlike treatments that focus on a single area, chemotherapy spreads throughout the body to reach cancer cells wherever they may be.

Combination Approach – Multiple chemotherapy drugs are often used together in advanced chemotherapy protocols to attack cancer cells through different mechanisms, reducing the chance of resistance.

Dose Timing – Chemotherapy is given in cycles, treatment periods followed by recovery periods, allowing normal cells to recover whilst maintaining pressure on cancer cells.

For blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, chemotherapy is particularly effective because these cancers originate in the blood and bone marrow, making systemic treatment essential.

Types of Chemotherapy for Cancer

Chemotherapy comes in different types and approaches, each designed to target cancer cells effectively based on the patient’s condition and cancer type.

Chemotherapy for Blood Cancer

Blood cancers respond well to systemic chemotherapy since the disease affects cells throughout the bloodstream and bone marrow. Treatment protocols are carefully designed based on cancer type and patient age.

Chemotherapy for Leukaemia – Chemotherapy for leukaemia usually happens in several steps. First is induction therapy, which helps bring the cancer into remission. Next comes consolidation therapy, aimed at removing any remaining cancer cells. Finally, maintenance therapy helps prevent the disease from coming back. Thanks to these carefully designed protocols for children, many young patients achieve success rates of over 85%, giving families hope and reassurance.

Chemotherapy for Lymphoma – Lymphoma treatment usually involves a mix of chemotherapy medicines, chosen based on the type of lymphoma. Doctors follow carefully planned schedules, like CHOP or ABVD, to give the best results. Depending on the disease and the patient’s response, treatment can last anywhere from a few months to over a year.

Chemotherapy for Solid Tumours

Solid tumours in organs like the brain, kidneys, bones, or abdomen may receive chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumours, after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cells, or as primary treatment when surgery isn’t possible.

Chemotherapy for Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer chemotherapy requires specialised expertise due to differences in drug metabolism, dosing, and long-term effects in growing bodies. Dr. Katewa, as a childhood cancer chemotherapy specialist, provides age-appropriate treatment with careful attention to developmental needs.

When Is Chemotherapy Recommended?

Chemotherapy treatment in Delhi under Dr. Katewa’s care is recommended when:

• Cancer is diagnosed and requires systemic treatment
• Cancer has spread to multiple body areas
• Tumour shrinkage is needed before surgery
• Eliminating microscopic cancer cells after surgery is necessary
• Cancer has relapsed after initial treatment
• Palliative care is needed to control symptoms and improve quality of life

Common Conditions Treated

Dr. Satyendra Katewa’s chemotherapy treatment commonly addresses:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
• Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Wilms tumour
• Retinoblastoma
• Brain tumours
• Bone tumours (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma)
• Soft tissue sarcomas
• Germ cell tumours

Special Considerations for Children

Chemotherapy in children needs special care to protect their growth, development, and long-term health. Dr. Katewa provides personalised chemotherapy plans for young patients, using infection-safe protocols designed just for children, ensuring both safety and the best possible results.

Diagnostic Tests Before Chemotherapy Treatment

Comprehensive evaluation ensures safe and effective chemotherapy planning.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Looks at your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to check how your bone marrow is working and your overall blood health.

Organ Function Tests – Liver and kidney function tests ensure these organs can safely process chemotherapy drugs.

Heart Function Assessment – Before and during chemotherapy, echocardiography and ECG ensure the heart is healthy and functioning well, as some treatments can affect it.

Imaging Studies – CT scans, MRI, PET-CT, or ultrasound determine cancer location, size, and spread, helping guide treatment intensity.

Bone Marrow Evaluation – For blood cancers, a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy help doctors assess disease burden and guide the best treatment plan.

Genetic and Molecular Testing – Identifies specific cancer characteristics that influence drug selection and treatment duration.

Infection Screening – Tests for HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and other infections that need management before starting chemotherapy.

This thorough evaluation at our centre ensures evidence-based chemotherapy treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.

Step-by-Step Chemotherapy Treatment Process

Chemotherapy is given in a planned sequence, with each step designed to ensure safety and effectiveness.

1. Pre-Treatment Preparation

Before starting chemotherapy, patients undergo:

Central Line Placement – Many patients receive a central venous catheter (port or PICC line) for easy drug administration and blood draws, avoiding repeated needle sticks.

Baseline Testing – Complete assessment of organ function and overall health establishes starting values for monitoring.

Education and Counselling – Families receive detailed information about the chemotherapy treatment process, expected side effects, infection prevention, and when to seek medical help.

Nutritional Assessment – Dietitians provide guidance on maintaining a healthy diet during treatment.

2. Chemotherapy Administration

Chemotherapy drugs can be given through various routes:

• Intravenous (IV) Chemotherapy – Most common method, where drugs are infused through a vein or central line over minutes to hours
• Oral Chemotherapy – Some drugs are taken as tablets or liquids at home, requiring careful adherence to dosing schedules
• Intrathecal Chemotherapy – For cancers affecting the brain or spinal fluid, drugs are injected directly into the spinal fluid
• Intramuscular or Subcutaneous – Some drugs are injected into the muscle or into the subcutaneous tissue

Many patients receive outpatient chemotherapy treatment, coming to the clinic for drug administration and returning home the same day. Complex regimens may require hospital admission.

3. Treatment Cycles and Duration

Chemotherapy follows specific cycles based on the cancer type:

Cycle Structure – Each cycle includes treatment days followed by recovery days, allowing normal cells to recover whilst maintaining pressure on cancer cells.

Typical Duration – Treatment ranges from 3 months to 2-3 years, depending on cancer type. Blood cancers often require longer maintenance phases.

Protocol Adjustments – Dr. Katewa monitors response and adjusts doses or schedules based on individual tolerance and effectiveness.

4. Monitoring During Treatment

Regular assessment ensures safety and treatment effectiveness:

• Weekly blood tests: CBC monitoring tracks white cells, platelets, and red cells to prevent serious complications
• Infection surveillance: Temperature checks and symptom monitoring catch infections early when they’re easier to treat
• Response evaluation: Periodic scans, bone marrow tests, or blood markers assess how well the cancer is responding to treatment
• Side effect management: Continuous assessment allows prompt management of nausea, pain, mouth sores, or other symptoms

5. Supportive Care During Treatment

Comprehensive supportive care improves comfort and outcomes:

Infection Prevention – Prophylactic antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals reduce infection risk during low immunity.

Anti-Nausea Medications – Modern drugs effectively control chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.

Growth Factors – Medications stimulate blood cell production when counts drop too low.

Pain Management – Appropriate medications keep patients comfortable throughout treatment.

Nutritional Support – Specialised diets and supplements maintain strength and healing.

Dr. Katewa’s approach emphasises chemotherapy with supportive care, ensuring patients tolerate treatment well and maintain quality of life.

Chemotherapy Side Effects and Management

Whilst chemotherapy effectively treats cancer, it can affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, causing temporary side effects.

Common Chemotherapy Side Effects

Low Blood Counts – Reduced white cells increase infection risk, low platelets cause easy bruising or bleeding, and decreased red cells lead to anaemia and fatigue.

Nausea and Vomiting – Common but well-managed with modern anti-nausea medications given before and after chemotherapy.

Hair Loss – Occurs with many chemotherapy drugs but is temporary, with hair regrowing after treatment completion.

Mouth Sores (Mucositis) – Can make eating difficult, but improves with gentle mouth care and healing medications.

Fatigue – Most patients experience tiredness that improves with rest and gradually resolves after treatment.

Appetite Changes – Taste alterations and reduced appetite are common but manageable with dietary adjustments.

Diarrhoea or Constipation – Digestive changes occur but respond to dietary modifications and medications.

Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects in Children

Children may experience side effects differently from adults. Dr. Katewa’s team specialises in managing chemotherapy side effects in children through:

• Age-appropriate medications and dosing
• Child-friendly comfort measures
• Play therapy and psychological support
• School coordination during treatment
• Family education and involvement

Is Chemotherapy Safe for Children?

Yes, chemotherapy for children is safe when administered by an experienced paediatric oncologist for chemotherapy in Delhi. Modern paediatric chemotherapy protocols have been refined over decades of research, achieving high cure rates with manageable side effects. Dr Katewa’s expertise in paediatric haemato-oncology ensures children receive optimal treatment with careful monitoring and comprehensive support.

Chemotherapy vs Targeted Therapy

Understanding these approaches helps families make informed decisions:

Many patients benefit from combining chemotherapy and targeted therapy for optimal outcomes.

Benefits of Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy treatment offers multiple benefits that support effective cancer management and patient care.

Proven Effectiveness – Decades of research have established chemotherapy as highly effective for many cancers, with the chemotherapy success rate in paediatric cancer often exceeding 80% for common childhood leukaemias.

Systemic Treatment – Chemotherapy reaches cancer cells throughout the body, making it ideal for blood cancers and cancers that have spread.

Curative Potential – Many cancers are cured with chemotherapy alone or in combination with other treatments, offering long-term survival and normal life expectancy.

Versatility – Chemotherapy can be used before surgery, after surgery, or as primary treatment, providing flexibility in treatment planning.

Established Safety Profiles – Well-understood side effects allow effective management and prevention strategies.

Accessibility – Chemotherapy treatment in India is widely available and more affordable than many newer therapies.

Chemotherapy Recovery Time

Recovery varies based on treatment intensity and individual factors:

During Treatment – Most patients experience side effects during active chemotherapy, with good and bad days throughout each cycle.

Immediate Post-Treatment – Within 2-4 weeks after final chemotherapy, many side effects begin improving. Blood counts normalise, energy returns gradually, and appetite improves.

Short-Term Recovery – 1-3 months after completion, most acute side effects resolve. Hair regrows, taste normalises, and energy continues improving.

Long-Term Recovery – 6-12 months post-treatment, most patients return to normal activities. Some effects, such as fatigue or nerve changes, may take longer to resolve fully.

Children often recover more quickly than adults, with resilient bodies bouncing back effectively after treatment completion.

Chemotherapy Cost in Delhi

Chemotherapy treatment in India ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 (approximately USD 600 to USD 6,000) per cycle, which is significantly more affordable than in Western countries, while maintaining the same quality and outcomes.

Factors Affecting Chemotherapy Cost in Delhi

The final cost depends on:

• Type and number of chemotherapy drugs used
• Cancer type and treatment protocol complexity
• Outpatient vs inpatient administration
• Supportive medications and growth factors
• Duration of treatment (number of cycles)
• Hospital or clinic charges
• Additional tests and monitoring

Typical Cost Breakdown

• Single Cycle Chemotherapy: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 ( USD 600 – 2,400)
• Complete Treatment Course: ₹3,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 ( USD 3,600 – 18,100) (depending on cancer type)
• Supportive Medications: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 ( USD 120 – 600) per cycle
• Diagnostic Tests: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 ( USD 60 – 240) per assessment
• Hospital Stay (if needed): ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 ( USD 60 – 180) per day

Dr. Katewa provides transparent cost discussions during consultations, helping families plan their finances. Many insurance plans cover chemotherapy treatment, and financial counselling is available.

Post-Chemotherapy Care and Recovery

Post-chemotherapy care is essential for recovery, monitoring health, and maintaining overall well-being.

Immediate Post-Treatment Phase

Monitoring – Continued blood tests and check-ups ensure complete recovery and catch any late effects early.

Infection Prevention – Immunity gradually rebuilds over weeks to months. Hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, and reporting fever remain essential.

Nutrition – High-protein, balanced meals support healing and strength recovery. Appetite typically improves steadily.

Activity – Gradual return to normal activities as energy improves. Children often return to school within weeks of completing treatment.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Surveillance – Regular check-ups, scans, and blood tests monitor for cancer recurrence and manage any late effects.

Growth Monitoring (Children) – Tracking growth, development, and pubertal progression ensures normal childhood development.

Vaccination Schedule – Immunisations are typically repeated 6-12 months after chemotherapy completion.

Psychosocial Support – Counselling helps families adjust to life after cancer treatment and manage any emotional challenges.

Dr. Katewa’s team provides ongoing support throughout recovery and beyond, ensuring optimal long-term outcomes.

Why Choose Dr. Satyendra Katewa for Chemotherapy Treatment?

Specialised Paediatric Expertise – As the trusted doctor for paediatric chemotherapy, Dr. Katewa has extensive experience treating childhood cancers with excellent outcomes and compassionate care.

Evidence-Based Protocols – Treatment follows internationally recognised guidelines, ensuring patients receive standard-of-care chemotherapy.

Comprehensive Care Approach – Integration of chemotherapy with supportive care, nutrition, psychological support, and family counselling ensures holistic treatment.

Infection-Safe Protocols – Rigorous infection prevention measures, prophylactic medications, and careful monitoring minimise the risk of complications.

Experienced Team – Specialised nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and counsellors work together to provide comprehensive cancer care.

State-of-the-Art Facilities – Modern chemotherapy day care and inpatient units, equipped with advanced monitoring equipment, ensure safe treatment delivery.

Personalised Treatment Plans – Every patient receives individualised care based on their specific cancer type, age, health status, and family circumstances.

Transparent Communication – Clear discussions about treatment plans, expected outcomes, side effects, and costs help families make informed decisions.

Families trust Dr. Katewa for his clinical excellence, compassionate approach, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient.

Book an Appointment for Chemotherapy Treatment in Delhi

If your child or loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and requires chemotherapy, consult Dr. Satyendra Katewa for expert evaluation and personalised treatment planning.

During your consultation, you will receive:

• Comprehensive cancer assessment and staging
• Detailed explanation of the recommended chemotherapy protocol
• Discussion of expected outcomes and side effects
• Clear information about treatment duration and schedule
• Transparent cost estimates for chemotherapy treatment
• Answers to all your questions and concerns

Book your appointment today to begin a supported journey towards cancer recovery with one of Delhi’s most trusted paediatric oncologists.

International Patients – Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment in India

Dr. Satyendra Katewa welcomes international patients seeking high-quality, affordable chemotherapy for cancer treatment in India. India offers world-class paediatric oncology care at a fraction of the cost in Western countries.

Support for International Families

Our international care team assists with:

• Medical visa facilitation and documentation
• Airport transfers and family accommodation
• Treatment coordination and scheduling
• Precise cost estimates for the complete treatment course
• Language interpretation services
• Cultural sensitivity and dietary accommodations
• Ongoing communication through telemedicine after return home

Families from around the world trust Dr. Katewa for his expertise, transparent approach, and proven treatment success.

Contact us today to discuss chemotherapy treatment options, costs, and travel arrangements for your child’s cancer care in India.

Chemotherapy is not just about treating cancer – it’s about standing beside the child and family through one of the most challenging journeys of their lives. With the right treatment, timely care, and compassion, we aim not only to cure the disease but also to restore hope, strength, and a healthy future.
– Dr. Satyendra Katewa