Introduction: A New Era in Cancer Treatment
Cancer care has shifted dramatically over the last two decades. Instead of relying only on chemotherapy—which often affects healthy cells along with cancer—modern oncology uses targeted therapies that specifically attack cancer-driving proteins or mutations. These therapies not only improve survival but also offer a better quality of life for patients.
In this blog, we’ll focus on two breakthroughs—Pertuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer and Ponatinib for certain blood cancers—along with a quick look at other targeted drugs available today.
Book free consultation for targeted therapy for breast cancer and get affordable treatment cost in chennai.
Pertuzumab: Giving HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients New Hope
What is Pertuzumab?
HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer caused by too much HER2 protein on tumor cells. Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks HER2 from outside the cell. When given along with trastuzumab (another HER2 drug) and chemotherapy, it delivers a dual blockade, making treatment more powerful.
How it Works
- Pertuzumab binds to a different HER2 site than trastuzumab.
- Together, they block HER2 signals in two ways.
- This combination reduces tumor growth and recurrence risk.
When is it used?
- Neoadjuvant (before surgery): To shrink tumors.
- Adjuvant (after surgery): To prevent cancer from coming back.
- Metastatic disease: To control advanced-stage cancer.
Side Effects
Most patients tolerate Pertuzumab well. Common issues include:
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss (usually due to accompanying chemo)
- Fatigue
- Low blood counts
- Rare but serious: heart effects (monitored with regular scans)
Cost in India & Financial Aid
- Average cost: ₹1.2–1.5 lakh per dose (given once every 3 weeks).
- Total cost varies based on cycles (4–6 for early disease, longer for advanced).
Financial support:
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) from pharma companies
- Ayushman Bharat and state schemes (cover partial costs in empanelled hospitals)
- NGOs and hospital foundations offering subsidies
At Jus’Onco, we guide patients not just with treatment but also with cost counselling and support programs.
Access modern targeted cancer therapies with expert care and financial support. Book a consultation at Jus’Onco Clinic, Chennai, today.
Ponatinib: A Lifeline for Resistant Leukemia
What is Ponatinib?
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) are blood cancers usually treated with drugs like Imatinib and Dasatinib. But some patients develop a mutation called T315I, making standard therapies ineffective.
Ponatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) designed specifically to overcome this resistance.
How it Works
- Ponatinib blocks the BCR-ABL protein, even with the T315I mutation.
- This shuts down cancer cell growth.
- It works when other TKIs fail.
Benefits
- Offers control of CML and ALL where no other drug works.
- Shown to improve survival in patients with resistant mutations.
Side Effects
Ponatinib can have strong effects and requires close monitoring:
- High blood pressure
- Heart or vascular issues
- Rash or fatigue
- Abdominal pain
Doctors balance risk with benefit carefully, adjusting doses as needed.
Cost in India & Support Options
- Monthly cost: ₹3–5 lakh, depending on brand.
- Due to high cost, most patients rely on:
- PAPs from pharma companies
- NGO assistance
- Government health schemes (where available)
- PAPs from pharma companies
Ponatinib represents hope for patients who previously had no option.
Book free consultation for targeted therapy for breast cancer and get affordable treatment cost in chennai.
Other Notable Targeted Therapies
The field of targeted cancer therapy is expanding rapidly. A few other drugs making an impact include:
- Bevacizumab (Anti-VEGF) – Cuts off blood supply to tumors; used in lung, colon, kidney, and ovarian cancer.
- Alectinib & Crizotinib – For ALK-positive lung cancer; effective even for brain metastases.
- Alpelisib – For breast cancer with PIK3CA mutation; given with hormone therapy.
- Osimertinib – Advanced therapy for EGFR-mutated lung cancer, works in brain metastases.
- Niraparib & Olaparib (PARP inhibitors) – For ovarian/breast cancers with BRCA mutations; maintenance drugs to prevent relapse.
Each of these is highly effective for selected patients, but availability and affordability remain major challenges in India.
The Indian Context: Cost, Access, and Awareness
While India has access to almost all modern targeted therapies, cost is the biggest barrier. A single cycle of treatment can run into lakhs of rupees, putting it out of reach for many families. However, several mechanisms help bridge the gap:
- Government schemes – Ayushman Bharat, Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Schemes (CMCHIS), and Employee State Insurance (ESIC).
- NGOs & Foundations – Offering partial or full financial aid.
- Generic drugs & biosimilars – Indian pharma companies are gradually introducing lower-cost versions of some targeted therapies.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) – Discounts or free cycles for eligible patients.
At Jus’Onco Clinic, Chennai, we combine medical expertise with financial navigation, ensuring patients not only get the best treatment but also access it at affordable cancer treatment costs in Chennai.
Targeted Therapy is the Future
Pertuzumab, Ponatinib, and many other targeted drugs represent the future of oncology—a future where cancer treatment is smarter, more precise, and more hopeful.
For Indian patients, the challenge is not only knowing about these therapies but also accessing them affordably. With expert oncologists, advanced diagnostics, and cost-assistance programs, centers like Jus’Onco are bridging that gap every day.
Cancer treatment is no longer “one-size-fits-all.” With targeted therapies, patients can expect better survival and quality of life—and most importantly, renewed hope.
Access modern targeted cancer therapies with expert care and financial support. Book a consultation at Jus’Onco Clinic, Chennai, today.
FAQ
1. What is Pertuzumab and how does it help in breast cancer treatment?
Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used for HER2-positive breast cancer. It works alongside trastuzumab and chemotherapy to provide a dual blockade of HER2, which helps shrink tumors, prevent recurrence, and control advanced disease more effectively.
2. When is Pertuzumab given to patients?
Pertuzumab can be given:
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Before surgery (Neoadjuvant) – to shrink tumors.
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After surgery (Adjuvant) – to reduce recurrence risk.
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For metastatic cases – to control advanced or spread cancers.
3. What is Ponatinib used for?
Ponatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) designed to treat Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) with the T315I mutation, which makes other standard TKIs like Imatinib or Dasatinib ineffective.
4. Are targeted cancer therapies affordable in India?
Targeted therapies are available in India but can be expensive—for example, Pertuzumab costs around ₹1.2–1.5 lakh per dose, while Ponatinib may cost ₹3–5 lakh monthly. However, patients can access financial support through:
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Government health schemes (Ayushman Bharat, CMCHIS, ESIC)
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Pharma Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
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NGOs and hospital foundations
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Generic and biosimilar options (when available)
5. Where can patients in Chennai access affordable targeted therapy?
Patients can consult Jus’Onco Clinic, Chennai, which provides expert oncologists, advanced diagnostics, and cost-counseling support. The clinic helps patients access modern targeted therapies at affordable costs through financial aid programs and treatment guidance.