Targeted Therapy — Is Not Just for the Rich

The difference varies by drug and no single figure would be reliable across treatments, manufacturers, or time. What is consistent is that a CDSCO-approved generic delivers the same active molecule in the same amount, so the clinical effect is expected to be equivalent at a lower price. Ask your oncologist to name the specific molecule being recommended, then ask the hospital pharmacy or a licensed supplier what the generic version costs. For some drugs the difference is substantial; for others no generic may yet exist.

PMJAY covers hospitalisation costs for eligible families across a range of cancer procedures and certain medicines under scheme package rates. Whether your specific targeted drug is covered depends on the cancer type, the drug, and the package at the empanelled hospital where you are being treated. The scheme's coverage list is updated periodically. Ask the PMJAY desk at your treating hospital to check whether your drug and treatment plan fall under a covered package — they can verify this directly from the scheme records.

A patient assistance programme is a scheme run by the drug manufacturer to supply the drug free or at reduced cost to patients who cannot afford full price. Most manufacturers of expensive targeted drugs operate one, though eligibility criteria and the extent of support vary. The starting point is to ask your oncologist or the hospital's oncology social worker — they will know which programmes exist for your drug and what documents you need to apply. You can also contact the manufacturer's medical helpline directly.

Yes, and it is a reasonable question to raise. Your oncologist can tell you whether a CDSCO-approved generic exists for the molecule they are recommending and whether it is appropriate in your situation. There are cases where a specific formulation matters — for some drugs the release profile or the route of administration differs between versions — and your oncologist will flag that if it applies. In many cases a generic is a straightforward alternative, and the question is simply whether one is available for your drug.

No. Treatment decisions are based on what the evidence supports for your cancer type and stage, not on what you can afford. If targeted therapy is the recommended treatment and cost is a barrier, the right conversation with your oncologist covers generics, government scheme coverage, and patient assistance programmes before concluding it is out of reach. If targeted therapy genuinely cannot be accessed, your team will discuss what the alternative evidence-based treatment is — and that alternative may be equally appropriate for your situation.