Fees

Medication-Based vs. Cellular Therapies in Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is one of the most advanced medical strategies for combating serious illnesses, cancer, and various mutated cell types. The core idea is to mobilize or strengthen the patient’s own immune system so that it can precisely identify and eliminate cancer cells. Broadly speaking, there are two main categories of immunotherapy:

Medication-Based Immunotherapy

By using drugs to suppress the defense mechanisms of cancer cells and adjust the patient’s immune status, immune cells can more effectively destroy tumors.

Cellular Immunotherapy

The patient’s immune cells are collected and then cultivated, activated, or genetically modified in a laboratory setting before being reinfused into the patient’s body. Through this approach, the reinforced cells directly attack cancer cells. Common examples include:

1. Dendritic Cell (DC) Therapy

2. Lymphokine-Activated Killer (LAK) Cell Therapy

3. CAR-T Therapy

Are Immunotherapies Expensive?

Compared to conventional treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), immunotherapy costs are typically higher, driven by factors like research and development, drug procurement, specialized lab techniques, and a skilled medical team. However, as the technology matures, some treatments and medications are increasingly covered by insurance or governmental support, gradually reducing their out-of-pocket expense.

Monthly Costs of Medication-Based Immunotherapy

1. An Average of HKD 20,000–50,000 per Month

Medications such as PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors generally cost around HKD 20,000–50,000 per month. Eligible patients treated in public hospitals may receive further cost reductions.

2. Medication Coverage and Insurance

With more immunotherapy drugs gaining approval from public health institutions and insurance providers, patient expenses can be significantly mitigated. Consult your physician or insurance company to determine eligibility.

Costs of Cellular Immunotherapy

1.  Dendritic Cell (DC) Therapy

Depending on the number of doses and frequency of injections, the average cost for a full DC vaccine course ranges from approximately HKD 350,000 to HKD 400,000.

2. CAR-T Therapy

Rarely used and typically reserved for certain severe or rare conditions, this highly customized gene-engineered therapy can cost around HKD 2 million for a single treatment course.

3. Individual Variations

Final costs may vary greatly, depending on the patient’s specific condition and any need for adjunct treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted drugs).

How to Determine the Cost of My Immunocellular Therapy?

Given the highly personalized nature of immunocellular therapy, cancer patients usually require a professional evaluation before a suitable treatment plan can be confirmed. As a close partner of Japan’s leading immunotherapy authority—Dr. Yoichi Kato at the Shin-Yokohama Kato Clinic—Asia Immunotherapy offers the following support:

1. Submit Medical Records

Patients provide their medical files and laboratory results to “Asia Immunotherapy” for translation and review by Dr. Yoichi Kato.

2. Online Video Consultation

Dr. Kato meets with the patient via a virtual consultation to clarify the disease status and overall health condition, confirming a potential direction for immunocellular therapy.

3. Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on the evaluation, Dr. Kato decides which type of cellular immunotherapy is most appropriate, the required frequency of reinfusions, and any supplemental tests or care measures.

4. Cost Breakdown

Once the plan is finalized, patients receive a detailed summary of the treatment scope and a projected total cost, facilitating an informed decision-making process.

(Dr. Kato medical building)