Chemotherapy in Vietnam: Cost, Hospitals & Treatment Guide

Chemotherapy remains one of the most widely used and effective cancer treatments worldwide. In recent years, chemotherapy in Vietnam has gained strong international attention thanks to modern oncology centers, well-trained doctors, affordable treatment costs, and improving patient care standards. Today, Vietnam is increasingly considered a reliable destination for cancer treatment, especially for patients seeking high-quality care at a more accessible price.

This comprehensive guide explains everything international patients need to know about chemotherapy in Vietnam, including how it works, when it is recommended, available chemotherapy types, costs, hospitals, safety standards, and what to expect during treatment.

What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. Because cancer cells multiply faster than normal cells, chemotherapy targets this rapid growth process.

Chemotherapy can be used:

• As a primary treatment

• Before surgery to shrink tumors (neoadjuvant chemotherapy)

• After surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells (adjuvant chemotherapy)

• In combination with radiotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy

• As palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life

Why Choose Chemotherapy in Vietnam?

Vietnam has made remarkable progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment over the past decade. Many hospitals now operate international-standard oncology departments, equipped with modern infusion units and updated chemotherapy protocols.

Key Advantages

• Significantly lower treatment costs compared to the US, Europe, Australia, and Singapore

• Experienced oncologists trained locally and overseas

• Access to WHO-approved chemotherapy drugs

• Short waiting times

• Dedicated international patient services

• Affordable long-term care and recovery options

These factors make chemotherapy in Vietnam especially attractive for international patients who require multiple treatment cycles.

Types of Chemotherapy Available in Vietnam

Vietnamese oncology centers provide a wide range of chemotherapy regimens, following international guidelines.

1. Systemic Chemotherapy

The most common type, delivered through:

• Intravenous (IV) infusion

• Oral chemotherapy tablets or capsules

Drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body.

2. Regional Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is delivered directly into a specific area, such as:

• Intrathecal chemotherapy (spinal fluid)

• Intra-arterial chemotherapy

• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (abdomen)

This approach reduces exposure to the rest of the body.

3. Combination Chemotherapy

Two or more chemotherapy drugs are used together to improve effectiveness and reduce drug resistance.

4. Low-Dose (Metronomic) Chemotherapy

Used in selected cases to reduce toxicity while maintaining anti-cancer effects, often combined with targeted therapy.

Cancers Commonly Treated With Chemotherapy in Vietnam

Chemotherapy is commonly used in Vietnam to treat:

• Breast cancer

• Lung cancer

• Colorectal cancer

• Liver cancer

• Stomach cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Leukemia and lymphoma

• Head and neck cancers

Treatment plans are individualized based on cancer type, stage, molecular markers, and patient health.

Chemotherapy Process in Vietnam: Step by Step

1. Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

Patients undergo:

• Medical history review

• Imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT)

• Blood tests

• Biopsy and pathology analysis

2. Treatment Planning

A multidisciplinary oncology team designs a personalized chemotherapy regimen, including:

• Drug selection

• Dosage

• Number of cycles

• Combination with other treatments

3. Chemotherapy Administration

Chemotherapy is administered in:

• Dedicated oncology infusion units

• Day-care chemotherapy centers

• Inpatient oncology wards (if required)

Each session may last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the regimen.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up

Doctors closely monitor:

• Blood counts

• Organ function

• Tumor response

• Side effects

Treatment plans may be adjusted based on response and tolerance.

Cost of Chemotherapy in Vietnam

One of the strongest advantages of chemotherapy in Vietnam is affordability.

Average Cost Per Chemotherapy Cycle (USD)

• Standard chemotherapy: USD 500 – 2,000

• Advanced drug regimens: USD 2,000 – 4,000

• Oral chemotherapy: USD 300 – 1,500 per month

Factors Affecting Cost

• Cancer type and stage

• Drug brand (generic vs patented)

• Number of cycles

• Hospital type (public vs private)

• Supportive medications and tests

Compared to Western countries where a single cycle may cost USD 5,000 – 15,000, Vietnam offers substantial savings without compromising medical standards.

Chemotherapy Side Effects and Management

Chemotherapy affects fast-growing cells, which can cause side effects. However, modern supportive care has greatly improved tolerance.

Common Side Effects

• Fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hair loss

• Loss of appetite

• Low white blood cell count

• Increased infection risk

Side Effect Management in Vietnam

• Advanced anti-nausea medications

• Growth factor injections

• Nutritional counseling

• Regular blood monitoring

• Dose adjustments when needed

Most patients are able to continue daily activities between treatment cycles.

Safety Standards and Drug Quality

Vietnamese hospitals follow strict safety protocols:

• WHO-approved chemotherapy drugs

• Cold-chain drug storage

• Sterile preparation in pharmacy clean rooms

• International oncology guidelines (NCCN, ESMO)

Many hospitals are accredited or operate under ISO and JCI-aligned standards, ensuring patient safety and treatment reliability.

Modern chemotherapy treatment in a clean, international-standard oncology facility

Public vs Private Hospitals for Chemotherapy in Vietnam

Public Hospitals

• Highly experienced oncologists

• Lower treatment costs

• Higher patient volume

• Longer waiting times

Private and International Hospitals

• English-speaking medical teams

• Shorter waiting times

• Modern facilities

• Higher comfort level

• Dedicated international patient coordinators

International patients often prefer private or international hospitals for smoother communication and personalized care.

Accommodation and Living Costs During Treatment

Vietnam offers affordable living options for patients undergoing long-term chemotherapy.

Estimated Monthly Living Costs

• Accommodation: USD 300 – 800

• Meals: USD 150 – 300

• Transportation: USD 50 – 100

Many patients choose serviced apartments or hotels near hospitals for convenience during treatment cycles.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Chemotherapy in Vietnam?

Chemotherapy in Vietnam is suitable for:

• Patients requiring multiple treatment cycles

• Those seeking cost-effective cancer treatment

• Patients needing combination therapy

• International patients with stable medical conditions

• Long-term cancer management cases

A remote medical review is usually conducted before travel to confirm suitability.

Visa and Travel Support for Cancer Patients

Vietnam offers:

• Medical visa support

• Tourist visas with treatment extensions

• Airport pickup and hospital transfer services

• Language interpretation (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese)

Medical tourism facilitators help coordinate appointments, accommodation, and treatment scheduling.

Recovery and Quality of Life During Chemotherapy

Vietnam’s warm climate, fresh food, and affordable wellness services support recovery during chemotherapy.

Patients can benefit from:

• Nutritional counseling

• Gentle physiotherapy

• Psychological support

• Traditional Vietnamese wellness therapies (when approved by oncologists)

Future of Chemotherapy in Vietnam

Vietnam continues to invest in:

• New oncology centers

• Advanced cancer drugs

• Precision oncology

• AI-assisted diagnostics

• Integration with immunotherapy and targeted therapy

These advancements position Vietnam as a growing cancer treatment hub in Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy in Vietnam offers a strong combination of medical expertise, affordability, modern facilities, and compassionate care. With internationally trained oncologists, advanced treatment protocols, and significantly lower costs, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly trusted destination for cancer treatment.

For international patients seeking effective chemotherapy with personalized support and manageable expenses, Vietnam represents a practical and high-quality option worth serious consideration.