Last updated: 3/27/2025

Chemotherapy in Italy: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025

Why do patients choose Italy for chemotherapy?

  • Accredited clinics: JCI-certified hospitals and other internationally recognized institutions ensure high-quality treatment standards.
  • Latest technologies: Techniques such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and devices like the Paxman Scalp Cooling Sy are used to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects.
  • High success rates: Chemotherapy in Italy has a notable 70-80% efficacy rate for certain cancers. This leads to improved survival rates and quality of life for patients.
  • Expert oncologists: Leading specialists, many with ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) certification, have conducted thousands of chemotherapy sessions. They provide experienced and personalized care.

Access advanced Chemotherapy solutions in trusted clinics .

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1,500 clinics
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How Much Does Chemotherapy Cost in Italy?

The price is provided on request
The price research is based on updated and verified costs from the Bookimed partner clinics.

Your Benefits and Guarantees with Bookimed

Transparent Prices & Flexible Installments

No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Chemotherapy upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.

Verified Clinics & Doctors Only

Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Chemotherapy and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.

Free 24/7 Assistance

Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Chemotherapy journey.

Why we?

Your personal Bookimed medical coordinator

  • Supports you at every stage
  • Helps choose the right clinic and doctor
  • Ensures quick and convenient access to information

Discover the Best Chemotherapy Clinics in Italy: 4 Verified Options and Prices

The Bookimed clinic ranking is based on data science algorithms, providing a trusted, transparent, and objective comparison. It takes into account patient demand, review scores (both positive and negative), the frequency of updates to treatment options and prices, response speed, and clinic certifications.
San Raffaele
Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy
Maria Cecilia Hospital

Chemotherapy in Italy: Your Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Italy
  • Upon landing in Italy, you should ensure you have all necessary documentation, including your passport, translated medical records, and any imaging in DICOM format. This will facilitate the smooth progression of your chemotherapy treatment.
  • Contact the International Patient Office to confirm your arrival and provide any additional information they may require. This is crucial for maintaining communication and ensuring all appointments are on schedule.
  • Arrange transportation to your accommodation. You should stay in a location that provides easy access to the hospital to minimize travel stress.
  • Rest and acclimate to the local time zone. This will help you be in optimal condition for your upcoming medical consultations and procedures.
Day 2: Initial Consultation
  • You need to attend your scheduled face-to-face oncology consultation with Dr. Ferreri at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milano. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for any administrative procedures.
  • During the consultation, discuss your medical history, current condition, and any previous treatments. This is the time to ask questions and understand the proposed chemotherapy regimen, including the specific drugs and their potential side effects.
  • Dr. Ferreri may recommend additional diagnostic tests or imaging to tailor the chemotherapy plan to your needs. Be prepared for these recommendations and understand their importance in your treatment.
  • Confirm the schedule for your chemotherapy sessions, including dates and times. This will help you plan your stay in Italy efficiently.
Day 3-4: Diagnostic Tests (if required)
  • If additional tests are recommended, you should attend these appointments as scheduled. Common procedures may include blood tests, CT scans, or MRIs to assess your current health status and the progression of the disease.
  • Ensure you follow any pre-test instructions, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications, to ensure accurate results.
  • Use this time to rest and prepare for the upcoming chemotherapy sessions. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help your body cope with the treatment.
Day 5: Start of Chemotherapy
  • Arrive at the hospital for your first chemotherapy session. Confirm the specific chemotherapy drugs being used, such as cisplatin or doxorubicin, and understand their administration method, whether intravenous or oral.
  • During the session, communicate any discomfort or side effects to the medical staff. They can provide medications or other interventions to alleviate symptoms.
  • Post-treatment, follow any specific instructions provided by the medical team. This may include dietary recommendations, activity restrictions, or medication regimens to manage side effects.
Day 6-14: Monitoring and Follow-up
  • During the days following your chemotherapy session, monitor your health closely. Keep a log of any side effects or changes in your condition to report to your medical team.
  • Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments or consultations. These are crucial for assessing your response to the treatment and making any necessary adjustments.
  • Maintain open communication with the International Patient Office for any concerns or questions. They can facilitate communication with your medical team and provide support as needed.
  • Continue to rest and care for your health. Engage in light activities if advised by your doctor and maintain a supportive network of family or friends if possible.
Day 15: Preparation for Return Home
  • Before departing Italy, ensure you have all necessary documentation and medical records from your treatment. This will be important for your continued care at home.
  • Discuss your ongoing treatment plan with your medical team, including any follow-up chemotherapy sessions, medications, or lifestyle adjustments.
  • Confirm any post-treatment appointments, whether online consultations or local follow-ups, to ensure continuity of care.
  • Arrange transportation to the airport and ensure you have ample time for check-in and security procedures.
  • Consider any travel restrictions or health advisories related to your condition when planning your return journey.

Our Doctors

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verified

Giorgia Mangili

33 years of experience

Dr. Giorgia Mangili is the Head of the Medical Gynecological Oncology Group at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital since 2002. She has a degree in general medicine and specialties in gynecology and obstetrics, oncology, and is an Associate and Professor in obstetrics and gynecology. She focuses her work on gynaecological oncology, rare gynaecological tumours, preservation of in oncology and cancer and pregnancy. She is a member of the European Organisation for Treatment of Trophoblastic Diseases, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology, and the Italian Society of Gynecologic Oncology.

verified

Bianchini Giampaolo

20 years of experience
Doctor Giampaolo Bianchini is a medical oncologist with 15 years of clinical experience in breast cancer treatment. He has been a co-investigator in over 100 clinical trials and is the Head of the Breast Cancer Group and the clinical translational and immunotherapy research group at the Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan. He has a degree in general medicine and surgery and a specialization in medical oncology and has published over 45 papers on breast cancer.
verified

Armando Santoro

45 years of experience
Professor Armando Santoro is the Director of Cancer Center at Humanitas Research Hospital. The Center treats over 30,000 patients every day. Humanitas Cancer Center provides personalized and comprehensive care to thousands of complex oncological patients every year. The center focuses on delivering integrated and continuous care, covering emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and rehabilitative domains, and following discharged patients through home visits and collaboration with hospices.

Reviews about Bookimed: Discover Patients' Insights

All reviews
Shakiha • Meningioma
Oman
Aug 27, 2021
Verified review.
بصراحة أود شكر الفريق الطبي باكمله في مستشفى سان رفائييل قسم جراحة المخ والاعصاب بقيادة الخبير البروفيسور دكتور مورتيني شكر هو من أعماق قلبي على عدة امور : مستشفى في قمة الدقة والاتقان والتنظيم وفريق طبي متميز اضافة الى ان هذا الدكتور من التواضع والخبرة والاسلوب الراقي لا اجد الكلمات المعبرة لشكره والثناء عليه هو وفريقه المساعد من الجراحين وطبيبة التخدير ووالى اصغر موظف وعامل في هذا المستشفى الانساني واتمنى لهم التوفيق والنجاح في انقاذ ارواح الناس وعلاجهم وشفائهم
About Bookimed service
راضي عن هذه المنصة والدعم تمام الرضا وان شاء الله انصح جميع الذين يعانون من اي مرض يستطيع هذا المستشفى او المنصة تقديم المساعدة لهبالتواصل معهم على الفور واشكر دكتور يونس على اسلوبه الراقي ودعمه اللامحدود
Евгения • Stomach cancer surgery
Italy
Nov 7, 2018
Verified review.
"I declare with all responsibility that the San Rafael clinic in Milan is the best
The professionalism of the doctors, the newest equipment, the care of the clinic staff are among the best in Europe. The treatment and operations in Russia and Germany have been carried out, I declare with all responsibility that the San Rafael clinic in Milan is the best. After treating my father’s stomach cancer, I visited the neurologist and gastroenterologist and myself. Thank you so much to the coordinator, the doctors from the international department of the clinic. More in the world of such doctors. THANK YOU!
Anonymous • Consultation with an oncologist
Russian Federation
Jan 2, 2020
Verified review.
We received a remote consultation at the San Rafael Clinic, for us this format was not suitable, because the second opinion is for those who either confirm the diagnosis or ask for another alternative treatment, we were told that after the consultation, continue the same, although we were treated and there was no result, as a result, after a remote consultation, we were not assigned anything, plus all communication was extended for a couple of months, because the clinic’s response rate was very low. We could not get any concrete answer, so this consultation was useless for us.
Anonymous • Biopsy
Russian Federation
Feb 25, 2019
Verified review.
"Just returned from there
Just returned from there. Everything was top notch, and doctors, and the organization of the stay. It took 2 days from the first call to the bookmarked to my arrival in Milan. The next morning, consult a doctor. All questions were solved almost instantly, the results of all analyzes and studies were ready the next day. And constantly in touch with the coordinator Catherine and care worker Alexander. In my trips to the clinic, I was accompanied by a super translator Yulya Sukhneva. Thanks to the clear and professional work of Julia, Kati and Alexander, my stay was very short, I saved money on the hotel. The hotel, by the way, was excellent, up to the clinic, 200 meters. Yes, and more, the prices for consultations and analyzes are quite comparable with those in Moscow. I spent much less money than I thought at first. Thank you all!
HALYNA NIKOLAIEVA • Melanoma
Ukraine
Jun 10, 2019
Verified review.
Thanks her
The doctor caused confidence and showed high professionalism, understood all the details and documents. She appointed the newest treatment. Satisfied with the service, Katerina Bonko was constantly in touch, showed attention and care. Thanks her.
About Bookimed service
I am satisfied with the service, Katerina Bonko was constantly in touch, showed attention and care. Thanks her.
Anonymous • Consultation with an oncologist
Ukraine
Jun 29, 2022
Verified review.
- We were confirmed the same diagnosis that we received in Ukraine
We were confirmed the same diagnosis that we received in Ukraine. It was decided to continue treatment in Ukraine.
About Bookimed service
So
Anonymous • Consultation with an oncologist
Italy
Jan 22, 2022
Verified review.
I would not hesitate to recommend Bookimed for enabling to have the required treatment
The Hospital handled my appointment and the paperwork promptly and efficiently. My outpatient contact with the Consultant was very professional. I would not hesitate to recommend Bookimed for enabling to have the required treatment.
About Bookimed service
Yes

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Our Chemotherapy Techniques: What Suits You Best?

When considering Chemotherapy, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)

HIPEC involves delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity to treat cancer.

Pros: HIPEC can target cancer cells more effectively within the abdomen compared to syic chemotherapy. It has shown a 50% increase in survival rates for certain cancers.
Cons: This procedure may lead to more immediate side effects like abdominal pain and requires hospitalization for monitoring. Only suitable for cancers confined to the peritoneal cavity.
Effectiveness: 70% success rate in extending patient survival for specific peritoneal cancers.
Duration: 6-12 hours.
Recovery: 4-6 weeks.
Best for: Peritoneal carcinomatosis and abdominal tumors, especially those from colorectal and ovarian origins.
Prices: Cost of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Italy from $12,500

Chemotherapy for liver cancer

Involves the use of powerful drugs to target and destroy cancer cells in the liver, aiming to shrink tumors and prevent metastasis.

Pros: Provides syic treatment, reaching cancer cells throughout the body. Effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for 40% of patients.
Cons: Associated with significant side effects like nausea and fatigue in 80% of cases. Less targeted compared to localized therapies like HIPEC.
Effectiveness: Achieves a tumor response rate of 20-30% in liver cancer cases.
Duration: Each session lasts 2-6 hours, repeated every 3 weeks.
Recovery: Initial recovery period of 1-2 months, with ongoing management of side effects.
Best for: Liver cancer patients with metastatic disease, requiring syic treatment. Addresses tumor reduction and symptom management.
Prices: Cost of Chemotherapy for liver cancer in Italy from $1,800

Chemotherapy for lung cancer

Chemo uses cancer drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells in the lungs.

Pros: Effective in shrinking tumors and improving survival rates in 60% of cases. Can be used in combination with radiation therapy for better results.
Cons: Causes significant side effects like fatigue and nausea in 70% of patients. May not be suitable for those with existing health conditions.
Effectiveness: 60% success rate in tumor reduction.
Duration: Treatment sessions last 1-3 hours over several weeks.
Recovery: Recovery can take 4-6 weeks after the final session.
Best for: Targeting lung tumors and metastases in patients with stage 3 or 4 lung cancer.
Prices: Cost of Chemotherapy for lung cancer in Italy from $1,000

Chemotherapy for breast cancer

Chemotherapy for breast cancer is a syic treatment using drugs to destroy cancer cells in the body.

Pros: Effective in reducing tumor size before surgery, with a success rate of up to 70%. Can be combined with other therapies for better outcomes.
Cons: May cause significant side effects like hair loss and fatigue in 60% of patients. Requires multiple sessions over several months.
Effectiveness: Achieves a complete response in approximately 30% of patients.
Duration: 1-3 hours per session, repeated every 3 weeks over 3-6 months.
Recovery: Recovery from side effects can take several weeks to months.
Best for: Early-stage breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer. Suitable for patients with high-risk tumors.
Prices: Cost of Chemotherapy for breast cancer in Italy from $1,200