Prof. Dr. Turgay Çelikel
OncologyVerified
- 47+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Oncology
Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy in Turkey
This guide covers systemic oncology treatments available in Turkey, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. It provides an overview of the medical journey, how these systemic treatments are planned, factors that influence overall costs, and how to thoroughly evaluate hospitals before making an informed decision.
A written plan with the surgeon's name and the full price — usually within 24 hours.
- Treatments
- 38
- Hospitals
- 2
- Verified
- 1
- Price from
- Price on request
Verified surgeons for Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy
1 doctor Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Systemic Oncology Treatments Available
Systemic treatments for cancer are medications that travel through the bloodstream to reach cells throughout the body. This category encompasses several distinct approaches. The most common is chemotherapy, which relies on chemical agents to destroy rapidly dividing cells. While effective, it can also affect healthy fast-growing cells, leading to known side effects. In contrast, immunotherapy works by stimulating the patient's immune system so it can better recognise and attack abnormal cells.
Other modalities include targeted therapy, which focuses on specific genetic mutations in the tumour, and CAR-T cell therapy. Regimens exist for lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and sarcomas. Some treatments, such as HIPEC, involve delivering heated drugs directly into the abdominal cavity rather than through the bloodstream. These methods function differently and are frequently used in combination.
Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy in Turkey
- ChemotherapyPopular
- ImmunotherapyPopular
- Targeted TherapyPopular
- CAR-T Cell Therapy
- Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
- Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Liver Cancer
- Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
- Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
- Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
- Sarcoma Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy for Brain Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Larynx Cancer
- Xofigo Radium 223
- Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer
- Target Therapy for Lung Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Uterine Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
- Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer
- Intra Arterial Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy for Gallbladder Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Esophageal Carcinoma
- Chemotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- NK Cell Therapy
- Chemotherapy for Stomach Cancer
- Androgen Deprivation Therapy
- Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Kidney Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer
- CAR-T for DLBCL
- CAR-T for Paediatric ALL
- Complex Treatment of Retinoblastoma
- CAR NK Cell Therapy
Determining the Appropriate Treatment
Systemic therapies are generally prescribed for patients whose cancer has the potential to spread, has already spread, or needs to be reduced before surgical intervention. The decision of which drug or combination to use is never simple and is not made by the patient alone. It is a strictly medical decision based on a precise pathological diagnosis, molecular profiling, and the stage of the disease.
When considering oncology treatments in Turkey, patients typically present their biopsy results and genetic panels to a medical oncologist. Tumour boards often review the case to decide if a standard protocol or a newer biologic agent is appropriate. Some cancers respond to hormone-blocking therapies, while others require chemical intervention or specific immune checkpoint inhibitors. Patients should discuss the rationale for the regimen, expected goals, and potential for toxicity.
The Medical Journey and Recovery Process
Travelling abroad for systemic cancer care requires substantial logistical planning because these treatments are rarely single events. They are typically administered in cycles over a period of weeks or months. Patients travelling for care must prepare for an extended stay or multiple return trips.
The schedule usually involves receiving the infusion or oral medication, followed by a rest period to allow the body to recover and to monitor blood counts. During this time, patients must remain close to the hospital to manage potential complications. A typical cycle includes:
- Initial consultations and baseline imaging to confirm the current status.
- Placement of a port or central line if intravenous treatment is extensive.
- Administration of the drugs in a dedicated infusion centre.
- Regular blood tests to monitor white blood cell counts, liver function, and kidney function.
- Management of side effects, which can include fatigue, nausea, neuropathy, or immune-mediated inflammatory responses.
Recovery between cycles is highly variable. Some patients maintain a relatively normal routine, while others experience significant fatigue that requires substantial rest.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Treatment
The overall cost of systemic oncology care varies and is impossible to predict without a specific plan. The primary factor is the type of medication. Standard generic drugs have a different cost profile compared to newer targeted therapies or advanced immune-modulating agents, which can be highly expensive.
Furthermore, the dosage of many oncological drugs is calculated based on the patient's body weight or body surface area, meaning costs fluctuate between individuals. The total number of cycles prescribed also dictates the final expense. Additional costs to consider include the administration fees for the infusion centre, necessary supportive medications to manage side effects, and the frequent laboratory tests and imaging scans required to monitor the response. Accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the cycles also add significantly to the total financial commitment.
Evaluating Hospitals and Medical Teams
Selecting a facility for systemic cancer treatment requires careful due diligence. Patients should focus on hospitals that have dedicated, well-equipped medical oncology departments rather than general clinics. It is important to verify if the hospital holds international accreditations that mandate strict protocols for drug preparation and patient safety, such as proper handling of cytotoxic materials.
Research the specific medical oncologist who will be leading the care. Check their medical background, board certifications, and their experience with the particular type of cancer in question. Since systemic treatments can cause severe adverse reactions, the chosen hospital must have comprehensive intensive care facilities and a robust emergency response system to manage sudden complications like neutropenic fever or severe immune reactions.
Planning Your Treatment and Requesting a Quote
Initiating care in another country begins with gathering all relevant medical documentation. This includes recent PET-CT or MRI scans, complete pathology reports, detailed surgical notes, and a history of any previous treatments or medications.
Once these documents are submitted, the medical team will evaluate the case to determine if they can offer an appropriate protocol. Patients can request a free quote to receive a detailed, written medical plan from the hospital. This document will outline the proposed drugs, the schedule of cycles, the required diagnostic tests, and the estimated duration of stay. Reviewing this written plan carefully allows patients and their families to understand the clinical approach, the logistical demands, and the potential risks before committing to travel.
Hospitals with Oncology in Turkey
Conditions
Other Oncology categories
Frequently asked questions
Chemotherapy uses chemical substances to attack and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and some healthy cells. Immunotherapy, however, works by modifying or stimulating your own immune system so it can identify and destroy abnormal cells more effectively.
The length of stay depends entirely on your specific protocol. Treatments are given in cycles, which might span several weeks or months. Some patients choose to stay for the entire duration, while others travel home between cycles if their health and schedule permit.
Yes, targeted therapies are available in major medical facilities. These medications focus on specific genetic mutations or proteins within the tumour. Eligibility depends on detailed molecular profiling and genetic testing of your biopsy tissue to ensure the drug matches your specific condition.
Medical oncology departments monitor patients closely for adverse reactions, such as neutropenic fever or immune-related inflammation. If severe side effects occur, hospitals provide supportive care and, if necessary, intensive care units to stabilise your condition and adjust your ongoing protocol accordingly.
It is possible. While a preliminary plan is made based on your medical records, doctors will perform their own blood tests and scans upon your arrival. If the current status of the disease differs from the initial reports, the medication type or dosage may be adjusted.
Facilities generally use internationally approved pharmaceutical protocols and medications. The chemical agents, targeted drugs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors prescribed are typically the same standard compounds used globally, provided they are indicated for your specific pathology and stage of disease.
Dosages are strictly individualised. They are primarily based on your body surface area, which is calculated from your height and weight. The medical oncologist will also factor in your age, overall health, liver and kidney function, and the specific guidelines for the prescribed drug.