Chemotherapy in Turkey

Price of chemotherapy in Turkey

The exact price of a chemotherapy session in Turkey cannot be defined. Too many factors come into play. The result of the diagnosis is the most important factor. But the facility chosen by the patient and the treatment technique used can also influence the cost of the treatment. It ranges from €1,350 to €4,500.

Chemotherapy in Turkey

From €1,350

Introduction

Treating cancer is a difficult task. The aim is to eliminate each cancer cell so that they do not spread throughout the body. Cancer specialists use various strategies to achieve this.

These include radiotherapy. This method involves damaging the DNA of abnormal cells with ionising radiation. This will put an end to their actions. Oncologists may also schedule surgery. This removes the malignant tumour.

There is also targeted therapy known as immunotherapy. This is based on stimulating the immune system, thereby strengthening the body’s natural defences. The immune system is then able to neutralise each cancer cell.

Chemotherapy completes the list. Turkey is one of the top destinations for this type of cancer treatment. It has attracted a number of international patients. Organising a chemotherapy stay in Turkey is now much simpler. All you need to do is contact our specialists.

What is chemotherapy in Turkey?

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment. It is designed to destroy cancer cells using one or more powerful drugs. The products can also inhibit their growth and proliferation. In addition, they prevent the abnormal cell from damaging neighbouring tissue.

The oncologist may use different anti-cancer substances. However, he or she must select each drug to be used according to various criteria, including :

• The type of cancer to be treated,
• The stage of the disease,
• The patient’s state of health.

There are currently various chemotherapy protocols. They are named according to the initials of the drugs used. These include

• CMF (Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil),
• FEC (Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide), widely used in the treatment of breast cancer,
• CAPOX (Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin) used to treat cancers that develop in the intestine,
• FOLFOX (folic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin).

Chemotherapy in Turkey should be carried out in a hospital or clinic. The supervision of an experienced medical team is indeed required. However, the doctor may make an exception in certain cases. He will authorise the administration of the drugs at the patient’s home. The intervention of a qualified carer then becomes necessary.

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How is chemotherapy treatment carried out in Turkey?

Preparation

The success of chemotherapy in Turkey depends on a number of factors. These include the patient’s state of health and the form of the cancer. The doctor must therefore make a proper diagnosis. He is required to examine his patient and schedule a series of medical tests that may include:

• Toxicity tests,
• Genomic testing,
• Functional testing or phenotyping,
• Blood tests.

Treatment

Only theoncologist can determine whether or not chemotherapy can be administered at the patient’s home. It all depends on the type of drug used and the method of administration. The doctor may opt for chemotherapy treatment :

• Oral,
• Subcutaneous
• Intramuscular,
• Intravenous,
• Intra-arterial,
• In the peritoneum,
• Intra pleural,
• Intra ventricular, etc.

Treatment is given in cycles. For example, the doctor may schedule a daily chemotherapy session for three weeks. He then recommends a 20-day break. The period without treatment is necessary to allow the body to recover. The frequency of cyclical sessions varies according to the patient’s state of health. Chemotherapy in Turkey can be scheduled before or after surgery.

Convalescence

The doctor offers palliative care to improve the patient’s comfort after each chemotherapy session. This may include the administration of anti-nausea drugs. The patient must also rest to recover quickly.

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What are the risks, complications and side effects?

Chemotherapy in Turkey can haveside effects. They vary according to the substance used, the dosage and the way the person’s body reacts to the treatment. Common side effects include

• Temporary hair loss,
• Decrease in red blood cells, causing fatigue and anaemia,
• A drop in the number of white blood cells, which increases the risk of infection,
• A drop in platelets, which can cause thrombocytopenia or bleeding,
• Damage to the mouth due to fragile mucous membranes,
• Skin disorders such as redness and dryness,
• Nausea,
• Sexual problems, which are very common in people who have undergone chemotherapy based on hormonal treatments, etc.

Why have chemotherapy in Turkey?

Many international patients have decided to undergo chemotherapy in Turkey. They come from all over the world. They have chosen to be treated in a country with the best chemotherapy hospitals. They are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Each facility is able to provide high-quality care for its patients. Among the most renowned are :

• Florence Nightingale Hospital, a Joint Commission International accredited facility located in Istanbul,
• The Anadolu Medical Centre in Kocaeli, which uses advanced technology and offers personalised treatment to each patient,
• Bahcelievler Medical Park hospital in Istanbul, renowned for its excellent service,
• VM Medical Park hospital Florya in Instanbul,
• Memorial Hospital in Istanbul, renowned for its team of experienced oncologists,
• Medicana International Hospital in Ankara, etc.

Each Turkish hospital also has an experienced and efficient nursing staff. These include highly qualified and competent nurses and doctors. They work hard to meet patients’ every need.

Cancer treatment is the leading speciality of Turkey’s medical experts. They use a range of innovative and effective products. The affordable cost of treatment also reinforces the country’s popularity as a destination for chemotherapy.

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Frequently asked questions about chemotherapy in Turkey