Blood cancer treatment in Turkey

Blood cancer (hematologic malignancies) is a group of malignant diseases affecting the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and blood. These include leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Modern treatment in Turkey makes it possible to achieve high remission rates even in complex cases thanks to JACIE-accredited centers, the latest targeted drugs, and extensive experience in bone marrow transplantation.

According to data from the Turkish national AML registry, complete remission is achieved in 70.2% of patients undergoing intensive therapy, and the addition of targeted drugs significantly improves outcomes even in elderly and frail patients (mdpi).

For many years, Turkey has been one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in hemato-oncology. It combines international treatment protocols, access to innovative medications, and significantly lower costs compared to Europe and the USA.

At Experts Medical, we have been helping patients with blood cancer for more than 9 years. During this time, we have organized treatment for thousands of people and know exactly where the most consistent results are achieved.

Types of Blood Cancer Treated in Turkey

• Acute leukemias (AML and ALL)
• Chronic leukemias (CML and CLL)
• Lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin)
• Multiple myeloma
• Other severe blood disorders (aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes)

Modern Blood Cancer Treatment Methods in Turkey

For patients under 18 years old, partial support from charitable foundations may be available (up to 11,000–22,000 USD). However, such support is not guaranteed and depends on the specific case, diagnosis, and the availability of funds at the time of application.

How Blood Cancer Treatment Is Performed in Turkey

1. Preliminary Stage (online, 3–10 days)

• Review of medical records
• Second opinion from a hematologist-oncologist
• Preparation of a treatment plan and precise cost calculation

2. Main Stage

• Advanced diagnostics (NGS, immunophenotyping, PET-CT)
• Start of therapy in a specialized department
• If necessary — donor search and preparation for transplantation

3. Rehabilitation and Follow-Up

• After chemotherapy — outpatient recovery period
• After transplantation — 3–6 months under supervision (part of the time spent in a hotel)
• Remote monitoring after returning home

Average length of stay:

• Chemotherapy and targeted therapy — 2–4 months
• Bone marrow transplantation — 4–7 months

Recovery After Blood Cancer Treatment

• After chemotherapy — recovery takes 4–8 weeks.
• After transplantation — 6–12 months (the first 3–6 months in Turkey).
• Important: immunosuppression, infection prevention, and regular MRD (minimal residual disease) monitoring are required.

Most patients return to normal life within 1 year.

Side Effects and Their Management

Blood cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, can cause serious side effects. Turkish clinics use modern supportive care protocols to minimize discomfort and complications.

The most common side effects include:

• Myelosuppression — a decrease in blood cell counts requiring transfusions and infection prevention
• Nausea and vomiting — controlled with modern antiemetic drugs
• Mucositis — inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract
• Infectious complications — requiring preventive antibiotic therapy
• Fatigue and weakness — gradually improve after completion of intensive therapy

Turkish clinics have supportive care specialists who help patients manage side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.

How Blood Cancer Is Diagnosed in Turkey

Diagnostics are performed quickly and with maximum accuracy:

• Comprehensive blood tests + morphology
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Immunophenotyping (flow cytometry)
• Cytogenetics + NGS (up to 600 genes)
• PET-CT if necessary

The results allow doctors to determine the molecular profile of the tumor and immediately start the most effective treatment.

Why Patients Choose Blood Cancer Treatment in Turkey

• JACIE-accredited centers with extensive transplantation experience
• Access to the latest targeted drugs and immunotherapies
• High level of intensive care support and complication management
• Costs 2–3 times lower than in Europe and the USA
• Full Russian-language support

Treatment is especially востребовано for patients from CIS countries and Ukraine, where access to unrelated transplantation and modern medications is limited.

Statistics and Prognosis for Leukemia Treatment in Turkey

Treatment outcomes for leukemia in Turkey meet modern international standards, especially in large specialized centers. Success largely depends on the type of leukemia, the patient’s age, risk group, and the timeliness of therapy.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

According to the Turkish national AML registry (2025):

• Complete remission is achieved in 70.2% of patients after intensive chemotherapy.
• With low-intensity regimens combined with targeted drugs (venetoclax) — in 51.4%.
• 1-year overall survival: – 54.1% for favorable risk – 28.9% for intermediate risk – 17.6% for adverse risk

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Modern protocols using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for Ph+ disease), blinatumomab, and inotuzumab make it possible to achieve:

• 5-year survival of 80% or higher in Ph-positive ALL
• 4-year survival of 80–85% in young adults with Ph-negative ALL (PubMed)

Important success factors in Turkey:

• Rapid access to modern targeted drugs
• High level of intensive care support after transplantation
• Regular molecular profiling of the tumor
• Extensive experience in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

In leading Turkish centers, treatment outcomes for acute leukemias are often comparable to those of top clinics in Europe and the USA.

Experts Medical – Support for Blood Cancer Treatment in Turkey

Treatment of blood cancer abroad requires not only choosing a clinic, but also understanding the entire treatment process. It is necessary to understand the type of disease, treatment options, and timelines, which may extend over several months. Many modern treatment methods are available in Turkey, but without a structured approach, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

At Experts Medical, we help organize this process step by step and without unnecessary stress. We work with clinics and specialists in hematology and help determine which treatment options are most appropriate in your case — from chemotherapy to bone marrow transplantation or CAR T-cell therapy. It is important to understand in advance what the entire treatment journey will look like — from diagnosis to long-term follow-up.

How We Support the Process

We take care of organization and coordination so that you can focus on treatment:

• Review of medical records
• Selection of clinics and hematologists
• Preliminary treatment plans and cost estimates
• Explanation of available treatment methods
• Organization of travel and accommodation
• On-site support
• Post-treatment support

What Is Important to Consider

In blood cancer treatment, much depends on the type of disease and the correctly chosen treatment strategy. Turkey offers modern treatment methods at a more affordable cost compared to Europe and the USA.

We help you understand the possible options and limitations in advance so that your decision is informed and balanced.

If you are considering blood cancer treatment in Turkey, contact us — we will help review your situation and organize the process step by step.

Recommended Clinics and Specialists

Anadolu Medical Center

Anadolu Medical Center is one of the leading blood cancer treatment centers in Turkey. The clinic holds OECI and ESMO Designated Centre accreditations and operates one of the largest and most experienced bone marrow transplantation programs in the country.

Clinic advantages:

• International OECI and ESMO accreditations
• One of the largest bone marrow transplantation programs in Turkey (more than 3,000 transplants since 2010)
• Full cycle of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma treatment — from molecular diagnostics to all types of transplantation
• Active use of targeted therapy and immunotherapy
• Strong multidisciplinary team of hematologists and hemato-oncologists

Leading specialist:

Prof. Zafer Gulbas 

Director of the bone marrow transplantation program. One of the most experienced hematologist-oncologists in Turkey with nearly 50 years of experience. Specializes in complex high-risk leukemias, relapsed forms, and haploidentical transplants in adults and children. Under his leadership, the Anadolu BMT Center has become one of the regional leaders in the number and success rate of transplantations.

Florence Nightingale Hospitals

Florence Nightingale Hospitals is a well-known center for blood disorder treatment in Turkey with extensive experience in leukemia and lymphoma therapy. The clinic offers a full cycle of treatment for acute and chronic leukemias: from intensive chemotherapy and targeted drugs to bone marrow transplantation, with special attention to complication prevention.

Clinic advantages:

• Well-developed treatment program for leukemia and other hematologic diseases
• Strong system for monitoring and managing complications after chemotherapy and transplantation
• Modern treatment protocols for high-risk forms of acute leukemia
• Experienced multidisciplinary team of hematologists and oncologists
• High level of service and treatment organization for international patients

Leading specialist:

Prof. Mutlu Arat

Director of the adult bone marrow transplantation program. Hematologist-oncologist with enormous practical experience — more than 1,400 transplants performed. Specializes in the treatment of acute leukemias and lymphomas in adults. Actively participates in European EBMT studies and has deep expertise in the prevention and treatment of post-transplant complications, including graft-versus-host disease.

Memorial Şişli Hospital

Memorial Şişli Hospital is one of Turkey’s most experienced clinics in systemic blood cancer treatment. The clinic активно uses advanced molecular testing and modern treatment protocols for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, including targeted drugs and immunotherapy.

Clinic advantages:

• Advanced molecular testing (NGS) for personalized treatment
• Access to modern targeted drugs and immunotherapy
• Well-organized multidisciplinary tumor boards involving hematologists and oncologists
• High level of JCI accreditation and extensive experience with international patients
• Comprehensive approach — from precise diagnostics to maintenance therapy

Leading specialist:

Prof. Serkan Keskin 

Medical oncologist with more than 24 years of experience. Specializes in systemic therapy for leukemia and lymphoma. Expert in molecular profiling and selection of targeted therapy for FLT3, IDH1/2, BCR-ABL mutations, and other alterations. Actively uses NGS testing of more than 600 genes for precise treatment planning. Member of ASCO and ESMO.

Medicana International Istanbul

Medicana International Istanbul is a specialized blood cancer treatment center with a modern bone marrow transplantation program. The clinic successfully performs all types of transplantation for leukemias, including complex haploidentical cases, and actively uses modern targeted therapy.

Clinic advantages:

• JACIE-accredited HLA typing laboratory
• 11 HEPA-filtered rooms for maximum protection of post-transplant patients
• High level of coordination within the transplant team
• Modern treatment protocols for acute and chronic leukemias
• Active use of targeted therapy and immunotherapy

Leading specialist:

Prof. Yener Koc

Director of the bone marrow transplantation program. Hematologist-oncologist with more than 27 years of experience in Turkey and the USA. JACIE inspector for accreditation of European transplantation centers. Has extensive experience in complex haploidentical transplants using the PTCy protocol. Co-author of major European studies on acute leukemia treatment.

Acibadem Atakent Hospital

Acibadem Atakent Hospital is a modern blood cancer treatment center in Turkey with a strong team of medical oncologists. The clinic specializes in systemic therapy for leukemia and lymphoma, actively using targeted drugs, immunotherapy, and personalized protocols based on molecular profiling.

Clinic advantages:

• Modern systemic and targeted therapy for leukemia and lymphoma
• Advanced molecular testing for precise treatment selection
• Strong team of medical oncologists within one of the largest healthcare networks in Turkey
• Access to the latest international blood cancer treatment protocols
• High technological level of diagnostics and therapy monitoring

Leading specialist:

Prof. İbrahim Yıldız

Medical oncologist and specialist in systemic blood cancer therapy. Has extensive experience using targeted therapy and immunotherapy for leukemia. Actively participates in multidisciplinary tumor boards for the treatment of acute and chronic leukemias, using molecular profiling for individualized treatment selection.

Medipol Mega University Hospital

Medipol Mega University Hospital is a large university center in Istanbul with an active blood cancer treatment program. The clinic offers modern treatment for leukemia and multiple myeloma, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and participation in clinical trials of new drugs.

Clinic advantages:

• University-level diagnostics and leukemia treatment
• Active participation in clinical trials of innovative drugs
• Advanced molecular profiling for precise therapy selection
• Modern treatment protocols for acute and chronic forms of blood cancer
• Large multidisciplinary hospital with comprehensive patient support

Leading specialist:

Prof. Omur Gokmen Sevindik 

Specialist in targeted therapy for leukemia and myeloma. Has experience working at Mayo Clinic (USA) and successfully implements international approaches in Turkey. Pays special attention to the use of venetoclax and other targeted drugs and publishes real-world clinical practice results in the treatment of leukemia and refractory forms of blood cancer.

Final Analysis: Which Doctor and Center Are Best Suited for Different Patients

Blood cancer treatment is one of the most complex areas of oncology. Here, the outcome depends not only on the protocol itself, but also on the experience of the transplant specialist, the quality of the bone marrow program, and the team’s ability to respond quickly to complications.

Who should be considered first:

• Prof. Zafer Gulbas (Anadolu Medical Center) The absolute leader in bone marrow transplantation in Turkey. Under his leadership, more than 3,000 transplants have been performed since 2010. An ideal choice for high-risk acute leukemias, relapses, and complex cases requiring allogeneic transplantation. The center holds OECI and ESMO accreditations.
• Prof. Yener Koc (Medicana International Istanbul) One of the strongest specialists in haploidentical transplantation. JACIE inspector, more than 27 years of experience, active participant in European studies. Especially recommended when there is no fully matched donor available.
• Prof. Mutlu Arat (Florence Nightingale Hospitals) Extensive experience (more than 1,400 transplants) and deep expertise in the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease. A strong choice for T-cell leukemias and complex post-transplant complications.
• Prof. Serkan Keskin (Memorial Şişli Hospital) Strong medical oncologist and expert in molecular profiling and targeted therapy. Especially recommended when precise selection of modern drugs is required (FLT3, IDH, BTK inhibitors, etc.).

In short:

In blood cancer treatment, choosing the right doctor and transplantation center is often more important than the protocol itself. The experience of the team and the quality of the bone marrow program directly affect the chances of achieving remission and quality of life after treatment.

Conclusion

Blood cancer treatment in Turkey today is one of the most successful and sought-after options for patients from different countries. Turkish clinics offer modern chemotherapy protocols, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as high-quality bone marrow transplantation with good results even in complex and relapsed forms of leukemia.

Thanks to the extensive experience of transplant specialists, modern equipment, and an individualized approach, many patients achieve long-term remission and return to normal life. Turkish centers are especially strong in the treatment of acute leukemias and in performing allogeneic transplants, including haploidentical procedures.

If you or your loved ones are facing a leukemia diagnosis — do not delay your decision. Timely referral to a specialized center significantly increases the chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions