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TOP 10 clinics for oncology treatment 2023
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Rectal cancer treatment in Turkey
According to the World Health Organization, colon and rectal cancer kills about 2,000,000 people worldwide each year. It is the second most common cause of death from cancer.
Turkish doctors treat colon cancer with more than 91% success if the tumor is detected at an early stage. This is made possible through personalized screening programs for men and women of all ages.
In Turkey you can receive treatment for rectal cancer using modern methods of radiotherapy, immunotherapy and new chemotherapy medications. All operations are conducted in a minimally invasive way. This increases the patient’s chances of a full recovery and improves the quality of life.
MedTour patients recommend clinics for the treatment of rectal cancer in Turkey:
Frequently Asked Questions
Multidisciplinary medical team
Every patient diagnosed with colon cancer is treated in Turkish hospitals by a team of specialists: medical oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, chemotherapists and other specialists.
By working together, specialists can achieve the best possible results and avoid malpractice. The stages of therapy are discussed at weekly meetings, which are devoted to cancer patients.
Technological equipment
Turkish hospitals have modern, high technology equipment for diagnosis and treatment of all degrees and types of cancer, including colon cancer. Each oncology department is equipped with ultrasound, 3T MRI and PET-CT devices for rapid visualization of the pathological focus.
Biopsies (collection of biological material) for rectal cancer are performed under the supervision of computer navigation.
Radiation therapy is performed with the new linear gas pedals Varian TrueBeam STx and Radixact Accuracy.
Minimally invasive surgery
Turkish oncologic surgeons prefer minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer. Furthermore, all manipulations are done through small incisions in the rectum (transrectal access) or through small punctures in the abdomen (laparoscopic technique).
Also, Turkish surgeons may suggest performing the surgery with the help of the da Vinci robot. This new method allows complex surgical interventions with minimal blood loss and fast rehabilitation.
The final cost of diagnosis depends on the stage of the cancer process, the patient’s general condition, and the accreditation of the clinic. In addition to basic tests, additional tests may be required in the course of diagnosis.
Average cost of basic tests in Turkey:
- Doctor’s consultation -$150,
- Laboratory blood tests — $350,
- PET CT — $900,
- MRI (if needed) — $560,
- Colonoscopy with sleep biopsy — $1200.
On the MedTour platform, we have gathered for you the best clinics in Turkey for cancer treatment. To choose a medical center, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
- The clinic should be multidisciplinary, because during the diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer, it is often necessary to consult a subspecialty doctor or a specific examination.
- The treatment of rectal cancer should take place in a specialized oncology department under the supervision of a medical oncologist and an oncologic surgeon.
- It is important that the hospital has its own pathology laboratory. After biological samples are taken, the pathologist performs molecular and genetic studies that allow the tumor subtype to be identified. This affects the prognosis and the stages of treatment.
- International certifications of clinics testify to high standards of medical care and service. Most medical centers in Turkey are internationally accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International).
Most medical centers which meet all the necessary criteria are located in Istanbul, some clinics are in Ankara, Antalya and Bursa.
Leave your request on MedTour’s website. We will answer your questions and help with the selection of clinics.
Metin Chakmakchi
The doctor has the title of professor and doctor of medical sciences. At Anadolu Hospital he is the Head of the Department of General and Oncological Surgery. Professor Cakmakci specializes in laparoscopic and robotic operations for the removal of intestinal tumors.
With over 30 years of surgical experience, the doctor is a member of the American Surgical Association and chairs the European Surgical Infection Society.
Yeşim Yıldırım
The doctor heads the Turkish Association of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology. His area of interest includes modern conservative treatment of colorectal cancer using targeted therapy and immune drugs. He is affiliated with the Anadolu Clinic and is a member of the American and European Association for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
Göhan Chipe
The professor has over 15 years of experience in colorectal tumor surgery. He did his fellowship in Japan and also worked on a rectal surgery study in Florida, USA. Since 2019, the professor has been working at Memorial Hospital Shishli. The specialist is a member of the American and European association of colorectal surgery.
Turkish doctors treat rectal cancer according to American and European therapy protocols. The following methods are available here:
- Surgical treatment,
- Chemotherapy,
- Radiation therapy,
- Immunotherapy,
- Target therapy,
To sign up for treatment at one of the Turkish clinics, leave your contact information on the MedTour website. We help patients with organizing the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer abroad.
Our medical coordinator will take a detailed medical history and help send your medical records to the clinic for review. You can get an individual diagnosis and treatment program from the comfort of your home.
We provide assistance in organizing your flight, accommodation and escort without additional financial charges. Our services are absolutely free for you and paid in advance by the clinic!
How colon cancer is treated in Turkey (2021)
Surgical treatment
Turkish oncologic surgeons are proficient in modern techniques of rectal cancer removal, with a preference for minimally invasive techniques. Surgical removal is one of the main forms of treatment for rectal cancer along with radiation and chemotherapy.
Tumor removal here is performed using laparoscopic techniques or using the Da Vinci robotic machine. The type of surgery depends on how close the tumor is to the anus.
Ablation and embolization
If a rectal tumor has spread to other organs and tissues, or if the entire tumor body cannot be removed, doctors use ablation and embolization techniques. Ablation involves destroying the tumor with various factors.
In Turkey, they use cryoablation (cold exposure), radiofrequency, ultrasound and other ablation methods.
Embolization refers to the process of blocking the lumen of the vessel that feeds the tumor with blood. Chemo- or radiopharmaceuticals are used as «blocking» material.
Radiation Therapy
Turkish specialists use radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy and surgical removal to treat rectal cancer. Anorectal tumors are irradiated with external radiation therapy or internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy).
Clinics in Turkey are equipped with advanced linear radiotherapy units. Modern computer navigation systems allow precise calculation of the effective radiation dose with minimal impact on healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy
Appropriate chemotherapy regimen can effectively fight cancer cells. Turkish medical oncologists choose the chemotherapy protocol based on the American treatment protocols.
Turkish Ministry of Health strictly controls the medications and monitors their quality, content and shelf life. This ensures that the patient receives the exact treatment prescribed by the doctor. An important emphasis is placed on supportive therapy, which aims at eliminating the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy, such as:
- Vomiting,
- Nausea,
- Hair loss,
- Loss or gain in weight,
- Hormonal malfunctions,
Immunotherapy
One of the most effective ways of fighting colon cancer cells is immunotherapy. Special medications affect the patient’s immune system and stimulate it to fight the tumor cells. This makes it possible to combine medication therapy (from outside) with internal, natural mechanisms of destroying atypical (cancer) cells.
Immune drugs are used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. Turkish doctors use such drugs for immunotherapy:
- .
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda),
- Nivolumab (Opdivo),
- Ipilimumab (Yervoy).
Target therapy
The most novel approach to treating cancer patients is targeted therapy (targeted therapy). The fundamental difference between targeted drugs and conventional chemotherapy is their selective action.
They act directly on the tumor cells, damaging healthy tissues and organs to a lesser extent. The purpose of the targeted drugs is to disrupt the growth, reproduction and division stages of the tumor cell.
At Turkish Medical Centers, you may be offered treatment with one of the following drugs:
- Bevacizumab (Avastin),
- Ramucirumab (Cyramza),
- Zaltrab (Zaltrap).
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I had prostate cancer and I decided to have a surgerv in Medipol clinic. I have heard about it from my friends to did the same surgery here. I was amazed about modern technology in this hospital! Doctors and nurses are super polite and educated. Everyone speaks english and is ready to help in every situation. My turkish surgeon was the best doctor, which I have ever met in my life. Results of the surgery are estounishing. I feel myself great and I am very thankful to MedTour for organizing my medical trip!