Chemotherapy in Turkey

Oncology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. Oncology is a complex field requiring a thorough understanding of cancer biology, treatment modalities, and patient management. Advances in research continue to improve diagnosis and treatment options, leading to better outcomes for patients. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include both cancerous and some healthy cells. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy drugs interfere with the cancer cell’s ability to grow and divide by damaging their DNA or disrupting the processes involved in cell division.

Types of Chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy: The use of cytotoxic drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. Different regimens are tailored based on the type of cancer and individual patient factors.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs designed to target specific molecular abnormalities that are driving cancer growth (e.g., HER2 inhibitors in breast cancer, EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer).
• Immunotherapy: Treatments that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer, such as checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Pembrolizumab) and CAR T-cell therapy.
• Hormone Therapy: Used for cancers that are hormone-sensitive, this treatment blocks the body’s natural hormones (e.g., tamoxifen for breast cancer, androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer).

Surgical Oncology

Surgical oncology has evolved with advances in technology, leading to minimally invasive surgical options such as:

• Laparoscopic Surgery: A technique that uses small incisions and specialized instruments, allowing for reduced recovery time, less pain, and minimal scarring.
• Robotic Surgery: Utilizing robotic systems, surgeons can perform complex procedures with precision through small incisions.

Surgical oncologists often participate in clinical trials to evaluate new surgical techniques, adjuvant therapies, and treatment protocols aimed at improving patient outcomes. They may also contribute to research that helps advance the field of surgical oncology.

Surgical oncology is a critical component of cancer treatment, focusing on the surgical management of cancerous tumors. Surgical oncologists play a vital role in the multidisciplinary care of cancer patients, working to optimize the effectiveness of surgery while ensuring comprehensive support throughout the treatment journey.

Chemotherapy is used for various cancers including but not limited to:

• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Leukemia and Lymphoma
• Ovarian Cancer

Advantages

1. Effectiveness Against Systemic Disease: Can treat cancers that have spread throughout the body.
2. Combination Therapy: Often used alongside other treatments for improved outcomes.
3. Shrink Tumors Before Surgery: Can reduce tumor size before surgical intervention.

Disadvantages/Risks

1. Side Effects:
   • Nausea/Vomiting
   • Fatigue
   • Hair loss
   • Increased risk of infections due to low blood counts
   • Mouth sores
     Side effects vary depending on the specific drugs used and dosage.
   • Impact on Healthy Cells: While chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, it can also affect healthy tissues such as bone marrow, hair follicles, digestive tract lining, etc.
   • Long-term Risks*: Certain chemotherapeutics can increase risks for secondary malignancies later in life.

If you have specific questions about  oncology treatments, its management, or anything related, feel free to ask! We will be pleased to help you with our wide hospital & clinic network all over the Turkiye.