Oncology

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Comprehensive Cancer Care 

Our Medical Oncology department is dedicated to providing comprehensive and advanced cancer care through a multidisciplinary approach. Our services include:

• Personalized Chemotherapy Unit: Tailoring chemotherapy regimens to individual patient needs.
• Multidisciplinary Tumor Council: Collaborative case review and treatment planning involving experts from various medical specialties.
• Interventional Radiology Collaboration: Joint application of treatments with interventional radiology techniques.
• Advanced Systemic Therapies: Administration of cutting-edge immunotherapies and targeted treatments.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer encompasses a diverse group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells, leading to the deterioration of organ function and ultimately affecting the entire organism. Normally, cellular life cycles are tightly regulated. Cancer arises from DNA mutations within the cell nucleus due to the accumulation of both hereditary (approximately 5-10%) and environmental factors. The broad spectrum of cancer diseases is further diversified by factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and race, as cancer can originate from any cell type in the body.

Personalized Cancer Treatment

Intensive research since the late 20th century has revealed that each cancer type and individual tumor can possess unique molecular characteristics. This understanding has driven the emergence of “personalized” treatment strategies guided by tumor genetic markers. The development of “smart molecules” and targeted therapies, based on insights into cancer development mechanisms, is increasingly integral to patient care.

 A Multidisciplinary Approach in Cancer Management

Effective cancer diagnosis and treatment necessitate the expertise of virtually all medical branches. A multidisciplinary approach, involving the collaborative efforts of numerous specialists, is crucial for accurate diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, and successful implementation. Early diagnosis is paramount for improving treatment outcomes and saving lives. Therefore, patients diagnosed with cancer should receive care from experienced physicians in specialized centers. Furthermore, providing robust psychological support and rehabilitation throughout treatment and follow-up significantly contributes to a patient’s ability to navigate the disease process.

Early Diagnosis and Prevention

Beyond expert treatment following a cancer diagnosis, proactive measures such as screening programs for early detection are vital. Preventing cancer development is a significantly more effective strategy than treating it after it occurs. With increasing average life expectancy in this century, a parallel rise in the incidence of age-related cancers is anticipated. This underscores the growing importance of implementing effective preventive medicine strategies.

Cancer Statistics and Advancements in Treatment

In 2016, there were an estimated 29,800,000 new cancer diagnoses worldwide, with 353,660 new cases reported in Turkey (Ministry of Health Turkey Cancer Statistics, 2016). The World Health Organization projects that this global figure will double by 2030. However, advancements in diagnostic methods, the increasing applicability of surgical techniques, the integration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in postoperative care, and the development of targeted therapies are significantly improving patient outcomes. Remarkable success rates are now being achieved in cancer treatment, a field characterized by intensive research and rapid progress.

Achieving Holistic Well-being in Cancer Care

To achieve a “complete state of well-being” encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects, as defined by health, it is essential to deliver cancer treatments in centers where multiple medical specialties collaborate with a unified perspective from the initial diagnosis.