Pediatric cancer is a deeply challenging journey for any family. In recent years, Turkey has emerged as one of the world’s most trusted destinations for pediatric oncology treatment. With advanced technology, internationally trained oncologists, and affordable treatment packages, families from across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa are increasingly turning to Turkish hospitals for care.

Recmed Medical Travel, based in Istanbul, partners with Turkey’s leading pediatric oncologists and JCI-accredited hospitals to offer world-class treatment pathways for children with cancer.

This guide highlights the top 5 most sought-after pediatric oncology treatments available in Turkey and explains why families choose Recmed for compassionate, expert-led care.

Top 5 Pediatric Oncology Treatments in Turkey

1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Treatment

    •    Overview: ALL is the most common cancer in children. It affects white blood cells and requires rapid, protocol-driven treatment.

         Treatment in Turkey:
    •    Chemotherapy based on international protocols (e.g., ALL IC-BFM, ALL BFM 2009)
    •    Targeted therapy where genetic markers are present
    •    Bone marrow transplant for relapsed or high-risk cases

         Why Turkey?
    •    Survival rates for ALL in Turkey reach 80–90% when diagnosed early
    •    State-of-the-art hematology labs for molecular diagnosis
    •    Pediatric oncologists like Prof. Dr. Betül Tavil offer decades of expertise

2. Brain Tumor Treatment (Medulloblastoma, Gliomas)

    •    Overview: Brain tumors are the second most common childhood cancers. Early surgical intervention is crucial.

         Treatment in Turkey:
    •    MRI-based surgical planning
    •    Microsurgical tumor resection by pediatric neurosurgeons
    •    Post-op radiotherapy or chemotherapy (depending on tumor type)

         Why Turkey?
    •    Integration of pediatric oncology and neurosurgery in one care unit
    •    Access to advanced tools (neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI)
    •    Affordable packages compared to Europe or the U.S. (surgery starting from $12,000)

3. Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)

    •    Overview: Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system and are highly treatable in children.

         Treatment in Turkey:
    •    Immunochemotherapy using regimens like ABVD, CHOP
    •    PET-CT scanning for accurate staging
    •    Radiotherapy if required post-chemotherapy

         Why Turkey?
    •    High remission rates (>90% in Hodgkin’s lymphoma)
    •    Multidisciplinary tumor boards ensure accurate treatment planning
    •    Excellent infection control protocols during treatment cycles

4. Neuroblastoma

    •    Overview: A solid tumor that originates in immature nerve cells, commonly affecting infants and toddlers.

         Treatment in Turkey:
    •    High-risk protocols include surgery, intensive chemo, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplant
    •    Genetic testing for MYCN amplification to guide treatment

         Why Turkey?
    •    Availability of tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous transplant
    •    Access to newer monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy (e.g., anti-GD2 therapy)
    •    Specialized pediatric ICUs for high-risk recovery

5. Bone Marrow Transplant (for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia)

    •    Overview: Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is used in high-risk or relapsed pediatric blood cancers.

         Treatment in Turkey:
    •    Matched sibling (%99 success rate) and haploidentical transplants (%95 success rate) now standard 
    •    Conditioning regimens include FLAG-IDA, Busulfan + Cyclophosphamide
    •    Post-transplant immunosuppressive and antifungal care

         Why Turkey?
    •    BMT units with HEPA-filtered rooms and infection isolation
    •    Lower costs: average BMT package ranges from $40,000–$60,000 (vs. $150,000+ in the West)
    •    60–70% cure rates in eligible cases

Why Choose Turkey for Pediatric Cancer Care?

    •    🏥 JCI-Accredited Hospitals: Facilities like Acıbadem, Memorial, Liv, and Medipol meet international safety and quality standards.
    •    👩‍⚕️ Renowned Specialists: Collaborations with leaders like Prof. Dr. Betül Tavil, Assoc. Prof. Fatih Demircioğlu, and top pediatric neurosurgeons.
    •    💰 Affordability: 50–70% more cost-effective than Europe or North America.
    •    ✈️ Medical Tourism Packages: Recmed organizes the full journey—airport pickup, accommodation, translators, and 24/7 family support.
    •    📊 Personalized Care: Each child’s case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board to tailor the treatment protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Turkey safe for children undergoing cancer treatment?
A: Yes. Hospitals in Istanbul and Ankara are equipped with advanced pediatric oncology units, infection-controlled isolation rooms, and specialized nursing staff.

Q: How long do families stay in Turkey during treatment?
A: Depending on the treatment protocol, families stay between 6 weeks to 6 months, especially for leukemia or bone marrow transplants.

Q: Can we bring medical records and start treatment immediately?
A: Yes. Recmed offers a rapid case review within 48 hours, and treatment can begin after necessary examinations are completed.

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Contact Recmed Medical Travel

At Recmed, we understand the emotional and logistical challenges of treating childhood cancer. That’s why we offer not just treatment, but complete care—from expert consultations to family accommodation and post-treatment follow-ups.

📞 Get a Free Case Review
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +90 532 135 0872
🌐 www.recmed.net