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Türkiye: Treatment options

In Türkiye leukaemia is treated to international standards: chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a folder with a glowing treatment line.
Figure 1.A treatment plan — Türkiye: Treatment options

01Short answer

Treatment depends on the type of leukaemia, its genetic features and the patient’s general condition. In Türkiye the haematology departments of university, training-and-research and private hospitals offer chemotherapy, targeted drugs (for example BCR-ABL1 and FLT3 inhibitors), immunotherapy and transplantation. Drug payment follows SGK’s Health Implementation Communiqué (SUT); drugs not licensed in Türkiye can be imported with TİTCK permission.

02Simple explanation

Chemotherapy: destroys diseased cells.

Targeted drug: acts on a specific change.

SUT: SGK’s payment rules.

03Scientific explanation

Phases: according to the NCI, acute leukaemia treatment usually has induction and consolidation (post-remission) phases.

Guidelines: the Turkish Society of Hematology (THD) publishes diagnosis and treatment guidelines.

04What happens in the body?

How the plan is made

Diagnostic results (including genetic tests) are often discussed by a tumour board and an individual plan is made.

Modern drugs

Many targeted drugs are taken as tablets at home; some are paid for only with certain genetic changes.

On a dark navy background, a key fitting a lock-shaped cell.
Figure 2.Targeted therapy — Türkiye: Treatment options

Where it happens

Intensive chemotherapy is given as an inpatient; some treatment in a day unit (günübirlik).

On a dark navy background, an empty room with chairs and drip stands.
Figure 3.A day unit — Türkiye: Treatment options

05The treatment path

From diagnosis to follow-up.

Plan — Board decision.1PlanBoard decision.
Induction — Reach remission.2InductionReach remission.
Consolidation — Secure the result.3ConsolidationSecure the result.
Follow-up — Regular checks.4Follow-upRegular checks.
StandardInternational guidelines.
ChoiceSeveral kinds of treatment.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
How the plan is madeDiagnostic results (including genetic tests) are often discussed by a tumour board and an individual plan is made.
Modern drugsMany targeted drugs are taken as tablets at home; some are paid for only with certain genetic changes.
Where it happensIntensive chemotherapy is given as an inpatient; some treatment in a day unit (günübirlik).

07Key terms

Kemoterapi
Chemotherapy.
Hedefe yönelik tedavi
Targeted therapy.
Remisyon
Remission.
Günübirlik
Day unit.

08Key points

  • The plan is individual.
  • Genetics shape the choice.
  • SUT sets payment.
  • Imported drugs are possible.
  • Write down your questions.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I join a clinical trial?

Some centres take part in trials; ask your doctor.

What if SGK does not pay for a drug?

Your doctor can explain SUT conditions and alternatives; the drug may be imported (see “Turkey: Access to medicines”).

What does remission mean?

Tests no longer find signs of leukaemia; follow-up continues.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I join a clinical trial?

  2. What if SGK does not pay for a drug?

  3. What does remission mean?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  2. ESMO. Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: a guide for patients
  3. Türk Hematoloji Derneği (Turkish Society of Hematology). Official website (in Turkish)
  4. Social Security Institution of Türkiye (SGK). General health insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası, in Turkish)
  5. Türkiye İlaç ve Tıbbi Cihaz Kurumu (TİTCK). Official website (in Turkish)
  6. WHO Regional Office for Europe. A declaration on the promotion of patients’ rights in Europe (1994)
  7. NCCN. NCCN Guidelines for Patients
  8. American Cancer Society. Tests for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI), SEER. Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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