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Türkiye: Transplantation

A stem cell transplant is one of the main treatments for some types of leukaemia. This chapter explains how transplants are organised in Türkiye.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a glowing stem cell bag on a drip stand.
Figure 1.Stem cells are given by drip.

01Short answer

In Türkiye allogeneic (from a donor) and autologous (using the patient’s own cells) stem cell transplants are performed in the transplant centres of university, training-and-research and private hospitals. Centres operate with Ministry of Health authorisation; some hold EBMT’s JACIE accreditation. A related donor (usually a sibling) is checked first; if none matches, TÜRKÖK searches the national database and international registries. In appropriate cases SGK covers the costs.

02Simple explanation

Allogeneic: from a donor; autologous: your own cells.

TÜRKÖK: unrelated donor search.

JACIE: quality accreditation.

03Scientific explanation

Stages: according to the NCI, a transplant involves preparatory (conditioning) treatment, infusion of stem cells and engraftment (recovery of blood production).

Quality: EBMT and JACIE set international standards for transplant centres.

04What happens in the body?

Preparation

Heart, lung, kidney and infection checks; donor selection; a dental check. A care plan is made with the family.

On a dark navy background, two hand silhouettes linked by a bridge of light.
Figure 3.A bridge between donor and recipient.

The transplant period

Conditioning chemotherapy, stem cell infusion and several weeks in a protective isolation room.

On a dark navy background, a clean room with filtered airflow.
Figure 2.Protective isolation after a transplant.

Afterwards

Long-term follow-up: graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infections and a vaccination plan.

05A transplant in four stages

From search to recovery.

Assessment — Suitability and donor search.1AssessmentSuitability and donor search.
Conditioning — Preparatory treatment.2ConditioningPreparatory treatment.
Infusion — Stem cells are given.3InfusionStem cells are given.
Recovery — New cells appear.4RecoveryNew cells appear.
ChanceFor some leukaemias, a possibility of long-term control.
SafetyAn accredited centre.
SupportThe team is with you at every stage.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PreparationHeart, lung, kidney and infection checks; donor selection; a dental check. A care plan is made with the family.
The transplant periodConditioning chemotherapy, stem cell infusion and several weeks in a protective isolation room.
AfterwardsLong-term follow-up: graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infections and a vaccination plan.

07Key terms

Allojenik nakil
Transplant from a donor.
Otolog nakil
Transplant of your own cells.
GVHD
Graft-versus-host disease.
Engraftment
Recovery of blood production.

08Key points

  • The centre decides.
  • A related donor is checked first.
  • TÜRKÖK searches for unrelated donors.
  • Ask about JACIE.
  • Follow-up afterwards is long.

09Frequently asked questions

How long does a donor search take?

From weeks to months, depending on the patient’s HLA type.

Can a foreigner have a transplant in Türkiye?

Yes, many centres accept international patients; clarify costs and the donor question in advance.

How long must I stay nearby afterwards?

Often patients are advised to stay near the centre for the first 100 days.

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. How long does a donor search take?

  2. Can a foreigner have a transplant in Türkiye?

  3. How long must I stay nearby afterwards?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  2. Türkiye Stem Cell Coordination Centre (TÜRKÖK), Ministry of Health. Official website (in Turkish)
  3. EBMT. European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
  4. EBMT / JACIE. JACIE accreditation
  5. Social Security Institution of Türkiye (SGK). General health insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası, in Turkish)
  6. Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Decree on the establishment of the national haematology centre, 23 December 2019 (in Azerbaijani)
  7. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (WHO). Azerbaijan: health system information and resources
  8. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today
  9. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: health
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). The Oncology Team
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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