CAR T-cell therapy in Turkey
CAR T-cell Therapy
With the advancement of science in treating certain cancers and after conducting extensive studies on the latest methods for treating lymphomas, leukemia, and other types of cancer based on the patient’s condition, we have reached an advanced level of research in treating these tumors at our hospital, achieving a success rate of 95%.
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy. You may also hear it referred to as a form of adoptive cell transfer.
This therapy is highly complex and specialized. Using this treatment, a specialist collects your T-cells and makes small changes to them. After a few weeks, you receive a solution containing these cells back into your bloodstream. The CAR T-cells then recognize and attack cancer cells.
It is available as a potential treatment for some children with leukemia and some adults with lymphoma. People with other types of cancer may receive it as part of a clinical trial.
Understanding CAR T-cell Therapy
To better understand CAR T-cell therapy, it’s useful to know the function of T-cells.
White blood cells known as lymphocytes play a significant role in fighting infections and diseases, including cancer. There are different types of lymphocytes, and T-cells are one type.
CAR T-cells move throughout the body to find and destroy damaged cells. When they come into contact with a new infection or disease, the body produces T-cells to fight that specific infection or disease. It then retains some in reserve so that if it encounters the infection again, your body can recognize and attack it immediately.
What is CAR T-cell Therapy?
T-cells are good at combating infections, but they may find it difficult to distinguish between cancerous cells and normal cells. Therefore, cancer cells can sometimes evade detection.
Scientists are trying to find ways to make T-cells recognize cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy is one of the possible ways to achieve this.
How Does CAR T-cell Therapy Work?
Our medical team takes a sample of your T-cells from your blood. This process is called apheresis.
In the laboratory, we modify the T-cells. You may hear this referred to as genetic engineering of T-cells. The T-cell is now a CAR T-cell. CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor. These CAR T-cells are designed to recognize and target a specific protein found on cancer cells.
These modified T-cells grow and multiply in the lab. Once there are enough CAR T-cells, you receive a drop containing these cells back into your bloodstream. The goal is for CAR T-cells to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
The modifications made in the lab mean they can remain in your body for extended periods, recognizing and attacking specific cancer cells. Researchers are still investigating how long they may last in the body.
Who Can Receive CAR T-cell Therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is available for some children with leukemia and certain adults with lymphoma.
Side Effects of CAR T-cell Therapy
This is a new treatment, so doctors may not yet know all potential side effects. Known side effects include:
- Allergic Reactions
- Cytokine Release Syndrome
- Neurological Changes (Neurotoxicity)
- Elevated Uric Acid Levels in the Blood, due to rapid breakdown of cancer cells.
The medical team monitors you closely during and after treatment for any signs of these side effects.
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CAR T-cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is one of the most important recent developments in cancer treatment and represents a revolution in immunology. This therapy relies on modifying T-cells, a type of white blood cell, so they can recognize and eliminate cancer cells. In Turkey, leading hospitals have made significant progress in providing this advanced therapy to patients, making it a preferred destination for many seeking the latest immunological treatments.
What is CAR T-cell Therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. T-cells are collected from the patient’s blood and genetically modified in the lab to produce special receptors on their surface known as “CARs” (Chimeric Antigen Receptors), which enable these cells to recognize cancer cells. The modified cells are then returned to the patient’s body, where they begin to specifically attack and destroy cancer cells.
Use of Therapy in Turkey
Turkey is a leading country in adopting the latest medical treatments, including CAR T-cell therapy. Advanced Turkish hospitals rely on high technology, with specialized medical staff in oncology and immunotherapy. Many hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir offer CAR T-cell therapy services at competitive costs compared to other countries like the United States and Europe.
Types of Cancers Treatable with CAR T-cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is used to treat several types of cancer, including:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Certain rare types of solid tumors
This therapy provides new hope for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Why Choose Turkey for CAR T-cell Therapy?
- Lower Costs: The cost in Turkey is significantly lower compared to Western countries, while maintaining a high level of medical care.
- Advanced Technology: Hospitals in Turkey are equipped with the latest CAR T-cell therapy technologies and have international quality certifications.
- Medical Expertise: Turkey has experienced medical teams with extensive knowledge in treating cancer using the latest immunological techniques, including CAR T-cell therapy.
- Accessibility: Turkey is a major medical destination easily accessible from around the world, making it a convenient option for international patients.
Stages of CAR T-cell Therapy in Turkey
CAR T-cell therapy in Turkey involves several precise stages, including:
- Collecting T-cells: T-cells are extracted from the patient’s blood.
- Genetic Modification: The cells are modified in specialized laboratories to enable them to recognize cancer cells.
- Reinfusion: The modified cells are returned to the patient’s body, where they begin to attack tumors.
- Medical Monitoring: The patient’s condition is closely monitored to ensure treatment effectiveness and manage any potential complications.
Challenges and Side Effects
Despite the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy in eliminating cancer cells, it may cause some side effects that need to be carefully monitored. These include:
- Cytokine Release Syndrome: A strong immune response that may cause fever, low blood pressure, and other symptoms.
- Neurotoxicity: Some patients may experience neurological symptoms such as confusion or seizures.
Therefore, the treatment requires continuous monitoring by specialized medical teams to ensure effective management of side effects.
Future of CAR T-cell Therapy in Turkey
With ongoing advancements in immunotherapy technology, CAR T-cell therapy is expected to continue evolving, potentially increasing cancer treatment success rates and reducing side effects. Turkey is heavily investing in clinical research and medical development, enhancing its ability to offer the latest therapies to both local and international patients.
Conclusion
CAR T-cell therapy is considered one of the leading options for cancer treatment, and Turkey provides this advanced therapy due to its extensive expertise and advanced technology. By combining affordable costs, high medical quality, and specialized medical teams, Turkey stands out as an ideal destination for patients seeking this innovative type of treatment.
If you are considering CAR T-cell therapy in Turkey, it is advisable to contact Dr. Al-Akkad for accurate information regarding treatment options, costs, and details related to your health condition.