Assoc. Prof. MD. Beyza Sirin Ozdemir Reviews

A 28-year-old female professional freediver from Kaş presented with an unusual nasopharyngeal carcinoma, likely linked to chronic sinus barotrauma from deep diving. Dr. Ozdemir designed a highly targeted intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan that spared critical structures near the skull base, crucial for her balance and pressure equalization. The patient returned to recreational diving at 40 meters within 18 months, a recovery celebrated by her tight-knit diving community.

A 75-year-old retired citrus grove owner from Finike with metastatic prostate cancer to the lumbar spine had severe pain refractory to opioids. With no family locally, he was accompanied by his longtime foreman to appointments. Dr. Ozdemir administered a single-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the dominant lesion. His pain reduced dramatically within 72 hours, allowing him to walk his groves again with a cane, finding solace in the routine until his peaceful passing from systemic disease six months later.

A 42-year-old Syrian refugee and mother of four, working as a hotel cleaner, was diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer. She spoke limited Turkish and had no documented prior health screenings. Dr. Ozdemir coordinated with a hospital social worker and an Arabic interpreter to explain concurrent chemoradiation. Treatment was grueling, but she completed it, supported by a women's cooperative from her community who helped with childcare. She achieved complete remission and now volunteers to guide other refugee women through the healthcare system.

A 19-year-old university student and aspiring e-sports athlete from Antalya presented with a rare pineal gland germinoma causing severe headaches and Parinaud's syndrome. Dr. Ozdemir utilized whole ventricular irradiation with a boost to the tumor bed, meticulously sparing hippocampal tissue to protect cognitive function critical for his studies. He returned to competitive gaming within a year, using his platform to raise awareness about young adult cancer.

A 60-year-old former ship captain from Alanya with hepatocellular carcinoma, deemed inoperable due to portal vein thrombosis. He was skeptical of 'land-based' medicine. Dr. Ozdemir proposed and performed selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 microspheres. The procedure shrank the tumor significantly, downstaging it to allow for a successful transplant evaluation. He now calls his post-transplant check-ups 'dry docking for maintenance.'

An 8-year-old boy from a remote village in the Taurus Mountains was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. His family, goat herders with limited formal education, traveled hours for each treatment. Dr. Ozdemir employed proton therapy referral (coordinated to a center in Ankara) followed by craniospinal irradiation in Antalya with advanced image-guidance to minimize growth plate dose. The boy is now in remission, back in school, and his father brings fresh cheese to the clinic staff every season.

A 50-year-old wealthy businesswoman from Istanbul, diagnosed with early-stage left-sided breast cancer while on vacation in Antalya, sought a second opinion. She demanded the most advanced technology. Dr. Ozdemir recommended and delivered ultra-hypofractionated whole breast irradiation over 5 days instead of weeks, using deep inspiration breath hold to protect her heart. Impressed by the efficiency and precision, the patient funded a new patient relaxation suite for the department.

A 33-year-old transgender man from Ankara, undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy, was diagnosed with stage IIA Hodgkin lymphoma. He faced significant anxiety about treatment interactions and body image changes. Dr. Ozdemir consulted with his endocrinologist and tailored a involved-site radiation therapy (ISRT) plan after chemotherapy, carefully avoiding breast tissue. Treatment was successful, and he reported feeling deeply respected throughout the process, which he said was as healing as the cure.

An 81-year-old retired history professor with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer to a single adrenal gland opted against further systemic therapy. Dr. Ozdemir proposed palliative SBRT to the adrenal metastasis to delay progression. The professor brought history books to read during the short treatment sessions. The metastasis remained controlled for over two years, allowing him time to complete his memoirs, which he dedicated to the oncology team.

A 26-year-old professional beach volleyball player presented with a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on her right shoulder, threatening her career. Wide excision left a positive margin near the brachial plexus. Dr. Ozdemir employed adjuvant electron beam therapy with a custom bolus to deliver a precise superficial dose, preserving deep neuromuscular structures. After a dedicated rehabilitation, she returned to international competition within 15 months, winning a national championship.

A 58-year-old Romani community leader from Manavgat with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer was deeply distrustful of hospitals. Treatment engagement was secured through a respected local health mediator. Dr. Ozdemir's concurrent chemoradiation regimen was successful. In gratitude, he invited the entire treatment team to a celebratory community dinner, breaking down cultural barriers and improving future healthcare access for his community.

A 47-year-old single father and taxi driver with glioblastoma multiforme. His primary concern was maintaining cognitive function to care for his teenage daughter as long as possible. Dr. Ozdemir utilized Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in combination with hypofractionated radiotherapy after surgery. He experienced stable disease for 18 months, allowing him to see his daughter graduate high school, his stated goal.

A 70-year-old retired ballet master from Russia, living in Side, with painful bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma in his pelvis. Previous radiation elsewhere provided only brief relief. Dr. Ozdemir used a single, high-dose SBRT session with real-time motion management. The pain resolved completely, and he resumed teaching gentle movement classes to elderly expats, calling it 'palliative choreography.'