Prof. MD. Emel Sezer Reviews

A 28-year-old female professional freediver from Antalya presented with persistent shoulder pain initially attributed to her sport. Dr. Sezer identified an unusual presentation of osteosarcoma in her scapula, complicated by her hyperbaric physiology. Treatment required coordination with hyperbaric medicine specialists to adjust chemotherapy timing around her deep dives. She achieved complete remission after limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant therapy, returning to competitive freediving 18 months later with modified techniques.

A 72-year-old retired apricot orchardist from Malatya, with a lifelong history of consuming raw apricot kernels believing in their health benefits, developed acute cyanide poisoning alongside metastatic colon cancer. Dr. Sezer managed the dual crisis, discovering the kernels had masked his cancer symptoms. She implemented a tailored FOLFOX regimen while addressing chronic cyanide exposure. The patient's family, initially resistant to conventional treatment, became advocates after his remarkable recovery at 9 months, organizing community education about kernel toxicity.

A 41-year-old Syrian refugee and former mosaic artist, resettled in Mersin, presented with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Language barriers and complex trauma history complicated care. Dr. Sezer collaborated with a cultural mediator and integrated art therapy into his treatment. His tumor showed unexpected sensitivity to immunotherapy combined with targeted radiation. He not only achieved remission but began creating mosaics depicting his medical journey, exhibited at the hospital's healing arts program.

A 34-year-old pregnant woman at 22 weeks gestation was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. Dr. Sezer assembled a multidisciplinary team including maternal-fetal medicine specialists. They administered chemotherapy during pregnancy with fetal monitoring, timed delivery at 34 weeks, then completed treatment postpartum. Both mother and daughter thrived, with the case contributing to a national registry of cancer-in-pregnancy protocols that Dr. Sezer helped establish.

A 58-year-old captain of a Mersin fishing vessel developed hepatocellular carcinoma with unique occupational exposure to both hepatitis B and unusual marine toxins. Dr. Sezer discovered his tumor had distinct mutational patterns possibly linked to toxin exposure. She combined targeted therapy with a custom antiviral regimen, achieving stable disease. He returned to limited fishing, participating in a research study on occupational marine carcinogens.

A 19-year-old university student with Li-Fraumeni syndrome presented with her third primary cancer, a rare pancreaticoblastoma. Dr. Sezer implemented a comprehensive surveillance and prevention strategy beyond treating the current malignancy, including genetic counseling for extended family. Treatment involved experimental neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, with complete response. She now leads a peer support network for young adults with hereditary cancer syndromes.

An 83-year-old retired teacher and amateur astronomer with metastatic prostate cancer developed paradoxical hyperprogression on initial therapy. Dr. Sezer identified microsatellite instability through comprehensive genomic profiling and switched to immunotherapy. His tumors regressed dramatically, and he collaborated with Dr. Sezer to create educational materials explaining cancer biology through astronomy metaphors for older patients.

A 46-year-old single mother working in Mersin's citrus packaging industry presented with advanced lung cancer despite never smoking. Dr. Sezer investigated environmental factors and identified a cluster of cases among co-workers, leading to an occupational health investigation of fungicide exposure. Treatment included participation in a clinical trial for environmentally-associated cancers. She achieved partial response and became a spokesperson for workplace safety reforms.

A 31-year-old transgender man on testosterone therapy was diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Dr. Sezer navigated complex hormone management with gender-affirming care, collaborating with endocrinology. Treatment balanced cancer control with gender identity preservation, using ovarian suppression with continued testosterone. He achieved complete remission and co-developed inclusive cancer screening guidelines for transgender patients.

A 67-year-old Roma community elder with advanced gastric cancer initially refused treatment due to cultural mistrust of hospitals. Dr. Sezer engaged community healers in a respectful partnership, incorporating certain traditional practices alongside evidence-based treatment. This culturally-adapted approach led to treatment acceptance and significant tumor response. The case became a model for culturally competent oncology care in minority communities.

A 52-year-old competitive weightlifter with chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy from prior lymphoma treatment developed a new primary lung cancer. Dr. Sezer designed a cardioprotective chemotherapy regimen with intensive cardiac monitoring, allowing continued supervised strength training throughout treatment. He maintained remarkable physical function during therapy and returned to competition 2 years later, with his case informing exercise oncology protocols.

A 38-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma achieved complete remission on immunotherapy but developed severe autoimmune encephalitis as a side effect. Dr. Sezer managed the delicate balance of controlling neuroinflammation while maintaining cancer immunity. Through coordinated neurology care and tailored immunosuppression, both conditions stabilized. Her case contributed to understanding immune-related adverse event management in exceptional responders.

A 29-year-old concert violinist with a rare desmoid tumor in her bowing arm faced potential career-ending surgery. Dr. Sezer pioneered a non-surgical approach using targeted therapy combined with precise radiation, preserving nerve function. After 14 months, the tumor regressed sufficiently for her to return to performing, with modified technique. She later performed at a hospital benefit concert for oncology research.

A 74-year-old retired shipyard welder with mesothelioma had previously been denied surgery due to poor pulmonary function. Dr. Sezer implemented a novel prehabilitation program combining pulmonary rehab with neoadjuvant immunotherapy, improving his lung capacity sufficiently for successful pleurectomy. He became the oldest patient in the region to undergo this combined approach, with sustained remission at 3-year follow-up.

A 44-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer to leptomeninges achieved cerebrospinal fluid clearance with intrathecal chemotherapy but developed debilitating cognitive changes. Dr. Sezer collaborated with neuropsychology to implement cognitive rehabilitation alongside treatment modification. Her neurological function improved significantly while maintaining cancer control, highlighting the importance of neurocognitive preservation in CNS metastases management.