Learn about Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Autologous Stem Cell Transplant and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

An Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) is a life-saving medical procedure performed by a Bone Marrow Transplantation team. It involves harvesting a patient's own healthy stem cells, typically from their blood or bone marrow, and storing them. The patient then undergoes high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy diseased cells, often in cancers like lymphoma or multiple myeloma. After this conditioning treatment, the previously collected stem cells are infused back into the patient's bloodstream, where they migrate to the bone marrow and begin producing new, healthy blood cells. This 'rescue' process helps rebuild the immune system and blood cell counts that were wiped out by the intensive therapy. ASCT is a complex treatment that offers a chance for cure or long-term remission for several serious conditions.

Key Highlights

    Utilizes the patient's own cells, eliminating the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).Allows for the administration of higher, more effective doses of chemotherapy or radiation.Can lead to long-term remission or cure for certain cancers and blood disorders.No need to find a matched donor, simplifying the logistics of the transplant process.Helps restore the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells after intensive treatment.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
  • Multiple Myeloma as a standard part of treatment.
  • Certain types of Leukemia, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in remission.
  • Germ cell tumors (testicular cancer) that have not responded to initial chemotherapy.
  • Some autoimmune diseases like severe systemic sclerosis or multiple sclerosis, in specific cases.
  • Amyloidosis, a disorder caused by abnormal protein buildup.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive medical evaluation including heart, lung, and kidney function tests.
  • Stem cell mobilization: receiving injections (growth factors) to move stem cells from bone marrow into the bloodstream.
  • Stem cell collection (apheresis): a process where blood is drawn, stem cells are separated, and the remaining blood is returned.
  • Dental check-up to prevent infections from oral bacteria.
  • Fertility preservation counseling, as treatment can affect fertility.
  • Insertion of a central venous catheter (like a PICC line) for easy administration of drugs and stem cells.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infections due to severely low white blood cell counts (neutropenia).
  • Bleeding and bruising from low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
  • Side effects from high-dose chemotherapy, such as nausea, mouth sores (mucositis), and fatigue.
  • Organ damage, particularly to the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys.
  • Early or late effects on fertility.
  • Risk of the original disease returning (relapse).
  • In rare cases, the transplanted stem cells may fail to engraft (start growing).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay in a protected environment to prevent infection while blood counts are low.
  • Close monitoring of blood counts, vital signs, and for signs of infection or bleeding.
  • Medications to prevent infections, manage nausea, and support cell growth.
  • Nutritional support, possibly including IV nutrition, until mouth sores heal and eating is comfortable.
  • Gradual increase in activity; fatigue is common and can last for months.
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor recovery, manage side effects, and check for disease status.
  • Full immune system recovery can take 6 to 12 months or longer.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-4 weeks
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for initial recovery; up to 1 year for full immune recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering autologous stem cell transplant in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for autologous stem cell transplant compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 16,315 – USD 38,069 3-4 weeks ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; up to 1 year for full immune recovery Know More
Turkey USD 120,788 – USD 281,838 3-4 weeks ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; up to 1 year for full immune recovery Know More

Top hospitals for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated bone marrow transplantation teams and experience managing patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Dr. chezhian subash provided exceptional care...

Dr. chezhian subash provided exceptional care for my bone marrow transplantation condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.