Learn about Chemotherapy 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 Chemotherapy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a systemic cancer treatment administered by a medical oncologist that uses powerful drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. It works by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to grow and multiply. While it is a cornerstone treatment for many cancers, it can also affect some healthy cells, leading to side effects. Treatment is highly personalized, with the oncologist selecting specific drugs, dosages, and schedules (cycles) based on the cancer type, stage, and the patient's overall health. It can be used with curative intent, to control cancer growth, alleviate symptoms, or in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.

Key Highlights

    Systemic treatment that can target cancer cells anywhere in the body.Can be used for cure, control, or palliative (symptom relief) purposes.Often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy for better outcomes.Treatment plans are highly personalized by the oncologist.Can be administered in various forms: intravenously (IV), orally, by injection, or topically.

Who is this surgery for?

  • To cure cancer by eliminating all cancer cells.
  • To control cancer by shrinking tumors and preventing spread.
  • To prepare for other treatments (neoadjuvant therapy) like surgery or radiation.
  • To eliminate remaining cancer cells after primary treatment (adjuvant therapy).
  • To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancer (palliative chemotherapy).
  • To treat cancers of the blood and bone marrow, such as leukemias and lymphomas.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests, imaging scans, and heart function tests.
  • Discussion with the oncologist about the treatment plan, goals, and potential side effects.
  • Dental check-up to prevent infections.
  • Arranging for support for transportation and help at home post-treatment.
  • Fertility preservation counseling if applicable.
  • Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration before starting treatment.
  • Possible placement of a central venous catheter (port) for frequent IV drug delivery.

Risks & possible complications

  • Common side effects: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and mouth sores.
  • Bone marrow suppression leading to increased risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding.
  • Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) causing tingling or numbness.
  • Potential damage to specific organs like the heart, kidneys, or lungs.
  • Increased risk of developing a secondary cancer later in life.
  • Fertility issues and early menopause.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Managing side effects with prescribed medications (anti-nausea, pain relief).
  • Regular blood tests to monitor blood cell counts and organ function.
  • Prioritizing rest and gentle activity as energy levels permit.
  • Maintaining good nutrition with small, frequent meals and plenty of fluids.
  • Practicing meticulous hygiene to prevent infections.
  • Attending all follow-up appointments with the oncologist for monitoring.
  • Seeking emotional and psychological support through counseling or support groups.
  • Gradual return to normal activities as tolerated between treatment cycles.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days). Inpatient for 1-5 days if required for specific regimens or complications.
  • checked Expected recovery time: Varies widely. Side effects often peak a few days after each cycle and improve before the next. Full recovery between cycles may take 1-3 weeks. Overall treatment and recovery can span several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering chemotherapy 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 chemotherapy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 551 – USD 5,506 Usually outpatient (0 days). Inpatient for 1-5 days if required for specific regimens or complications. ~ Varies widely. Side effects often peak a few days after each cycle and improve before the next. Full recovery between cycles may take 1-3 weeks. Overall treatment and recovery can span several months. Know More
Turkey USD 4,098 – USD 40,978 Usually outpatient (0 days). Inpatient for 1-5 days if required for specific regimens or complications. ~ Varies widely. Side effects often peak a few days after each cycle and improve before the next. Full recovery between cycles may take 1-3 weeks. Overall treatment and recovery can span several months. Know More

Top hospitals for Chemotherapy in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing chemotherapy.

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Liv Hospital Ankara

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4940+ Rating

Medical Park Bahçelievler

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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205+ Rating

Medical Park Florya

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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169+ Rating

Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa

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112+ Rating

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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52+ Rating

Medical Park Trabzon

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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51+ Rating

Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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15+ Rating

VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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PATIENT REVIEW

Navya Saxena, a 42-year-old architect and...

Navya Saxena, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two young children, was diagnosed with Stage II triple-negative breast cancer after discovering a lump during a self-exam. A lifelong non-smoker and fitness enthusiast, the diagnosis came as a profound shock. Following a lumpectomy, her oncologist, Dr. Sharma, recommended an aggressive course of adjuvant chemotherapy to target any remaining microscopic cancer cells and reduce the high risk of recurrence specific to her cancer type. Navya underwent 16 cycles of chemotherapy over five months. The treatment was grueling; she experienced severe fatigue, nausea, and temporary hair loss, which she found particularly distressing. Her husband and parents formed a tight support circle to manage the household. Six months post-treatment, scans showed no evidence of disease. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster: initial terror and grief for her family, followed by a determined, sometimes numb, focus on getting through each cycle. After treatment, while relieved, she grapples with 'scanxiety' before each follow-up but has found a new perspective, cherishing daily moments with her family and slowly returning to part-time work.

Oncologists for Chemotherapy

Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform chemotherapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Çağlayan Geredeli
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinçer Aydın
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated