Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment that helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, just as it would a virus or infection. Instead of working directly on the tumor, like chemotherapy, it boosts the body's natural defenses to fight cancer more effectively.
This treatment may be used alone or in combination with other approaches such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type of cancer and the patient's profile.
- Cancer and tumor patients.
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Itching.
- The session lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Immunotherapy: Prices in Turkey
On average, the cost of immunotherapy in Turkey ranges from €5,000 to €20,000 per treatment cycle. The price depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the type of molecules used, the duration of the treatment protocol, and the patient's response to the treatment.
These costs typically include all services associated with the treatment pathway, such as:
- Initial evaluation by a specialized oncologist.
- Preliminary analyses and follow-up examinations.
- The immunotherapy injections themselves.
- Medical follow-up at the center.
At the same time, services such as appointment coordination, medical and linguistic support, and logistical assistance (travel and accommodation arrangements, excluding expenses) may be provided, depending on the center chosen and the patient's needs.
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Indications for Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a promising approach to cancer treatment in Turkey. It can be used in several situations for:
- Patients with metastatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Patients with recurrent cancer that has returned after treatment.
- Patients who have not responded to other cancer treatments.
On the other hand, immunotherapy is gaining ground as a first-line treatment for certain types of cancer:
- Breast cancer: Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive type of cancer that does not respond to hormonal treatments.
- Lung cancer: Immunotherapy is used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Its effectiveness is comparable to chemotherapy.
- Melanoma: Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of melanoma, significantly increasing patient survival rates.
- Leukemia, lymphoma, prostate cancer: Immunotherapy is also being used to treat several types of blood cancers and solid tumors, with encouraging results.
It is important to note that immunotherapy is not a cure-all and is not suitable for all patients.
The decision to use immunotherapy should be made in consultation with an experienced oncologist.
Immune system and cancer: what can be done?
The immune system is the body's first line of defense against cancer. Normally, it recognizes and destroys abnormal cells, slowing or preventing tumor growth. Immune cells called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are sometimes found in and around tumors. Their presence indicates an immune system response against cancer, and patients whose tumors contain them often have a better prognosis.
Unfortunately, cancer cells can develop strategies to evade the immune system. They can:
- Change their genetic appearance to make them less visible to immune cells.
- Have proteins on their surface that inactivate immune cells.
- Modify the normal cells around the tumor to interfere with the immune response.
Cancer immunotherapy: How does it work?
Immunotherapy aims to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer. It works in several ways:
- Stimulating immune cells: Immunotherapy may stimulate existing immune cells to become more effective in destroying cancer cells.
- Activating dormant immune cells: Immunotherapy can help "wake up" inactive immune cells and encourage them to attack the cancer.
- Teach the immune system to recognize cancer: Immunotherapy can teach the immune system to recognize cancer cells as dangerous cells that need to be destroyed.
Types of Immunotherapy in Turkey
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising approaches to treating various types of cancer today. It works by boosting the body's natural defenses to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Here are the main forms of immunotherapy used in oncology in Turkey:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors
These release the "brakes" that prevent immune cells from attacking the tumor. These treatments boost the immune system's activity against cancer.
They are particularly indicated for lung, skin (melanoma) and kidney cancer.
Examples of inhibitors: anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4.
Cytokines (Interleukins and Interferons)
These are proteins produced naturally by the body. When injected in specific doses, they stimulate immunity and help control tumor growth.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines
Unlike preventive vaccines, these aim to train the immune system to recognize cancer cells already present in the body.
Monoclonal antibodies
These synthetic antibodies target specific proteins on the surface of tumor cells, facilitating their destruction. Some are combined with drugs or radioactive substances for greater effectiveness.
CAR-T cell therapy
A personalized approach in which a patient's T lymphocytes are harvested, genetically modified to attack the tumor, and then reinfused.
It is recommended for certain blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Each type of immunotherapy is chosen based on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's biological characteristics. To find out if this treatment is right for you, a full evaluation by a specialized oncologist is essential.
Our experts in Turkey can assist you in this process with personalized, state-of-the-art consultations.
Contact us to schedule your initial evaluation and explore the treatment options best suited for your situation.
Side effects of immunotherapy
Immunotherapy represents a tremendous advance in the fight against cancer by mobilizing the body's natural defenses against diseased cells. However, as with any treatment, it can cause side effects that vary depending on the type of drug, the duration of treatment, and the sensitivity of the individual patient.
Common side effects (30-60% of patients)
These reactions are usually moderate and temporary:
- Fatigue (often persistent but manageable).
- Indigestion: nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, muscle aches.
- Skin rashes or itching.
- Mouth sores or dryness.
- Hair loss (less common than with chemotherapy).
Our medical teams in Turkey provide personalized support, including nutritional management and symptom support protocols, to enhance your comfort throughout treatment.
Serious side effects (less common: 5-20% of patients)
In some cases, immunotherapy can cause an excessive immune response that can affect healthy organs. Here are the most common:
| Serious side effects | Estimated frequency | Management in our centers |
| Pneumopathy (inflammation of the lungs) | 3-5% | Monitoring by chest CT scan, immediate corticosteroid treatment. |
| Immune hepatitis | 5 to 10% | Regular liver check-ups, immunosuppressive treatment if necessary. |
| Colitis (intestinal inflammation) | 5 to 10% | Regular liver check-ups, immunosuppressive treatment if necessary. |
| Nephritis (kidney damage) | <5% | Follow-up of kidney check-ups, dose adjustment, or temporary discontinuation of treatment. |
| Endocrinopathies (thyroid, pituitary) | 5 to 15% | Regular hormone monitoring, personalized replacement therapy. |
Thanks to early detection protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams, our partner centers in Turkey ensure rapid, appropriate care from the very first warning signs.
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