Advanced radiotherapy and radiation oncology treatment sessions in Turkey: Affordable prices

Radiotherapy in cancer treatment

It has been practiced in Turkey since the late 19th century and continues to evolve thanks to technological advances. Today, it is used to treat almost all types of cancer.

• As a primary treatment.
• As a complement to surgery or chemotherapy.
• For palliative purposes to relieve pain and improve quality of life.

Radiotherapy can also be adapted to specific situations, such as treating recurrent tumors or metastases, or reducing tumor mass before surgery.

What are the different types of radiotherapy?

There are three main forms of radiotherapy, depending on each patient's needs:

• External radiotherapy: This is the most common form. A linear accelerator precisely aims beams of radiation at the tumor through the skin. A radiation oncologist plans the treatment, adjusting the dose and angle of the beams to effectively target cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue as much as possible
• Brachytherapy (as internal radiotherapy): In this case, radioactive sources are placed directly inside the body, near the tumor. This allows for the delivery of a high, localized dose of radiation while limiting the exposure of neighboring tissues. It is often used to treat gynecological, prostate, or breast cancers.
• Metabolic (or vectorized) radiotherapy: This type of radiotherapy is administered orally or by injection. Radioactive substances attach specifically to cancer cells, which is useful for treating certain thyroid cancers and rare diseases, such as Vaquez disease. This technique enables the targeted treatment of the entire body.

Do you need support or a second opinion?

If you or a loved one is considering radiation therapy, it's important to consult a specialist. A second opinion can help you better understand your options and make an informed decision.

In Turkey, specialized radiotherapy centers offer personalized treatment plans and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Want to find out more? Fill out our contact form, and we will connect you with our expert partners. We can offer you a free teleconsultation for an initial assessment.

Preparing for radiotherapy: steps to follow

Before starting radiation therapy in Turkey, the patient will have a consultation with the radiation oncologist to discuss the treatment plan. During this consultation, the oncologist will assess various elements such as the type of cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health.

Based on these criteria, the oncologist will determine the appropriate radiation dose and treatment schedule for the patient.

Cancer treatment planning in Turkey may also include advanced imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs. These scans provide a precise three-dimensional map of the treatment area, providing a solid foundation for targeted and effective intervention.

What happens during a radiation therapy session?

During a radiotherapy session, the patient is placed on a treatment table in the radiation therapy room. The treatment room is designed to meet safety standards for ionizing radiation.

The therapist will use immobilization devices to ensure that the patient remains immobile during treatment. The radiotherapist will then deliver the prescribed dose of radiation using a machine that emits radiation beams.

Although you are alone in the room during the session, you remain in constant contact with the therapists via an intercom system. A video camera also keeps an eye on you at all times. The room remains lit throughout the session, and the treatment can be interrupted immediately if necessary.

Side effects of radiation

Although radiation therapy is painless and effective in treating cancer, it does have some side effects.

The most common side effects are:

• Fatigue: This side effect is very common and disappears as soon as the therapy ends.
• Skin problems: Rays penetrate the skin to reach infected cells, so the skin may become red, dry, or itchy with noticeable color changes.
• Hair loss: This is a temporary local loss that only affects the treated area (hair reappears as soon as the treatment ends).
• Decrease in blood cells: It may be frequent if radiotherapy is accompanied by chemotherapy.
• Nausea and intestinal or bladder problems.

Post-radiotherapy follow-up: Protocols and monitoring measures

The team of radiation oncologists in Turkey monitors patients' progress and well-being after radiation treatment. In many cases, they adjust the dose or duration of radiation therapy to meet each patient's needs.

After completing radiation therapy, patients usually have regular follow-up appointments with their radiation oncologist to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for any potential complications.

During these visits, they may perform a physical exam, blood tests, or imaging tests at various times during treatment to assess the tumor's response to radiation therapy.

Your recovery during and after radiation therapy depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the radiation dose, and your overall health. Some people can continue to work and do their usual activities during radiation therapy. Others may feel tired and need extra rest.

In addition to monitoring for recurrence, follow-up care after radiation therapy may include treatment for any lingering side effects or symptoms.

Following radiation therapy, patients may be referred for other complementary treatments. For example, some patients may need immunotherapy or chemotherapy to better target cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Recent advances in radiotherapy in Turkey

Turkey's radiotherapy techniques have undergone major innovations in recent years, profoundly transforming the treatment of many cancers. Thanks to significant investments in medical equipment and ongoing specialist training, several of the latest radiotherapy techniques are now available at cancer treatment centers across the country.

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT, SRS, or radiosurgery)

Stereotactic radiotherapy (also known as radiosurgery) delivers very high doses of radiation with millimeter precision, targeting only the tumor. It is particularly useful for treating small tumors in the brain, lungs, liver, and prostate. This technique reduces the number of sessions needed and speeds up recovery.

Hadrontherapy (proton therapy)

Hadrontherapy is not yet widely used worldwide, but it is available at certain specialized centers in Turkey. Instead of conventional X-rays, it uses heavy particles, such as protons or carbon ions. These particles deposit their energy directly in the tumor, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. This technique is ideal for treating resistant cancers or cancers located near sensitive organs, particularly in children.