Oncology

Liver Cancer Treatment in Istanbul

Liver cancer covers tumours that start in the liver itself (most often hepatocellular carcinoma) and tumours that have spread to the liver from other organs (metastases). Hepatocellular carcinoma usually develops in a liver affected by cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, so how well the liver itself works matters as much as the choice of treatment. New City Clinic coordinates assessment and treatment with the oncology and liver surgery teams of its partner hospitals in Istanbul.

Assessment and diagnosis

Before a treatment plan is made, the type and stage of the disease are established. This usually involves:

  • Contrast CT or dynamic liver MRI
  • AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) and hepatitis tests
  • Assessment of liver function (blood tests, degree of cirrhosis)
  • Biopsy where needed; chest CT for spread

Treatment approaches

The tumour board plans treatment according to the number and size of the tumours, how well your liver works and your general health. When liver function is good enough, surgical removal of the affected part of the liver (resection) comes first. For small tumours, destroying the tumour with heat (radiofrequency or microwave ablation) can be an alternative to surgery. Tumours that cannot be operated on can be treated through the artery that feeds them, with drugs (TACE) or radioactive microspheres (TARE). In selected patients with cirrhosis whose tumours meet specific criteria, liver transplantation treats both the tumour and the diseased liver. In advanced disease, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are used. For tumours that have spread to the liver from elsewhere (for example from bowel cancer), surgery and ablation can be used in selected patients.

  • Liver resection (open, keyhole or robotic)
  • Radiofrequency or microwave ablation
  • Treatments through the artery: TACE and TARE
  • Liver transplantation in selected patients; systemic therapy in advanced disease

The tumour board decides which methods are used and in what order. The treatment plan is determined after a physician’s examination and assessment of your tests.

For patients from Europe, the Middle East and Africa

New City Clinic coordinates oncology care for patients travelling from European countries, the Middle East and Africa. Istanbul has direct flights from many capitals in these regions, and the assessment starts from your reports before you travel.

  • You can send your reports in English or in your own language; the necessary translations are arranged.
  • Check the visa or e-visa requirements for your passport on the official Turkish government website (evisa.gov.tr); once your treatment is planned, your appointment is confirmed in writing by the hospital.
  • Airport welcome, accommodation close to the hospital and arrangements for a companion are organised.
  • Your treatment summary is prepared in English so that you can share it with your oncologist at home.

Partner hospitals with oncology centres

Oncology care is coordinated at the following partner hospitals, which have oncology centres. The hospital is chosen according to your condition, your physician and your preference.

How the process works

  1. 1

    Send your documents

    Pathology report, imaging reports and images, discharge summaries and a list of your medication.

  2. 2

    Physician’s review

    Your file goes to the relevant oncology physician; missing tests and a possible pathway are set out for you in writing.

  3. 3

    Plan and quote

    The expected tests, treatment steps, length of stay and itemised costs are given in writing.

  4. 4

    Treatment in Istanbul

    Airport welcome, accommodation, appointments and interpreting are organised by New City Clinic.

  5. 5

    Follow-up

    You receive your treatment summary and reports to share with your physician at home.

Frequently asked questions

Who is suitable for a liver transplant for liver cancer?

A transplant may be considered for patients with cirrhosis whose tumours stay within specific limits for number and size and have not spread outside the liver. Suitability is decided after a detailed assessment by the transplant team; you can read about the living-donor process on our liver transplant page.

What are TACE and TARE?

A thin catheter inserted at the groin or wrist is guided to the artery that feeds the tumour. In TACE, a drug and particles that block the vessel are delivered; in TARE, radioactive microspheres are delivered directly to the tumour. They are used for patients who cannot have surgery or as a bridge to transplantation.

Which documents should I send?

The pathology report, CT/MRI/PET-CT reports and, if possible, the images themselves, operation and discharge reports, blood tests and your medication list.

Can you give any assurance about the outcome?

No. No institution can guarantee the result of cancer treatment. Your physician will explain expectations and risks for your situation openly.

How is the cost determined?

It depends on the tests required and on the type and length of treatment. An itemised written quote follows the physician’s assessment.

Other cancer types

Back to the oncology section

This page is for general information and is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. A treatment plan is determined only after a physician’s examination and assessment of your tests. In an emergency, contact your local medical services.

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