Oncology

Lymphoma Treatment in Istanbul

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, the cells of the immune system, and is divided into two main groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Painless swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats and weight loss are the most common symptoms. Treatment is led by haematology-oncology teams. New City Clinic coordinates assessment and treatment with the haematology and oncology 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:

  • Surgical removal of a whole lymph node for biopsy (excisional biopsy)
  • Pathology and immunohistochemistry to identify the lymphoma subtype
  • PET-CT for staging
  • Blood tests and bone marrow biopsy where needed

Treatment approaches

There are dozens of lymphoma subtypes, and treatment depends on the subtype, the stage and your general health. For some slow-growing lymphomas without symptoms, close monitoring alone may be enough. For most patients the main treatment is chemotherapy, usually combined with immunotherapy (antibody treatment) that targets lymphoma cells. Radiotherapy is added at certain stages. The response to treatment is checked with PET-CT. If the disease comes back or does not respond to first treatment, high-dose treatment followed by stem cell transplantation, or newer cellular therapies, may be considered in selected patients.

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy (antibody treatments)
  • Radiotherapy
  • Autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation in selected patients

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

Why might a needle biopsy not be enough?

Identifying the exact lymphoma subtype requires examining the structure of the lymph node as a whole. That is why an excisional biopsy, in which the whole node is removed surgically, is usually preferred.

Do I need to have all my chemotherapy in Istanbul?

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles a few weeks apart. Some patients complete treatment in Istanbul, while others have their plan made in Istanbul and continue treatment at home; this is discussed according to the treatment schedule and what suits you best.

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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