Emsey Hospital Medical Oncology Department provides post-diagnosis evaluation, treatment planning, administration of drug therapies, and long-term follow-up for patients diagnosed with cancer or referred with suspected cancer. Located in Pendik, on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul, our department develops an individualized treatment plan for each patient based on the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health condition, and their expectations.
Cancer treatment is not the responsibility of a single medical specialty. Therefore, our department adopts a collaborative approach involving a medical oncologist, chemotherapy nurse, radiologist, surgeon, oncology psychologist, and dietitian. When necessary, coordination is maintained with radiation oncology and other medical specialties.
Oncology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer. Medical oncology is the specialty within this field that focuses on treating cancer with medications. Systemic treatments that affect the entire body, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and hormone therapies, are planned and managed by a medical oncologist.
The medical oncologist also serves as the coordinator of the treatment process: together with the relevant specialties, they evaluate the sequence in which surgery and radiotherapy should be administered, manage potential side effects during treatment, and continue regular patient follow-up after treatment is completed.
| System / Region | Types of Cancer |
|---|---|
| Lung | Lung cancer |
| Breast | Breast cancer |
| Digestive system | Esophageal, stomach, colon and rectal cancers; pancreatic cancer; liver cancer; gallbladder and bile duct cancers |
| Urological cancers | Prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, testicular cancer |
| Gynecological cancers | Ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer |
| Head, neck and endocrine | Head and neck cancers, thyroid cancer |
| Nervous system | Brain tumors |
| Skin | Melanoma |
| Lymphatic system | Lymphomas |
| Soft tissue and bone | Malignant mesenchymal tumors (sarcomas) |
The choice of cancer treatment depends on the type of tumor, the extent of its spread (stage), its biological characteristics, and the patient's overall health condition. The main drug treatments used in medical oncology are as follows:
| Treatment | How Does It Work? | How Is It Administered? |
|---|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | Stops the multiplication of rapidly dividing cancer cells or destroys them. | Mostly through intravenous infusion, sometimes as oral tablets |
| Targeted therapy | Targets a specific molecule or genetic alteration that enables cancer cells to grow. | Intravenously or orally |
| Immunotherapy | Enables the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. | Usually intravenously, at specific intervals |
| Hormone therapy | Reduces hormone production or blocks hormone effects in hormone-dependent cancers (such as breast and prostate cancer). | Oral tablets or injections |
| Supportive treatments | Prevent or alleviate problems such as nausea, anemia, infection risk, and pain. | According to the treatment plan |
These treatments may be administered alone or combined with surgery and radiotherapy. Treatment given before surgery to shrink the tumor is called neoadjuvant therapy, while treatment given after surgery to reduce the risk of residual disease is called adjuvant therapy.
Collaboration among different medical specialties plays an important role in planning cancer treatment. In our department, the treatment process is carried out with the contributions of the following team members:
For patients requiring radiotherapy, treatment is planned in coordination with radiation oncology specialists.
The first step toward appropriate treatment is accurate diagnosis and staging. A definitive cancer diagnosis is established through pathological examination of a tissue sample (biopsy) taken from the suspicious area. Imaging techniques are then used to determine how far the disease has spread throughout the body:
When necessary, blood tests, tumor markers, and molecular tests performed on tumor tissue also guide treatment selection. All this information is combined to determine the cancer stage and develop a treatment plan.
Chemotherapy drugs are prepared specifically for each patient by a specialized chemotherapy nurse in a controlled environment. Depending on the patient's overall condition, treatment may be administered on an outpatient (same-day) basis or during hospitalization. Most treatment regimens are planned in cycles, consisting of days when medication is administered and rest periods that allow the body to recover.
Hair loss, fatigue, nausea, weakened immunity, and changes affecting sexual life are among the known side effects of chemotherapy. However, not every patient experiences the same side effects; their type and severity vary depending on the medication used and the individual. Today, many side effects can be largely controlled through preventive measures taken before and during treatment.
To ensure an efficient initial consultation and avoid delays in treatment planning, you are advised to bring the following documents:
Cancer and its treatment may affect appetite, sense of taste, and weight balance. Adequate nutrition during treatment is important for the body's ability to tolerate treatment and for recovery. A dietitian prepares a nutritional plan tailored to the patient's condition.
A cancer diagnosis can create a significant emotional burden for patients and their relatives. Feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty are a natural part of the treatment process. An oncology psychologist provides psychological support to the patient during this period.
Complications such as infections, impaired kidney or heart function, and nutritional problems may develop during treatment. In our department, early detection and management of these problems are considered an integral part of the treatment process.
If you experience symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, blood in the stool, a breast lump, a wound that does not heal, or unexpected bleeding, you will first be evaluated by the relevant department. If cancer suspicion is confirmed, you will be referred to the oncology department.
The oncology department specializes in the treatment and follow-up of cancer. Drug treatments for many types of cancer, particularly lung, breast, digestive system, urological, and gynecological cancers, are planned and administered in this department.
Medical oncology manages cancer treatment using medications such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. Radiation oncology, on the other hand, focuses on treating cancer using radiation therapy (radiotherapy). In many patients, these two treatments are administered together or sequentially.
During the initial consultation, the patient's complaints, medical history, and existing pathology and imaging reports are evaluated. A physical examination is performed, and any additional tests required for treatment planning are identified. Therefore, bringing all your medical reports will help speed up the process.
The duration of a chemotherapy session varies depending on the medication used. Some treatments are completed within 1–2 hours, while others may take longer or extend over several days. The total duration of treatment may range from a few months to much longer periods, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment objective.
Many patients can continue their daily activities and even work during treatment with certain adjustments. This depends on the medication used, the severity of side effects, and the individual's overall condition. You can discuss this with your treatment team to establish a routine that suits your needs.
No. Hair loss is common with some chemotherapy medications, while with others it may not occur at all or may be mild. Significant hair loss is generally not expected with targeted therapies and immunotherapy. If hair loss occurs, hair usually grows back after treatment is completed.
Adequate protein and energy intake is important during treatment. Eating small, frequent meals, drinking plenty of fluids, and choosing well-cooked foods are among the general recommendations. During periods of weakened immunity, it may be necessary to avoid raw or undercooked foods. Herbal products and supplements should not be used without consulting a physician, as they may interact with medications.
The diagnosis and tests performed at another medical center are evaluated during the initial consultation. Your physician will decide how treatment should continue. Bringing your pathology reports, imaging records, and treatment summaries will facilitate this evaluation.
The frequency of follow-up appointments varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. Generally, examinations, blood tests, and necessary imaging studies are performed more frequently during the first few years and at longer intervals in subsequent years. The follow-up plan is individually determined by the medical oncologist.
To schedule an appointment or obtain information from the Emsey Hospital Medical Oncology Department, you can contact us at 444 25 99 or use our online appointment system. Our hospital is located at Selçuklu Street No:22, Çamlık Neighborhood, Pendik, Istanbul.
The information on this page has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for your diagnosis and treatment plan.
