Bone Marrow Transplant in Turkey: Questions International Patients Ask

What is a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant, and why is it done?

A bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplant replaces diseased or damaged blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells, usually after high-dose treatment. It is used for certain blood cancers, bone marrow failure and some other blood disorders. Your transplant physicians decide whether it suits you.

Is bone marrow transplant available for international patients in Istanbul?

Yes. Biruni University Hospital in Istanbul has bone marrow transplant centers for adults and for children, and a coordinator who speaks your language from the first message. Transplant physicians review your reports first and then propose a plan; the final decision is made after assessment.

Which conditions are treated with a transplant?

Examples include leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, bone marrow failure such as aplastic anemia, and some inherited blood disorders. Each case is assessed individually, and for some patients another treatment is the better choice.

What is the difference between an autologous and an allogeneic transplant?

In an autologous transplant your own stem cells are collected and given back after treatment. In an allogeneic transplant the cells come from a donor, related or unrelated. Physicians choose the type according to your disease and general condition, and each carries different benefits and risks.

How is a donor chosen?

It depends on tissue (HLA) matching. Options may include a brother, sister or other relative, including partially matched donors, or an unrelated donor from donor registries. The team explains your options early, along with the medical evaluation the donor needs and any travel involved.

What are the steps of a bone marrow transplant?

Usual steps: (1) evaluation and tests, (2) preparative treatment with chemotherapy or radiation, (3) infusion of stem cells, (4) a waiting period while the new cells start making blood (engraftment) under close monitoring, (5) recovery, and (6) long-term follow-up. Your team explains the timeline for your case.

How long do I stay in Istanbul after the transplant?

It depends on the type of transplant and your recovery. The journey often includes a hospital stay of several weeks followed by close monitoring near the center, then remote follow-up with your local doctor. The team gives you an expected schedule after assessment, and accommodation options exist for the patient and a companion.

What are the risks and side effects?

They can include infections, low blood counts, mouth and digestive inflammation, organ complications, and graft-versus-host disease after a donor transplant. A specialized team monitors and treats these, with intensive care available when needed. No specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Do you perform bone marrow transplants for children?

Yes. The hospital has a pediatric bone marrow transplant program and a pediatric hematology-oncology program, alongside a child-health center. Send your child's reports to the coordinator and pediatric specialists will review them.

How much does a bone marrow transplant cost in Turkey?

There is no single price: cost depends on the diagnosis, the type of transplant, the donor, hospital stay and medications. Biruni Bridge provides a written estimate case by case after reviewing your reports. Ask exactly what it includes, such as tests, the transplant, hospital stay, accommodation and transfers, so offers can be compared fairly.

What documents should I send, and how fast will I hear back?

Your latest medical report with the diagnosis, bone marrow biopsy and special test reports (such as cytogenetics or molecular tests) if available, recent blood tests, imaging reports, a dated list of previous treatments, and tissue typing (HLA) results if you have them. A complete file usually receives a proposed plan within 24–48 hours; complex cases may take longer.

How do I start, and what travel support is available?

Send your reports on WhatsApp (+90 536 842 55 97) or by email (info@birunibridge.com), or use the form. Your coordinator arranges interpreting, a medical invitation letter for the visa, airport pick-up and transfer, accommodation for you and your companion, and follow-up after you return.