Assoc. Prof. MD. Ozan Balakan

With acclaimed research in breast and pancreatic cancer, Dr. Ozan Balakan shapes the future of precision oncology.

Associate Professor Dr. Ozan Balakan is a highly respected Medical Oncology Specialist at İSÜ Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, dedicated to providing world-class care and achieving exceptional clinical outcomes for patients facing complex cancer diagnoses. His practice is defined by a profoundly patient-centric philosophy, ensuring that treatment is not only scientifically rigorous but also deeply empathetic, focusing on maximizing patient comfort and minimizing side effects for a faster recovery. Dr. Balakan's comprehensive clinical expertise spans some of the most challenging oncology areas, including Breast Cancer, and a wide range of Gastrointestinal System Cancers (such as gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic malignancies), alongside specialized knowledge in rare conditions like Neuroendocrine Tumors and Central Nervous System Tumors. He is a master in applying the advanced treatments that characterize modern oncology.

This involves utilizing cutting-edge technology and precision medicine techniques,including targeted therapies and innovative immunotherapies,to create highly personalized treatment protocols. For instance, in treating complex GI cancers and breast cancer, he integrates sophisticated diagnostics like HER2 expression analysis and molecular profiling to select the most effective, least toxic agents. His experience, cultivated through key positions at multiple major university and military medical centers, allows him to navigate the intricate landscape of modern cancer care, translating decades of international research and clinical history into a compassionate, customized roadmap for every individual patient. His ultimate goal is to offer optimized treatment efficacy while prioritizing the patient’s quality of life throughout their complex journey.

Dr. Ozan Balakan’s distinction as an Associate Professor MD highlights his position as a scientific and academic leader, ensuring that his clinical decisions are unequivocally evidence-based. Having completed his specialization at Gaziantep University and contributed to medical education across multiple institutions, Dr. Balakan maintains a critical educator role that shapes the future of oncology. His dedication to advancing the field is best demonstrated by his prodigious scientific research record, featuring over 58 publications and more than 447 citations in peer-reviewed journals. This volume of work is a testament to his commitment to inquiry and scholarly contribution. Dr. Balakan’s research is highly relevant to his clinical specialties; he has been instrumental in numerous multicenter studies by the Anatolian Society of Medical Oncology, investigating the efficacy and toxicity profiles of crucial chemotherapy regimens (e.g., in advanced gastric and pancreatic cancer).

Furthermore, his work delves into the fundamental mechanisms of disease, including studies on molecular prognostic factors in breast cancer (like Urotensin II and genetic polymorphisms) and the optimization of adjuvant treatment modalities for complicated tumors, such as pancreatic and biliary tract adenocarcinomas. By meticulously analyzing new data and contributing original research, Dr. Balakan ensures the treatments he offers are always at the cutting edge of validated medical science. This powerful blend of clinical experience and relentless academic inquiry positions him not just as a clinician, but as a key academic authority driving the best possible clinical outcomes for his patients.