Cancer involves abnormal cells growing uncontrollably, invading nearby tissues, and spreading to other parts of the body through metastasis.
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Understanding the Treatment Details for pediatric cancer is essential for families navigating a diagnosis far from home. At Liv Hospital, a JCI‑accredited international medical center in Istanbul, we combine cutting‑edge technology with a compassionate, multilingual team to create personalized care pathways for young patients. Each year, more than 300,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, and early, precise intervention dramatically improves survival rates. This page outlines the full spectrum of treatment options, from diagnosis through long‑term follow‑up, and explains how our integrated services support international families at every step.
Our approach blends evidence‑based medicine with the latest innovations, such as robotic surgery and targeted therapies, ensuring that every child receives the most effective and least invasive care possible. Whether you are seeking information about chemotherapy protocols, surgical techniques, or supportive services, the following sections provide detailed, easy‑to‑follow explanations designed for patients, caregivers, and referring physicians.
Pediatric cancers differ from adult malignancies in biology, response to therapy, and long‑term impact. Consequently, treatment plans are uniquely tailored, emphasizing cure while preserving growth and development. The primary treatment details include:
At Liv Hospital, every case begins with a tumor board review, ensuring that the chosen strategy reflects the latest clinical guidelines and the individual child’s needs. This collaborative model reduces treatment delays and maximizes the likelihood of remission.
Accurate diagnosis and staging lay the foundation for effective treatment. The treatment details start with a series of coordinated steps:
Our international patient services coordinate appointments, translation, and travel logistics, so families can focus on the diagnostic process without administrative burdens. Once staging is complete, the multidisciplinary team drafts a personalized treatment plan, which is discussed in depth with the family.
Chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of curative intent for most pediatric cancers. The treatment details for chemotherapy at Liv Hospital include:
Our pharmacy team custom‑compounds pediatric doses with precision, and our nursing staff provides age‑appropriate education to reduce anxiety. For example, a typical protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may involve a four‑phase regimen: induction, consolidation, delayed intensification, and maintenance, spanning 2–3 years. Throughout, we employ evidence‑based dose adjustments to maintain efficacy while protecting developing organs.
In addition to standard cytotoxic agents, we offer access to newer agents such as tyrosine‑kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies when molecular testing reveals suitable targets. All treatments are delivered in a child‑friendly environment, with play specialists and child life counselors present to support emotional well‑being.
Surgery aims to remove the tumor while preserving as much normal tissue as possible. The treatment details for surgical intervention include:
For solid tumors such as neuroblastoma or Wilms tumor, complete resection offers the best chance for cure. In cases where the tumor encroaches on critical structures, we may combine limited surgery with neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the mass before a safer operation.
Our surgical team maintains a 95 % complete‑resection rate for eligible pediatric cases, reflecting both technical expertise and meticulous pre‑operative planning. When reconstruction is required, we involve pediatric plastic surgeons to ensure optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Radiation therapy delivers high‑energy particles to eradicate residual disease. The treatment details at Liv Hospital emphasize precision and safety:
Proton therapy, available through a regional partnership, offers superior dose distribution, sparing surrounding healthy tissue—a critical advantage for tumors near the spine or brain. For select cases, we also employ stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and brachytherapy, delivering high doses over fewer sessions.
Emerging modalities such as FLASH radiotherapy, which delivers ultra‑high dose rates, are under clinical investigation at our research institute. Participation in these trials provides eligible patients access to potentially less toxic treatment options.
Effective treatment extends beyond the tumor‑targeting phase. The comprehensive treatment details for supportive care include:
Our survivorship clinic schedules regular check‑ups, imaging, and laboratory tests according to internationally recognized guidelines. Families receive a written survivorship care plan, outlining recommended screenings and lifestyle recommendations for the child’s lifelong health.
For international patients, we coordinate tele‑medicine follow‑up appointments, allowing local physicians to collaborate with our specialists. This continuity of care minimizes travel burdens while ensuring that any late effects are identified early.
Liv Hospital combines JCI accreditation, a dedicated pediatric oncology department, and a full suite of international patient services. Families benefit from a single point of contact that arranges travel, visa assistance, interpreter support, and comfortable accommodation near the hospital. Our multidisciplinary team follows evidence‑based protocols while integrating the latest innovations, ensuring each child receives world‑class care in a supportive, culturally sensitive environment.
Ready to discuss your child’s treatment plan? Contact our international patient office today to schedule a virtual consultation and learn how Liv Hospital can guide you through every step of the journey.
Liv Hospital Ulus
Assoc. Prof. MD. Evrim Duman
Radiation Oncology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Asst. Prof. MD. Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Duygu Derin
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Emre Merdan Fayda
Radiation Oncology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Meral Günaldı
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Assoc. Prof. MD. Murat Ayhan
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Itır Şirinoğlu Demiriz
Hematology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Tülin Tıraje Celkan
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Assoc. Prof. MD. Erkan Kayıkçıoğlu
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Assoc. Prof. MD. Mine Dağgez
Gynecological Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Assoc. Prof. MD. Ozan Balakan
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
MD. Taylan Bükülmez
Radiation Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Alp Koray Kinter
Gynecological Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Nuri Faruk Aykan
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Yasemin Altuner Torun
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Spec. MD. Vildan Kayku
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Spec. MD. Özlem Doğan
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Assoc. Prof. MD. Emir Çelik
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Assoc. Prof. MD. Muhammed Mustafa Atcı
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Prof. MD. İrfan Çiçin
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Assoc. Prof. MD. Ramazan Öcal
Hematology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Assoc. Prof. MD. Nazlı Topfedaisi Özkan
Gynecological Oncology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Fikret Arpacı
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Gökhan Erdem
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Meral Beksaç
Hematology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Oral Nevruz
Hematology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Saadettin Kılıçkap
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Sadık Muallaoğlu
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Spec. MD. Ender Kalacı
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Assoc. Prof. MD. Fadime Ersoy Dursun
Hematology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Prof. MD. Fatih Teker
Medical Oncology
Liv Bona Dea Hospital Bakü
Spec. MD. ELXAN MEMMEDOV
Medical Oncology
Spec. MD. Ceyda Aslan
Hematology
Spec. MD. Elkhan Mammadov
Medical Oncology
Spec. MD. Elmir İsrafilov
Hematology
Spec. MD. Minure Abışova Eliyeva
Hematology
Spec. MD. Natavan Azizova
Medical Oncology
Liv Hospital Ulus + Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Mehmet Hilmi Doğu
Hematology
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The hospital’s approach begins with a tumor board review where pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and supportive‑care specialists design a personalized plan. Chemotherapy regimens are calibrated to tumor type and stage, while surgery often employs minimally invasive or robotic methods to reduce trauma. Radiation therapy is delivered using 3‑D conformal, IMRT, or proton therapy to protect healthy tissue. Targeted and immunotherapies are added when molecular testing identifies actionable mutations. Throughout treatment, nutrition, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation services are integrated to maintain the child’s overall well‑being.
The diagnostic pathway begins with a thorough clinical assessment, including history and physical exam, and basic blood tests. Imaging studies such as MRI, CT, PET‑CT, and ultrasound pinpoint tumor location and spread. A biopsy provides histology and molecular data, while staging evaluations—including bone‑marrow aspirates and whole‑body imaging—determine disease extent. Genetic and molecular testing, using next‑generation sequencing or PCR panels, identifies mutations that guide targeted therapy. All steps are coordinated by the international patient services team to streamline appointments, translation, and travel logistics for families.
Chemotherapy at Liv Hospital follows evidence‑based, risk‑adapted protocols. For acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a four‑phase regimen (induction, consolidation, delayed intensification, maintenance) spanning 2–3 years is typical. Drug combinations are selected based on tumor biology, and doses are administered through central venous catheters to ensure reliable delivery. Blood counts, organ function, and drug levels are monitored continuously. Proactive management of nausea, infection risk, and mucositis includes anti‑emetics, growth factors, and supportive medications. When molecular testing reveals specific targets, newer agents such as tyrosine‑kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies are incorporated into the regimen.
Surgical planning starts with detailed imaging to map tumor boundaries. Intra‑operative navigation and fluorescence imaging enhance precision during resection. When feasible, robotic or laparoscopic approaches are used to minimize incision size and postoperative pain. Pediatric anesthesiologists experienced with child physiology manage anesthesia, often with sedation for younger patients. Post‑operative protocols focus on early mobilization and pain control. For complex cases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may shrink tumors before surgery, and pediatric plastic surgeons assist with reconstruction when needed. The team reports a 95 % complete‑resection rate for eligible cases.
Radiation therapy is customized using 3‑D conformal, intensity‑modulated (IMRT), or proton therapy to shape the dose around the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. Image‑guided systems verify patient positioning before each session. For children who cannot stay still, anesthesia or sedation is employed. Daily skin checks and toxicity assessments allow rapid intervention if side effects arise. Long‑term follow‑up monitors growth, endocrine function, and secondary cancer risk. Proton therapy, accessed through a regional partnership, offers superior dose distribution for tumors near critical structures such as the spine or brain. Emerging techniques like FLASH radiotherapy are investigated in clinical trials.
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