Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, and it is precisely here that accurate staging and starting treatment quickly are of decisive importance. At Anadolu Medical Center, patients undergo a complete work-up within a few days (PET-CT, bronchoscopy, biopsy with molecular profiling), after which a multidisciplinary tumour board — bringing together a thoracic surgeon, a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist — draws up a personalised treatment plan.
An English-speaking coordinator is dedicated to patients from the UK and abroad: they arrange your flight (direct flights connect London and other major UK and European cities with Istanbul — IST/SAW), transfers, accommodation and support at every step — from the first consultation through to follow-up check-ups after you return home.
Treatment methods at Anadolu
Thoracic surgery
Removal of a lung tumour (lobectomy, segmentectomy, pneumonectomy) can also be performed using minimally invasive techniques — by thoracoscopy (VATS), through a few small incisions. This means less pain after the operation, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery of breathing function.
CyberKnife M6 and Varian EDGE — radiosurgery
For patients in whom surgery is not advisable, as well as for small tumours and metastases, stereotactic radiosurgery is used: a high dose of radiation is directed at the tumour with sub-millimetre accuracy, breathing movements are tracked, and no incision or general anaesthesia is required.
Chemotherapy and targeted therapy
The protocol is chosen on the basis of molecular and genetic analysis of the tumour (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, PD-L1 and other markers). Targeted drugs act on the tumour’s specific mutation and, where indicated, achieve a better response to treatment.
Immunotherapy
Modern immunotherapy drugs (checkpoint inhibitors) help the immune system to recognise and destroy tumour cells. They are prescribed by the oncologist according to the result of immunohistochemical testing.
Radiotherapy (MR-Linac, Radixact)
In locally advanced stages, modern image-guided linear accelerators are used; they allow the tumour to be irradiated with maximum precision while sparing healthy lung tissue and the heart.
Why international patients choose Anadolu
- Affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine — shared clinical protocols with one of the largest medical centres in the United States.
- JCI, ESMO and OECI accreditations — internationally recognised quality and patient safety.
- Multidisciplinary tumour boards — your treatment plan is decided not by a single doctor but by a team of specialists.
- Support in English — a coordinator and an interpreter at every step, from your first enquiry to discharge.
- A transparent cost estimate before you travel — you know the estimated cost of treatment in advance.
- Practical assistance — our team assists with travel and, where needed, visa formalities.
Specialist doctors
Altan Kır
Assoc. Prof. Dr., Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Tayfun Çalışkan
Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Pulmonology
Yeşim Yıldırım
Professor of Medical Oncology
Medical OncologyHow to start your treatment
Send your records
Reports, scans and test results — via the form, by email or WhatsApp.
The doctor’s opinion
A specialist will review your case free of charge within 48 hours.
Plan and cost estimate
You will receive the treatment plan and its estimated cost — before you travel.
Arrival and treatment
Transfers, accommodation and an interpreter — everything is arranged by the hospital.
Frequently asked questions — lung cancer
How much does lung cancer treatment cost in Turkey?
The price depends on the stage, the extent of surgery and the treatment protocol. After a free review of your documents, the hospital sends you a personalised quote before you travel. At Anadolu, for a comparable level of technology, prices are generally considerably lower than at hospitals in Western Europe (Germany, Italy) and the United States.
How soon can treatment start?
Once your medical documents have been received, the specialist’s response reaches you within 48 hours. You can travel within a few days: our team assists with travel and, where needed, visa formalities.
Is thoracoscopic surgery (without a large incision) possible?
Yes, where indicated, lung resection is performed using the VATS technique — through a few small incisions. The decision is made by the thoracic surgeon after assessing the imaging and the stage of the tumour.
What if surgery is not possible?
For patients who cannot have surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (CyberKnife M6), modern radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are used. The plan is drawn up by the multidisciplinary tumour board.
Which documents are needed for a second opinion?
A hospital discharge summary, CT/PET-CT results (discs or files) and, where available, the histology report are sufficient. You can send your documents in your own language — the hospital takes care of translation, and an English-speaking coordinator and interpreter support you throughout your treatment.
Request a treatment plan and cost estimate
Free: a specialist will review your records within 48 hours.