Bone Marrow Transplant in Turkey

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Dr. Hasan L. Lice, on Feb 23, 2025

Bone Marrow Transplant in Turkey - Comprehensive Guide

A detailed guide to bone marrow transplant in Turkey, including procedures, recovery, costs, and benefits of choosing Turkish clinics.

What Is a Bone Marrow Transplant?

A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These stem cells can come from your own body (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant). Bone marrow transplants are often necessary for treating conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, and other blood-related disorders.

Bone marrow plays a crucial role in producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When it becomes compromised due to disease or intensive treatments like chemotherapy, a transplant helps restore healthy blood cell production. The success rate of bone marrow transplant Turkey depends on factors such as the type of transplant, the patient's overall health, and how well the donor's stem cells match the recipient.

Recovery After Bone Marrow Transplant Turkey

The recovery after bone marrow transplant in Turkey is a gradual process that can take several months to a year, depending on individual health factors. The initial hospital stay usually lasts a few weeks, during which doctors monitor for complications like infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), or delayed engraftment (when the new stem cells start producing blood cells).

During the recovery from bone marrow transplant in Turkey, your immune system will be weakened, requiring strict precautions to avoid infections. Medical guidelines regarding diet, hygiene, and lifestyle changes can help improve outcomes. The success rate of bone marrow transplant also depends on post-transplant care and how well your body accepts the new stem cells.

Bone Marrow Transplant Donor Requirements

If you're considering becoming a bone marrow donor, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

• Age Requirements: Most donor registries accept individuals between 18 and 40 since younger donors lead to better transplant success rates.
• Good Health: Donors must be healthy, without chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders.
• Genetic Match: A human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match is essential to ensure compatibility with a recipient.
• Weight and BMI: Some donor programs have weight restrictions to minimize risks during donation.

Bone Marrow Transplant Donor Recovery

After donating bone marrow, most donors experience mild side effects like fatigue, soreness at the collection site, or temporary low blood counts. Recovery times vary depending on the donation method:

• Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation: Recovery typically takes about one to two weeks, with mild flu-like symptoms due to the medication used to stimulate stem cell production.
• Bone Marrow Harvest: Full recovery may take two to four weeks if stem cells are collected from the hip bone. Pain or stiffness in the lower back is common but temporary.

100 Days After Bone Marrow Transplant

The first 100 days after a bone marrow transplant Turkey are critical for monitoring complications and ensuring the transplant is successful. During this time, doctors will check for:

• Engraftment: The point when transplanted stem cells start producing new blood cells.
• Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): A potential complication where the donor cells attack the recipient’s body.
• Infection Prevention: Since your immune system is still recovering, avoiding infections is essential.

During this period, patients are often required to follow a specialized diet, avoid crowds, and take prescribed medications to reduce risks.

60 Days After Bone Marrow Transplant

By 60 days after a bone marrow transplant in Turkey, your body will still adjust to the new stem cells. Some patients may begin feeling stronger, while others may still experience fatigue, weakness, or minor infections. Regular follow-up visits and blood tests help assess your progress. If you had an allogeneic transplant, doctors will continue monitoring for signs of GVHD and adjusting medications to support immune system recovery.

Overall, the recovery after bone marrow transplant Turkey is different for everyone. Following your medical team’s recommendations and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve the success rate of bone marrow transplants and lead to a smoother recovery process.

Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure

A bone marrow transplant procedure is a medical treatment that replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This procedure is commonly used for patients with conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, and other blood disorders. By replacing unhealthy bone marrow, the body can regain its ability to produce normal blood cells and improve immune function.

Steps in the Transplant Bone Marrow Procedure

The transplant bone marrow procedure involves several key steps:

Pre-Transplant Preparation:

• Patients undergo a series of tests to assess overall health and determine the best type of transplant.
• A conditioning regimen (chemotherapy or radiation) is used to destroy damaged bone marrow and prepare the body for the new stem cells.

Bone Marrow Transplant Donation (If Using a Donor):

• If the patient receives an allogeneic transplant (from a donor), a suitable match is identified through bone marrow transplant donation registries or a related family member.
• The donor's stem cells are collected through either bone marrow harvest (from the pelvic bone) or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection (from the bloodstream).

Stem Cell Infusion:

• The harvested stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line, similar to a blood transfusion.
• The new stem cells travel to the bone marrow, establishing and producing healthy blood cells.

Post-Transplant Recovery:

• The first few weeks after the procedure are crucial for monitoring engraftment, preventing infections, and managing side effects.
• The patient's immune system remains weak, requiring close medical supervision.

The success of the bone marrow transplant Turkey procedure depends on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the type of transplant performed, and the compatibility of the donor’s cells. Patients undergoing this treatment should be prepared for an extended recovery and follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations to support healing and improve outcomes.

What Does Bone Marrow Transplant Turkey Involve?

A bone marrow transplant involves 5 main steps, which are mentioned below:

• Tests and procedures
• Harvesting or collecting of stem cells
• Conditioning
• Transplant
• Recovery

To begin, you will need to undergo several tests to assess your general health and your eligibility for the bone marrow transplant in Turkey procedure. Once that is completed, the decision regarding donor stem cells must be made. As in, will the stem cells be harvested from your own body or a donor.

The next step is the harvesting of these stem cells which is then followed by rounds of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This conditioning step is to suppress your immune system and prepare the body for new stem cells. In rare cases, reduced-intensity conditioning may be performed. 

The fourth and fifth steps are the transplant procedure and the recovery from the procedure which can take approximately up to 1 year. 

Bone Marrow Transplant Types

There are different types of bone marrow transplant, depending on the source of the stem cells used for the procedure. The two main types are allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplants. The choice between these options depends on factors such as the patient’s condition, the availability of a donor, and the overall treatment plan.

Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant

An allogeneic bone marrow transplant involves receiving stem cells from a compatible donor. The donor can be a family member, an unrelated person found through a bone marrow transplant donation registry, or in some cases, umbilical cord blood.

Key Features of an Allogeneic Transplant:

• A donor’s stem cells replace diseased or damaged bone marrow.

• A close human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match is necessary to reduce complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
• This type of transplant is commonly used for conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders.

While allogeneic bone marrow transplants offer a potential cure, they also carry risks, including immune system complications and a longer recovery period due to the need for immunosuppressive medications.

Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant

An autologous bone marrow transplant involves using a patient’s stem cells instead of a donor's. The stem cells are collected from the patient before undergoing high-dose chemotherapy or radiation and reintroduced into the body.

Key Features of an Autologous Transplant:

• The patient's own stem cells are harvested and stored before treatment.

• Since the body recognizes its own cells, graft-versus-host disease is not risky.
• This type is commonly used for conditions like multiple myeloma and certain types of lymphoma.

An autologous bone marrow transplant is generally preferred when the patient's bone marrow is still producing healthy cells but needs support after aggressive cancer treatments.

Both types of bone marrow transplant have advantages and risks, and the best option depends on the patient’s medical condition and treatment goals. A healthcare provider will assess individual cases to determine which transplant type offers the best chance for recovery.

Bone Marrow Transplant for Different Conditions

Bone marrow transplants are a crucial treatment option for various blood-related disorders and cancers. Depending on the condition, a bone marrow transplant for leukemia, multiple myeloma, or sickle cell disease can offer a potential cure or significantly improve a patient's quality of life.

Bone Marrow Transplant for Leukemia

A bone marrow transplant for leukemia is often recommended for patients with aggressive or recurrent forms of the disease, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The procedure helps replace cancerous bone marrow with healthy stem cells, restoring normal blood cell production.

How It Works:

• Patients typically undergo allogeneic bone marrow transplant, where healthy stem cells come from a donor.

• High-dose chemotherapy or radiation is used before the transplant to destroy leukemia cells and prepare the bone marrow for new stem cells.
• The success of the transplant depends on donor compatibility, the patient's overall health, and the stage of leukemia.

Bone marrow transplant Turkey offer a chance for long-term remission in leukemia patients, especially when other treatments like chemotherapy fail.

Bone Marrow Transplant for Multiple Myeloma

A bone marrow transplant for multiple myeloma is a common treatment approach to extend remission and improve survival rates. Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

How It Works:

• The most common approach is an autologous bone marrow transplant, where the patient's stem cells are collected before undergoing high-dose chemotherapy.

• After intensive treatment, The stem cells are reintroduced to help regenerate healthy bone marrow.
• In rare cases, an allogeneic transplant may be performed, but this carries higher risks due to potential immune system complications.

While a bone marrow transplant for multiple myeloma is not always a cure, it significantly prolongs remission and improves the quality of life for many patients.

Sickle Cell Bone Marrow Transplant

A sickle cell bone marrow transplant is currently the only known cure for sickle cell disease. This genetic blood disorder causes misshapen red blood cells that block blood flow, leading to severe pain, organ damage, and life-threatening complications.

How It Works:

• An allogeneic bone marrow transplant typically uses stem cells from a matched sibling or unrelated donor.

• The new stem cells help produce healthy red blood cells, eliminating the effects of sickle cell disease.
• Transplants are usually recommended for young patients with severe symptoms who have a suitable donor match.

A bone marrow transplant in Turkey for sickle cell disease has a high success rate, especially when performed in children. However, doctors carefully evaluate each case because of the risks involved before recommending this treatment.

Bone marrow transplants have revolutionized the treatment of blood disorders, providing hope for patients with leukemia, multiple myeloma, and sickle cell disease. While the procedure carries risks, ongoing medical advancements continue to improve success rates and outcomes for those in need.

Stem Cell Transplant vs. Bone Marrow Transplant

When considering a stem cell transplant vs. bone marrow transplant, it's important to understand the differences between these two procedures. Both involve replacing diseased or damaged stem cells with healthy ones, but the source of the stem cells differs. The choice between these treatments depends on the patient’s condition, the availability of a bone marrow transplant donor, and medical recommendations.

Choosing Between a Stem Cell Transplant and a Bone Marrow Transplant

• Availability of a Donor: To reduce complications, a bone marrow transplant donor must be closely matched to the patient’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. Finding a match can be challenging, and in some cases, doctors may opt for a stem cell transplant instead, as PBSC donations are easier to collect and store.
• Condition Being Treated: Certain conditions, like leukemia, may respond better to stem cell transplants, while others, like some immune disorders, may benefit more from a bone marrow transplant Turkey.
• Recovery and Risks: Stem cell transplants tend to have a faster recovery time but carry a higher risk of GVHD. Bone marrow transplant in Turkey, while slower, may have a lower risk of severe complications.

Price of Bone Marrow Transplant Turkey

The price of bone marrow transplant in Turkey varies based on factors such as hospital fees, medical care, donor matching, and post-transplant recovery. depending on whether an autologous or allogeneic transplant is performed. Additional expenses may include:

• Donor-related costs (if a matched donor is found through a registry)
• Hospital stay and intensive care
• Post-transplant medications and monitoring

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in managing the bone marrow transplant cost in Turkey, and some organizations offer financial assistance for patients undergoing a transplant.

Both stem cell transplants and bone marrow transplant in Turkey are life-saving treatments for various blood disorders. The best approach depends on the patient’s medical condition, donor availability, and treatment plan. If you or a loved one is considering a transplant, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to understanding the risks, benefits, and financial aspects involved.

Key Differences Between Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants

Stem Cell Source:

• Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cells are collected from circulating blood (peripheral blood stem cells - PBSC).
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Stem cells are extracted directly from the bone marrow, usually from the hip bone.

Procedure for Collection:

• Stem Cell Transplant: The donor receives medication to stimulate stem cell production, followed by blood collection.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: The donor undergoes a surgical procedure under anesthesia to extract bone marrow.

Engraftment Time:

• Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cells start producing new blood cells faster (typically within 10–14 days).
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Engraftment is slightly slower, taking about 14–21 days.

Common Use Cases:

• Stem Cell Transplant: Often used for leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Preferred for genetic disorders and immune system deficiencies.

Donor Considerations:

• Stem Cell Transplant: It is easier to collect stem cells but may carry a higher risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
• Bone Marrow Transplant: This is a more invasive collection process with lower GVHD risk.

Choosing between a stem cell transplant and a bone marrow transplant depends on the patient’s condition, the availability of a bone marrow transplant donor, and medical recommendations.

What Should I Expect After Bone Marrow Transplant in Turkey

After the bone marrow transplant in Turkey, you will:

• Undergo blood tests periodically
• Require blood transfusions.
• Be on immunosuppressive medications
• Be more likely to catch infections
• Be on a specific healthy diet to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.

Bone Marrow Transplant Side Effects in Turkey

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Graft Vs Host Disease
• Donor rejection
• Reduced blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting

Bone Marrow Transplant Side Effects for Donor

Donating bone marrow is a generous act that can save a life, but it does come with temporary side effects. The bone marrow transplant Turkey side effects for donors vary based on the method of donation:

For Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation:

This method involves receiving medication to stimulate stem cell production before collecting stem cells from the bloodstream. Common side effects include:

• Bone and muscle pain (due to the medication stimulating the bone marrow)
• Fatigue and mild flu-like symptoms
• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea or mild discomfort during or after donation

Most side effects are temporary and resolve within a few days after the donation.

For Bone Marrow Harvest (Surgical Donation):

This method requires extracting bone marrow directly from the pelvic bone under anesthesia. Side effects may include:

• Soreness and pain in the lower back or hips
• Fatigue lasting a few days to a few weeks
• Mild swelling or bruising at the collection site
• Dizziness or nausea from anesthesia

Full recovery usually takes two to four weeks, and most donors return to normal activities within a few days.

Bone Marrow Transplant Donor Risks

While donating bone marrow is considered safe, there are some bone marrow transplant donor risks to be aware of. These include:

• Anesthesia Risks: There is a small risk associated with anesthesia, including allergic reactions or breathing complications, if you are undergoing a surgical bone marrow harvest.
• Infection or Bleeding: Although rare, there is a slight risk of infection or excessive bleeding at the collection site.
• Low Blood Counts: Donors may experience temporary low red blood cell or platelet levels, which can lead to mild anemia or bruising.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Some donors feel tired for several days after donation, especially if donating through a surgical procedure.

Most of these risks are minimal; donors typically recover fully within a few weeks. Doctors carefully evaluate donors before the procedure to ensure they are in good health and can safely undergo donation.

If you are considering becoming a bone marrow transplant donor, speaking with a healthcare professional can help you understand the risks and benefits while ensuring a safe and positive donation experience.

Bone Marrow Transplant Success Rate

The bone marrow transplant in Turkey generally produces positive results with the success rate of the procedure being 87 percent. 

How To Prepare For Bone Marrow Transplant Turkey?

• Understand how your life is going to change after the procedure. This includes dietary changes and changes in lifestyle, for at least a year after the procedure. 
• Make sure your primary medical team transfers all required documents and reports to the surgeons in Turkey to avoid unnecessary testing.
• Ask a loved one to come along, to accompany you on this journey.

Benefits of Bone Marrow Transplant Installment Payment Plan

Medical tourism is an increasingly popular option for individuals seeking high-quality, cost-effective healthcare. For many, the financial burden of upfront payments can be a barrier to accessing treatment abroad. Opting for installment payment plans offers several advantages that make medical treatments more accessible and manageable.

Affordable Access to Quality Care

• Spread-Out Costs: Bone Marrow Transplant Turkey Installment payments allow patients to spread the cost of medical procedures over a period of time, reducing the immediate financial pressure.
• Access to Premium Services: Patients can afford higher-quality treatments, facilities, or specialists they might not otherwise consider.

Improved Financial Flexibility

• Manageable Payments: Small, predictable monthly payments make it easier to plan and budget without depleting savings or emergency funds.
• Minimized Debt Risk: Installment plans often have lower interest rates and manageable terms than taking a high-interest loan or maxing out credit cards.

Opportunities for Early Treatment

• Reduced Delays: Bone Marrow Transplant Installment options remove the need to wait until the full amount is saved, enabling patients to receive timely medical care.
• Better Outcomes: Early treatment can prevent health conditions from worsening, often reducing overall healthcare costs in the long run.

Peace of Mind

• Financial Security: Knowing payments are spread out and manageable reduces stress and allows patients to focus on their recovery.
• Transparent Agreements: Many installment plans have clear terms, ensuring no hidden fees or unexpected financial surprises.

By leveraging installment payment plans, individuals can access high-quality medical care abroad while maintaining financial stability. This approach ensures a balance between receiving the best treatment and managing personal finances responsibly.

How Can Flymedi Help with Payment Plan Options

We’ve created payment plans to fit the needs of patients in different regions, with varying terms and limits:

Payment Plan Options by Region:

• United Kingdom: Up to 36 months, maximum £5,000
• United States: Up to 36 months, maximum $30,000
• Germany: Up to 36 months, maximum €5,000
• Canada: Up to 36 months, maximum CAD 30,000
• France, Spain, Italy, Romania: Up to 3 months, maximum €1,500
• Other Countries: Financing is available in Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, and more (specific limits available on request).

Interest Rates:

• 3-month plans: Interest-free
• Up to 36-month plans: Interest rates range from 7.5% to 15%, depending on your credit history and employment status.

You can choose installment plans with VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover if you have a high credit card limit. Terms include 3, 6, or 12 months. We’re here to help! Contact us for guidance or to find the best plan for your needs. Your health is important, and we’re committed to making care accessible.

Bone Marrow Transplant Quick Facts

Procedure	Bone Marrow Transplant
Duration	3 - 4 hours
Cost in Turkey	€80,000 – €110,000
Anesthesia	Local anesthesia
Recovery	6 - 12 months (sometimes longer)
Final Results	6 - 12 months (sometimes longer)
Side Effects	Anemia, bleeding disorders, and easy bruising
Risks	Stem cell or graft failure, organ failure, cataract
Success Rate	65%
Exercise	Immediately (low intensity)
Back To Work	After 6 months
Scars	Yes (not visible)
Pain	No
Related Procedures	Umbilical cord blood

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Turkey bone marrow good for you?

Turkish medical standards are quite high with all procedures being performed in state-of-the-art facilities by board-certified, highly-skilled surgeons. It is completely safe to have a bone marrow transplant in Turkey.

How much does a bone marrow transplant cost?

The bone marrow transplant cost in Turkey is approximately €45,000 to €65,000. The cost is dependent on whether the procedure is an autologous bone marrow transplant or an allogenic bone marrow transplant.

Why is bone marrow transplant expensive?

Bone marrow transplant is one of the most expensive cancer treatments as the costs include chemotherapy costs, surgery costs, stem cell treatment costs, hospital stay costs,  and pre-procedure testing costs. 

Is a bone marrow transplant worth it?

A bone marrow transplant is performed when medically necessary for the treatment and management of certain cancers and other medical conditions. In such instances, a bone marrow transplant is worth it. 

What is a marrow bone transplant?

A marrow bone transplant, a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, is a medical procedure used to treat certain types of cancer, blood disorders, and other conditions that affect the bone marrow.

What is the survival rate after a bone marrow transplant?

The survival rate after a BMT depends on the type of BMT and the cause of it. The average survival rate is between 65% to 90%.

How serious is a bone marrow transplant?

A BMT is a serious procedure that can only be performed when other forms of treatment have failed to be effective.

Is a bone marrow transplant a major surgery?

Yes, BMT is a major procedure with numerous potential side effects.

What Is the Life Expectancy After a Bone Marrow Transplant?

Life expectancy after a bone marrow transplant varies based on the condition being treated, patient age, overall health, and complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Many patients achieve long-term remission, improving survival rates due to medical advancements.

How Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Work?

A bone marrow transplant replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These stem cells, either from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic), help restore the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.

Is Bone Marrow Transplant Painful?

The transplant is not painful, as stem cells are infused through an IV, similar to a blood transfusion. However, pre-transplant treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, as well as recovery, can cause discomfort, fatigue, and side effects.

Who Is the Longest Surviving Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient?

The longest-known survivor of a bone marrow transplant was treated for aplastic anemia in 1963, and they lived for over 50 years post-transplant. Many patients have survived decades after successful transplants.

What Is Bone Marrow Transplant Survival Rate by Age?

Survival rates depend on age, disease type, and health status:

• Children (under 18): ~70–90% survival rate for certain conditions
• Adults (18–50): ~50–80% depending on disease and transplant type
• Older Adults (50+): Lower survival rates (~30–60%) due to increased complications

How Is Bone Marrow Transplant Done?

The transplant involves three main steps:

1. Pre-conditioning: Chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy diseased bone marrow.
2. Stem Cell Infusion: Healthy stem cells are delivered via an IV.
3. Engraftment and Recovery: New cells grow in the bone marrow, restoring blood cell production.

Can Bone Marrow Transplant Cure Leukemia?

Yes, for many types of leukemia, a bone marrow transplant offers a potential cure by replacing cancerous blood cells with healthy stem cells. However, success depends on age, leukemia type, and donor match.

How Do They Do a Bone Marrow Transplant?

Stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV. The cells travel to the bone marrow, where they produce healthy blood cells.

Why Would You Need a Bone Marrow Transplant?

A bone marrow transplant is needed when a person’s bone marrow stops functioning properly due to cancer, blood disorders, or inherited diseases.

What Are Bone Marrow Transplant Reasons?

Common reasons for a bone marrow transplant include:

• Leukemia and lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Aplastic anemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Immune system disorders

Can a Bone Marrow Transplant Change Your DNA?

Yes, a recipient’s blood DNA may match the donor’s DNA after a successful transplant, but other tissues and organs retain the recipient’s original DNA.

How Long Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Last?

A successful transplant can last a lifetime, but patients require regular monitoring for complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Is Bone Marrow Transplant the Same as Stem Cell Transplant?

Not exactly. A bone marrow transplant uses stem cells from bone marrow, while a stem cell transplant often uses cells collected from the bloodstream (PBSC).

What Is Bone Marrow Transplant Age Limit?

No strict age limit exists, but transplants are most successful in younger patients (under 50). Older patients may be eligible based on their health and disease severity.

Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Hurt?

The transplant itself is painless, but side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and recovery can cause temporary discomfort.

Is Bone Marrow Transplant Dangerous?

A bone marrow transplant carries risks, including infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and organ complications. However, it is often a life-saving treatment for serious diseases.