Home
About Us
Treatments
Patient Guide
Services
- Fibo Aesthetic
- Fibo Hair
Contracted Organizations
Contact Us

Home
About Us
Treatments
Patient Guide
Services
- Fibo Aesthetic
- Fibo Hair
Contracted Organizations
Contact Us

Hematology Oncology

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation is a life-saving medical procedure used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy cells. It is especially critical for children with severe hematological disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or aplastic anemia. In Turkey, advanced medical technologies and expert pediatric care ensure the highest standards of safety and success for young patients undergoing this procedure.

Overview and Importance

Bone marrow transplantation restores the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, crucial for carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and preventing excessive bleeding. The procedure is divided into two primary types:

Autologous Transplantation: Using the patient’s own cells.
Allogeneic Transplantation: Using cells from a donor, often a sibling or matched unrelated donor.

Turkey’s experienced teams of hematologists and pediatric specialists offer tailored treatment plans for each child, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Indications and Eligibility Criteria

Conditions Treated with Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation

Children may require bone marrow transplantation for various conditions, including:

Blood Cancers: Leukemia and lymphoma.
Genetic Disorders: Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
Immune Deficiencies: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Aplastic anemia and Fanconi anemia.

Eligibility Criteria

Not every child is a candidate for transplantation. Key factors include:

Age and Health: Children must be in overall good health, apart from the underlying condition.
Disease Stage: Advanced disease may affect eligibility.
Donor Availability: Success often hinges on finding a compatible donor.

Cost of Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation

Price Structure in Pediatric Transplants

The cost of pediatric bone marrow transplantation in Turkey is considerably lower than in Western countries, making it a popular destination for families seeking high-quality yet affordable treatment. Typical costs range between $50,000 and $120,000, depending on the type of transplant and hospital facilities.

Factors Affecting Cost in Turkey

Several elements influence the overall cost, such as:

Type of Transplant: Allogeneic transplants typically cost more due to donor-related expenses.
Pre- and Post-Transplant Care: Including testing, hospitalization, and follow-up appointments.
Hospital and Location: Clinics in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara may have higher prices due to advanced facilities.

Financial Assistance and Insurance Plans

Many hospitals in Turkey offer financial support or work with international insurance providers to ease the cost burden. Families are encouraged to explore packages that include accommodations, transportation, and treatment costs.

Advanced Treatment Facilities in Turkey

Leading Clinics and Hospitals

Turkey is home to state-of-the-art facilities specializing in pediatric bone marrow transplantation. These institutions feature:

World-Class Accreditation: Many hospitals, such as Acıbadem and Anadolu Medical Center, are internationally certified.
Dedicated Pediatric Units: Tailored environments designed for the comfort and care of young patients.
Expert Teams: Highly trained hematologists, oncologists, and transplant coordinators.

Medical Tourism Benefits

Turkey’s rise as a leader in medical tourism is attributed to several advantages:

Affordability: Families save up to 50-70% compared to similar procedures in the US or Europe.
Comprehensive Packages: Many clinics provide all-inclusive deals covering treatment, accommodations, and aftercare.
Ease of Travel: Turkey’s well-connected airports and visa-friendly policies simplify international patient journeys.

Testimonials and Reviews

Parents often highlight:

Efficiency: Shorter waiting times compared to their home countries.
Compassionate Care: Pediatric specialists and nurses go above and beyond to support children and families.
Positive Outcomes: High survival rates and successful recoveries are frequently reported.

Types of Bone Marrow Transplantation in Pediatrics

Autologous Transplants

In this type, the child’s own stem cells are harvested and reintroduced after high-dose chemotherapy. It is typically used for:

Non-blood cancers like neuroblastoma.
Certain autoimmune diseases.

Advantages:

Eliminates the risk of donor rejection.
Reduces the need for immunosuppressive therapy.

Allogeneic Transplants

This involves transferring stem cells from a donor. It is the preferred method for:

Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
Genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia.

Donor Matching:

Siblings: Ideal donors when a genetic match is found.
Unrelated Donors: Identified through international donor registries.

Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood are an innovative option, especially for children without a matched donor.

Benefits: Readily available and less risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Challenges: May have insufficient cell quantities for larger patients.

The Treatment Journey

Steps of Bone Marrow Transplantation

The journey consists of several critical phases:

Pre-Transplant Evaluation: Comprehensive testing to assess the child’s health.
Conditioning Therapy: High-dose chemotherapy or radiation to prepare the body for new cells.
Transplant Day: The actual infusion of healthy stem cells.
Engraftment: The period during which transplanted cells begin producing healthy blood cells.

Before and After – Success Stories

Case Studies: Young Patients’ Journeys

Turkey has a history of successful pediatric bone marrow transplantation cases, showcasing the expertise of its medical teams:

Case 1: A 7-year-old boy from Europe successfully treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After undergoing an allogeneic transplant with his sibling as the donor, the child achieved full remission.
Case 2: A 10-year-old girl from the Middle East diagnosed with sickle cell anemia underwent a matched unrelated donor transplant. Today, she leads a healthy, active life.

Patient Testimonials

Families often share their gratitude for the care received in Turkey:

“The doctors and nurses treated our child like their own. We are forever grateful.”
“We were amazed by the level of attention and the advanced facilities. The transplant was a life-saver for our daughter.”

Visual Documentations

Many hospitals provide video testimonials or before-and-after photo galleries, helping parents make informed decisions by seeing real results.

Special Considerations for Female-Male Pediatric Patients

Gender-Specific Needs

Gender-specific care is essential for addressing unique challenges in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation:

Girls: Hormonal impacts of conditioning therapy are monitored to protect future fertility.
Boys: Testicular shielding may be used during radiation to preserve reproductive health.

Potential Risk Factors

Despite its life-saving potential, bone marrow transplantation comes with risks such as:

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Infections during the recovery period.
Hormonal imbalances.
Turkish healthcare providers are well-versed in managing these complications to minimize risks.

Customized Treatment Plans

Each child’s treatment is personalized based on:

Age and weight.
Disease stage and type.
Donor availability and compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation

What age group is ideal for this transplantation?

The procedure is most effective in children under 18, as younger patients often experience faster recovery and better engraftment success rates.

How long is the recovery process?

Recovery varies by individual, but most children spend 3–6 weeks in the hospital post-transplant. Full recovery and immune system restoration can take 6 months to a year.

What are the survival rates associated with pediatric transplants?

Survival rates depend on the underlying condition and transplant type. In Turkey, clinics report survival rates exceeding 80% for certain conditions due to their advanced expertise.

Conclusion

Why Choose Turkey for Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation?

Turkey combines:

Cutting-edge facilities tailored for pediatric care.
Expert medical teams with international experience.
Affordable costs for world-class treatment.

Families from around the globe trust Turkish hospitals for their children’s life-saving treatments. Explore options with Fibohealth to ensure the best care for your child.

Take the next step toward recovery today.

The indicated treatments are performed in the hospitals that we have agreements with.