Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost In Turkey

What is the Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in Turkey?

Multiple myeloma ranks among the second most common blood disorders. It contributes to 15% of all haematological malignancies and 1.23% of all cancers worldwide. This data raises a concern to provide immediate treatment to the patients.

The average cost of multiple myeloma treatment in Turkey typically ranges from USD 25,000 to USD 45,000. This includes the price of a bone marrow transplant, medical consumables, and hospital stay, which may last  25-30 days.

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Immunoglobulins (Ig), or antibodies, are the proteins secreted by plasma cells in the body. Their role is to recognise antigens (foreign particles) and protect the body against them.

Some cytogenetic abnormalities, such as gene translocation and deletion, lead to uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells, which in turn transforms them into cancerous cells. 

An excess of these plasma cells forms tumours in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is diagnosed when these proliferate into multiple tumours or when more than 10% of plasma cells are detected in the bone marrow.

This is an end-organ disease accompanied by the following complications:

• Hypercalcemia

• Renal impairment

• Severe anaemia

• Bone lesion

To treat multiple myeloma, a comprehensive treatment plan is suggested, which includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplantation.

What are the Types of Multiple Myeloma Treatment?

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the malignant form of multiple myeloma. 

A haematologist who is an expert in treating myeloma plans the treatment procedure based on several factors, such as the extent of the tumour spread, the patient’s age, and their health status. Some of the treatment approaches for multiple myeloma are as follows:

Traditional Chemotherapy

Cytotoxic drugs target rapidly dividing cancer cells, inhibiting cell proliferation and tumour multiplication.

Targeted Therapy

Proteins involved in abnormal cell proliferation are targeted. After this therapy, the immune system destroys cancer cells and further inhibits cancer-initiating signals.

Corticosteroids

In bone marrow transplants, corticosteroids are used to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. In combination with other drugs, corticosteroids suppress the immune system so that it doesn’t reject the transplanted organ.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies are created in labs that recognise and target specific myeloma proteins. They are recommended when other stem cell therapies cannot be performed on patients for medical reasons.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

 An autologous stem cell transplant is recommended for multiple myeloma patients so that they generate healthy blood cells. The bone marrow-producing defective cells are replaced with healthy bone marrow, subsequently diminishing the blood complications. 

CAR T-Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a cell-based gene therapy which modifies the body’s immune cells to fight against cancer cells. It alters the genes of immune cells so that it recognises the cancer cells and destroy them.

What are the Key Factors That Affect the Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in Turkey?

Treatment strategies for multiple myeloma aim at reducing tumour and managing its symptoms such as pain. Since treatment of multiple myeloma involves a multidisciplinary approach, it is necessary to understand the factors affecting the cost of multiple myeloma treatment in Turkey, which are as follows:

Diagnostic tests

Hospitals in Turkey perform diagnostic tests to confirm the ailment and analyse the extent of tumour spread. This is included in diagnostic packages which costs around 5000 USD including 2 nights for hospitalisation. 

Type of Treatment Approach

The doctor suggests a suitable approach based on the patient's health condition which impacts the overall cost of the treatment. In addition, the cost of corticosteroids, essential for managing multiple myeloma in patients, typically ranges between USD 6 and USD 10 per dose. 

Type of transplant

In critical cases, a bone marrow transplant has to be performed to save the lives of the patients. Haematologists' choice of transplant depends on disease severity, availability of a suitable donor, patient age and health status, and the risks and benefits. In multiple myeloma, autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) is preferred.

The cost of autologous bone marrow transplant in Turkey ranges between USD 35,000 and USD 45,000.

Stage and Severity of the Disease

The severity of multiple myeloma and its treatment stage (MGUS, smouldering myeloma, etc.) affect the cost and intensity of treatment.

Hospital facility and surgeon's expertise

The choice of hospital or healthcare facility in Turkey, along with the surgeon's experience, significantly impacts treatment costs. Similarly, highly skilled and reputed doctors may charge higher fees.

Duration of Treatment

Multiple myeloma often comes with other health problems like bone issues and anaemia. These must be treated along with the myeloma itself. This influences how long treatment lasts and how often therapy is needed, which in turn affects the total cost

The factors stated above highlight why financial aspects should be kept in mind alongside the varying costs of medications. These significantly influence how multiple myeloma treatment should be managed and patients receive comprehensive care.

What is the cost of Multiple Myeloma Treatment in Turkey Vs. Other Countries?

What are Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Expenses in Multiple Myeloma Treatment?

Blood tests become crucial to correctly identify and stage the disease. Based on the blood test reports, Haematologists select appropriate therapies like chemotherapy or targeted treatments. 

Even after the treatment, it’s crucial to look if there is any possibility of recurrence of multiple myeloma in patients. These may incur some additional costs that must be considered by the patient.

• Pre-treatment cost (complete blood count, genetic testing, haemolytic marker test, tissue typing,imaging studies etc.): USD 400 to USD 500

• Post-treatment cost for initial 2 months (bone marrow biopsy, follow-up consultations and medications): USD 300 to USD 400

What should be Post-treatment Care after Multiple Myeloma treatment?

For some people with multiple myeloma, treatment can completely get rid of the cancer. But for others, it might not be possible to eliminate it completely. Some patients may need ongoing treatment to keep the cancer under control. After you recover from multiple myeloma, there are things you can do to stay healthy in the long run.

Regular follow-ups

After multiple myeloma treatment, it's crucial to monitor for complications like blood clots or gastrointestinal and endocrine problems. Regular check-ups, including blood tests and imaging scans, can help detect any side effects or signs of the cancer returning.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle

Multiple myeloma affects blood cells, so it's important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet to recover more quickly. Here are some things one should follow after multiple myeloma treatment:

• Maintain a healthy diet and body weight

• Take a good sleep

• Stop drinking and smoking

• Regular physical activity and mild exercise

Monitoring of symptoms

Regular check-ups are important to catch any problems early which may indicate the signs of the cancer coming back. If you notice anything unusual, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it. This proactive approach supports overall health and improves patients outcomes.