Türkiye rising star of Europe with stem cell transplants, says expert

By Mehmet Kemal Firik

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) - Türkiye has become a rising star of Europe with its annual stem cell transplantation and has joined the level of developed countries, said a top expert on Tuesday.

“Türkiye is the rising star of Europe with stem cell transplants reaching 5,000 annually. Today, we have reached 60-70 per million in stem cell transplants,” said Fevzi Altuntas, president of the World Apheresis Association.

On the sidelines of the Hematological Rare Diseases Congress in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Altuntas told Anadolu that more than a decade ago Türkiye was in the category of developing countries in stem cell transplantation.

The country has reached the level of Western countries with its research, education, and investment efforts of universities, academics, and the private sector, he said.

This is an indicator of the importance and investment that Türkiye gives to health, he added.

In addition to stem cell transplantation, Türkiye has emerged as a leading destination for cancer treatment worldwide, he said.

He emphasized that participation in clinical trials, which are important in both stem cell transplantation and cancer treatment, should be encouraged.

Türkiye will have a better place in the health sector by following the innovations instantly, he added.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar​​​​​​​