Turkish oncologists determine immunotherapy eligibility by evaluating tumor biomarkers, cancer histology, and patient performance. Specialists like Dr. Bulent Karagoz and Professor Yesim Yildirim analyze PD-L1 expression, MSI-H/dMMR status, and genomic profiles to verify if immune checkpoint inhibitors will effectively target the specific cancer cells.
- Biomarker analysis: Doctors test PD-L1 levels and Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) to predict response.
- Genomic profiling: Specialists use NGS and IHC testing to identify mutations like EGFR or ALK.
- Performance scoring: Patients must have stable ECOG functional scores to tolerate possible immune-related effects.
- Contraindication review: Experts rule out severe autoimmune conditions and manage high-dose corticosteroid use first.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish specialists provide a rare advantage through dual expertise in tumor biology and immunology. For instance, Professor Yesim Yildirim and Dr. Bulent Karagoz at Anadolu Medical Center hold extensive research backgrounds in tumor immunology. This allow them to create personalized immunotherapy plans beyond standard protocols, often integrating findings from their 100+ combined scientific publications.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that doctors take a deeply personal approach rather than following rigid rules. They appreciate how multidisciplinary teams, including radiologists and oncologists, review every test result together. Many felt relieved when doctors explained exactly how their specific biomarkers made them a candidate for treatment.
