Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment Center Established at Akdeniz University

Akdeniz University has launched CAR-T Cell Therapy, an advanced treatment offering success rates of up to 95% in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow cancers. The Akdeniz University CAR-T and Cellular Therapies Manufacturing Center, established within the Advanced Health Research and Application Center with the support of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has officially commenced operations.

A First in Türkiye

With the opening of this pioneering facility, Türkiye has become the eighth country in the world capable of independently producing and administering CAR-T cell therapy. The center is scheduled to welcome its first patient on April 15.

The center was introduced during a press conference attended by Akdeniz University Rector Prof. Dr. Özlenen Özkan and Director of the Organ Transplant Institute Prof. Dr. Ömer Özkan. During the event, details were shared regarding the domestic infrastructure that will eliminate the need for costly treatment abroad.

Supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Speaking at the event, Rector Prof. Dr. Özlenen Özkan stated:

"On the eve of March 14 Medicine Day, we are delighted to share news that many cancer patients and their families have been eagerly awaiting. I am genuinely excited because today marks a historic moment for both Akdeniz University and Türkiye. Five years ago, when we assumed our roles, Prof. Dr. Ömer Özkan and I had ambitious plans regarding transplantation and cancer treatment. When we presented these plans to our President, he immediately provided his support. The building we are in today was made possible through this support. On behalf of our patients and their families, I would like to express my sincere gratitude."

Up to 95% Success Rate

Providing information about the new treatment method, Prof. Dr. Özlenen Özkan said:

"A new treatment option is now available for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow cancers, particularly for those who have not responded successfully to conventional therapies. Only a limited number of centers worldwide currently offer this treatment. Through Akdeniz University, Türkiye has become the eighth country capable of implementing this technology. This treatment typically costs hundreds of thousands of dollars abroad. Now, it can be performed in our own country. The patient's immune cells are collected, genetically enhanced, and returned to the patient to fight cancer more effectively. Success rates of up to 95 percent have been reported, making this one of the most promising developments in cancer treatment today."

Entirely Produced and Applied in Türkiye

Unlike existing approaches that require sending patient samples abroad, the entire treatment process will be carried out at Akdeniz University.

"We will collect the patient's cells, process and strengthen them entirely within our own facilities, and administer them back to the patient here in Türkiye. This is perhaps the most valuable aspect of the project. It is both a domestic and national achievement. Treatment outcomes improve when every stage is performed in the same center, while costs are significantly reduced compared to treatment abroad. Patients will no longer need to travel to countries such as the United States and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on care."

The Result of Five Years of Research

Prof. Dr. Ömer Özkan, Director of the Organ Transplant Center, explained that the project represents the culmination of five years of intensive work.

"As of today, all infrastructure, equipment, technology transfer processes, and research facilities have been completed. CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which a patient's immune cells are collected, genetically programmed to recognize and attack cancer cells, multiplied in specialized laboratories, and then returned to the patient. The entire process takes approximately eight to ten days before treatment can begin."

First Patient Scheduled for April 15

Prof. Dr. Ömer Özkan noted that the first patient is expected to begin treatment on April 15.

"We expect success rates exceeding 95 percent among patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options. CAR-T therapy is widely recognized as one of the most advanced and effective cancer treatments available today. The laboratory established within this building will initially occupy approximately 25 percent of the facility, while future expansion plans include research and development for additional cancer types, including aggressive brain tumors."

A New Hope for Patients in Türkiye and Abroad

Prof. Dr. Ömer Özkan emphasized the international significance of the center.

"This treatment offers hope for patients who have not benefited from existing therapies. Until now, patients often had to travel abroad or send their blood samples overseas. We will now be able to provide these treatments locally and also welcome international patients. Our geographic location allows us to serve not only Türkiye but also patients from the Middle East and surrounding regions."

He further explained that cancer-fighting immune cells will be collected, genetically modified to recognize specific cancer targets, expanded into millions of cells using advanced bioreactors, and then administered back to patients.

Personalized Treatment Without Freezing

One of the unique advantages of the program is that the cells will be administered fresh, without cryopreservation.

"This will be a fully personalized cancer treatment. Patients will require minimal chemotherapy, while the primary treatment approach will be immunotherapy tailored specifically to each individual. Our goal is to maximize effectiveness while minimizing damage to healthy tissues."

Established Through Public Investment

The laboratory was established entirely through state and university resources.

The facility initially aims to treat at least 100 patients annually, with the capacity to increase significantly as demand grows. Thanks to domestic production capabilities, treatment costs are expected to be substantially lower than international alternatives.

Technology Transfer from South Korea

The technology used at the center was transferred from a South Korea-based branch of a U.S. biotechnology company. The center utilizes one of the latest-generation CAR-T platforms available globally, incorporating advanced protein technologies associated with higher treatment success rates and lower complication risks.

A Unique Facility in Türkiye

Representing TCT Health, Erkan Mankan highlighted the significance of the project:

"A manufacturing facility of this caliber has never before been established in Türkiye. More than 50,000 patients worldwide have benefited from CAR-T therapies, yet access has remained limited in our country. This center will not only serve patients from Türkiye but also support international health tourism. Through our licensing agreements, patients from up to 25 countries will be eligible to receive treatment at Akdeniz University, further strengthening Türkiye's position as a global healthcare destination."