Bladder Cancer Treatment in Istanbul: Expert Urology Oncology

Istanbul's JCI-accredited urology oncology centers offer comprehensive bladder cancer treatment — from TURBT and BCG therapy for early-stage disease to robotic cystectomy and immunotherapy for advanced cases — at 60-75% lower cost than the UK, following EAU and ESMO guidelines.

How much does bladder cancer treatment cost in Istanbul?

TURBT costs $3,000–$6,000 in Istanbul versus £8,000–£15,000 in the UK. Radical cystectomy costs $12,000–$25,000 versus £30,000–£60,000. Pembrolizumab immunotherapy costs $3,000–$5,000 per cycle versus £8,000–£12,000 in the UK.

TURBT: treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) removes the tumor through the urethra without external incisions. Istanbul urologists perform TURBT with white-light and blue-light (photodynamic) cystoscopy for improved tumor detection.

BCG and intravesical therapy

After TURBT, high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is treated with BCG intravesical instillations — weekly for 6 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy. BCG reduces recurrence risk by 30-40% and progression risk by 25-30%.

Radical cystectomy: robotic and open surgery

For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is the standard treatment. Istanbul centers perform robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with neobladder reconstruction or ileal conduit. Robotic surgery means less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.

Immunotherapy for advanced bladder cancer

For advanced or metastatic bladder cancer, Istanbul centers offer pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive tumors and as second-line after platinum chemotherapy. FGFR3-mutant tumors are eligible for erdafitinib targeted therapy.

How to start bladder cancer treatment in Istanbul

Send your cystoscopy report, biopsy pathology, CT urogram, and molecular testing results to our coordination team. Istanbul's urology tumor board will review your case and provide a treatment plan within 48-72 hours.