A world-class pediatric oncologist and hematologist visits Bulgaria, consults children with cancer for free
Prof. Dr. Atilla Tanieli, a specialist in pediatric hematology and oncology from Memorial Hospital Group, will be a guest in our country on 15 and 16 July 2016 at the invitation of the Health Information Center "Medical Karaj". Prof. Tanieli is one of the most prominent specialists in Turkey in the field of pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplantation, with extensive international experience and recognition. During his stay in our country, he will consult children with oncological diseases and leukemias free of charge. His visit is part of Medical Carrage's initiative to provide Bulgarian patients with access to the most advanced methods in medicine by partnering with some of the best medical institutions and specialists from around the world in each medical field.
Prof. He is also the specialist who performed the first umbilical cord cell transplantation in our southern neighbour in 1996. Between 1990 and 1992 he was trained in the UK in the field of bone marrow transplantation. He is a member of a number of professional associations and societies at home and abroad, including the European Bone Marrow Transplant (EBMT) Association, and since 2012 he has been one of the inspectors on the EBMT and ISCT (International Society for Cellular Therapies) accreditation committee. He has won numerous professional awards and has authored hundreds of articles and scientific papers published in Turkey and abroad. Since May 2016, he has been part of the team of Memorial Shishli Hospital.
Bone marrow transplantation - when and how?
A bone marrow transplant is actually a stem cell transplant - these are the cells responsible for producing blood in the human body. It is applied to restore the blood system - usually in patients with leukemia (cancer of the blood), lymphoma (cancer of the hematological nodes), multiple myeloma (malignant disease of the bone marrow caused by the cell plasma), aplastic anemia.
In the past, stem cells were harvested from bone marrow using special syringes,but this method is very rarely used today. In recent years, stem cells are transported from the bone marrow into the blood with the help of special drugs and collected using a method called "apheresis",in which no surgery is needed. In the transplant itself, the bone marrow is transferred to the patient intravenously. Due to their biological properties, the cells find the bone marrow themselves and thus begin to produce blood. The most difficult part of a bone marrow transplant is following the patient until the bone marrow starts to function in the new location.This is when complications such as anaemia, infections and haemorrhage can occur. It is therefore important for the success of the procedure that it is performed by an experienced team, with good technical infrastructure and excellent isolation against germs.
Memorial Hospitals Group owns three bone marrow transplant centers that use state-of-the-art technology for patients from around the world.
Innovation in action - the latest in oncology
In his work at Memorial Cancer Center, Prof. Dr. Attila Tanieli handles the latest medical advances in this field. He says that the development is in the direction of increasingly individualized treatment. If years ago the model was "One size fits all" or in English - "One treatment approach fits all patients", now the drive is towards "individual therapy" to reduce side effects and increase success rates. Smart drugs and antibody therapies that target only cancer cells increase a patient's life expectancy and quality of life. The latest generation of devices in radiation oncology allow maximum success with short radiation time. But the success of treatment is not just about fitting the right therapy - the secret lies in love, respect for the person and the effort to convey hope and trust to the patient and their family. This is what the Memorial Hospitals Cancer Center strives for.
Studies needed for consultation:
Now families of children with cancer in Bulgaria have the opportunity for a free consultation with Prof. Dr. Attila Tanieli in Sofia, on 15 and 16 July. The Medical Karadjis specify that for this purpose, parents need to provide all available medical documentation to date, as well as make an appointment in advance by calling 0895 770 869 or 0879 977 401.
