Cuban Oncologists in Turkey

Cuban oncologists have developed cancer treatments and cancer vaccines in their country, which have been attracting the attention of cancer patients for some time. The number of people heading to Cuba for these vaccines and treatments is growing each day. Istanbul Okan University Hospital is becoming a hub for Turkish and foreign patients considering traveling to Cuba. Within the framework of cooperation with the Cuba Oncology Institute, which has gained prominence in recent years particularly through its cancer research, Cuban medical oncologists have begun working at Istanbul Okan University Hospital. Cuban oncologists are participating in the evaluation process at the hospital's oncology council, where all types of cancer patients are assessed. Next on the agenda is the establishment of the Cuba Oncology Institute Center at Istanbul Okan University Hospital. With the establishment of the center, Turkish physicians will also participate in cancer research in Cuba. Istanbul Okan University Medical School students and Istanbul Okan University Hospital physicians will be able to observe cancer research in Cuba firsthand. Additionally, Cuban physicians and medical students will be able to observe the cancer work at Istanbul Okan University Hospital in Turkey. The aim is for Istanbul Okan University and the Cuba Oncology Institute to participate in the World Cancer Congress, to be held in Cuba in 2020, with a joint scientific study.

United in the Fight Against Cancer

Prof. Dr. Lorenzo Angulo Anasagasti, Vice President of the Cuba Oncology Institute, who came to Turkey to lead the work related to the establishment of the center, stated at a press conference: "As Cuba and Turkey, within the framework of our cooperation with Istanbul Okan University Hospital, we have declared war on cancer. In Cuba, we have very important biotechnology. We have obtained new innovative products. We have both high technology and the human resources to serve it. Thanks to this, doctors who will use the right products in the right way are now on duty for cancer patients at Istanbul Okan University Hospital, just as they are in Cuba. We are working together and in cooperation to develop the most appropriate treatment for cancer patients," he said. Dr. Alper Demirarslan, Member of the Board of Directors of Okan Health Group, said: "Together with the Cuba Oncology Institute, which was established in the 1960s for research and treatment to fight all types of cancer in Cuba, we have also declared war on cancer in Turkey. In order to accelerate our fight against cancer, Cuban oncologists are serving on our hospital's Cancer Council with treatments used by the modern world. They examine patient files together with the committee, examine the patient, and decide on treatment. Administering the right drug to the right patient in the right dose is a system. We are also receiving support from Mr. Lorenzo and his team on maintaining this system. Mr. Lorenzo brought approximately 17 studies with him to Turkey. Most of these studies will become products. There are particularly important new treatment studies on skin cancer. We will also obtain patents for these. The most important characteristic of these new drugs is that they have a large effect on cancer but very low side effects. As a result of our cooperation, with different molecules used in different tumors, high efficacy in tumors can be achieved," he said.