Meaningful Differences Can Be Made in the Lives of Cancer Patients

Takeda, which has been conducting research and development in oncology for over 25 years, aims to create meaningful differences in the lives of cancer patients through innovative treatments it has developed. Cancer is a disease that arises when changes occurring in a group of normal cells in the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth that forms a lump called a tumour, and this definition applies to all cancers except leukaemia (blood cancer). If left untreated, tumours can grow, spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic systems, affect the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems, or release hormones that may affect body function. Globally, the most common cancer types in men are lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancers, while in women breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancers rank at the top. Takeda Turkey, which has been using treatment methods developed globally in the field of oncology in the treatment of cancer patients in Turkey since 2016, focuses primarily on lung cancer, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin lymphoma therapeutic areas.

Takeda Turkey General Manager Ömür Mangaloğlu, who states that they have focused on oncology to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, made the following comments on the subject:

"Oncology is one of Takeda's six core therapeutic areas. With our history spanning over 240 years and our experience and expertise in the light of science, we work to provide more effective and sustainable treatment options to our patients. With our innovative treatment approach and commitment to improving patients' quality of life, our expert teams at the global level are developing research and development projects and a pioneering product range focused on innate immunity. Our clinical research in oncology continues in the field of solid tumours, particularly lung cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer. Additionally, our investments in data and digital technologies ensure that our efforts in fighting cancer progress according to the requirements of the age. As the Takeda team, we are determined to work with all our might to provide solutions for earlier diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. In the fight against cancer, by supporting the immune system to enable the body's own immune system to fight cancer and to recognise and eliminate cancer cells, we aim to introduce treatments we develop simultaneously with the world to patients in our country as well." Takeda Turkey Medical Director Nevin Kahraman Şevkli stated, "Lymphoma is now counted among cancers that can be treated thanks to modern chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation. With the current use of newly discovered targeted treatments, the disease has become more successfully manageable with a lower side effect profile. As Takeda Turkey, since 2016 we have been involved in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, Cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma and Peripheral T-Cell lymphoma." Takeda Turkey Oncology and Haematology Business Unit Director Levent Öztekin, noting that in addition to innovative treatments they place great importance on informing the public about the disease, stated: "Early diagnosis plays a critical role in cancer treatment. Therefore, raising awareness about early diagnosis related to diseases, sharing the difficulties experienced by patients and their relatives, and being their voice is very valuable to us. Through projects we have implemented in areas such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer, we emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and aim to increase public awareness in this area. In recent years, with a documentary called 'Journey' which we created with the insight of understanding multiple myeloma patients and creating empathy, we were able to understand the process experienced by many patients. This year, we created a digital art gallery to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis in lymphoma disease. Through the 'Lymphomart Gallery Project', by combining a fictional process with art, our valuable photographers Tamer Yılmaz, Dilan Bozyel, Kerem Çobanlı and Barış Kaya narrated the processes experienced by patients and their relatives in their treatment journeys through different themes and photography techniques. We will continue to implement work that highlights the importance of early diagnosis."