Turkey's First Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Successfully Performed on 84-Year-Old Lymphoma Patient in Konya

At Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Medicine Hospital in Konya, an 84-year-old lymphoma patient, Fevzi Uğur, successfully underwent an autologous stem cell transplant — a procedure using the patient's own stem cells. According to Cumhuriyet, this makes Turkey the first country to perform such a transplant in this context, and only the second case recorded worldwide.

Autologous stem cell transplantation is a treatment method typically avoided in elderly patients due to the high risks involved. Given both Uğur's age and the severity of his condition, the treatment team's decision drew considerable attention in medical circles; the doctors who carried out the procedure were reportedly surprised by the outcome.

The hospital's achievement is being regarded as a significant milestone for Turkey's standing in hematology and stem cell therapy on the international stage.