When the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, known as the birthplace of the world’s first FDA-approved CAR-T therapy, partners with a Turkish institution, it sends a strong signal across the healthcare sector. Liv Hospital and its academic partner Istinye University have entered a landmark collaboration with Penn Medicine, aiming to position Turkey at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer care with a focus on CAR-T cell therapy and proton-beam radiation.
Philadelphia has earned its nickname “Cellicon Valley” for good reason. It was at Penn that researchers Carl June and Bruce Levine developed Kymriah, the first CAR-T therapy to receive FDA approval in 2017. Since then, the university has grown into a global reference in both CAR-T and proton therapy, recently beginning construction on its fourth proton treatment facility.
Clinical Collaboration with Global Ambition
This partnership is built on both medical depth and logistical foresight. Penn will guide the development of GMP-compliant cell manufacturing facilities in Istanbul. Producing CAR-T cells locally is expected to reduce turnaround times and lower costs, making therapies more accessible in the region. The agreement also includes the formation of joint tumor boards, where Penn specialists will support Turkish clinicians in evaluating complex cases remotely.
In terms of medical education, the collaboration will enable Turkish fellows to train at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center, while Penn faculty will lead advanced workshops in Istanbul and Ankara. Research initiatives will begin with difficult-to-treat blood cancers but aim to expand into solid tumors and autoimmune diseases, creating a foundation for long-term scientific innovation.
Turkey’s Emerging Role in Advanced Oncology
The global CAR-T market reached approximately 4.3 billion dollars in 2024 and is expected to grow sharply over the next decade. As the demand for cell therapies increases, healthcare systems are actively seeking affordable and scalable manufacturing hubs. Liv Hospital, with Penn’s support, is positioning itself to become just that.
Proton therapy is a second pillar of this vision. With Penn’s guidance, Liv Hospital plans to launch one of Turkey’s first multi-room proton therapy centers. The aim is to create a regional option for patients who might otherwise travel to Germany or the Gulf for this high-precision treatment. Penn’s clinical insights and facility expertise will be essential in making this a reality.
A Strategic Opportunity with Real-World Hurdles
Turkey already draws over 1.5 million international patients annually. Offering advanced treatments like CAR-T and proton therapy at home could elevate the country’s standing in global medical tourism. For Penn, the partnership opens the door to a diverse clinical population and access to lower-cost infrastructure for early-phase trials. For Istinye University, this is a route to greater academic presence and global research collaborations.
Several challenges remain. Turkey’s regulatory environment must align with international standards to ensure the portability of clinical data. Reimbursement models will need innovation, as current systems do not cover the high costs of advanced therapies like CAR-T. Retaining specialists trained through the partnership will also require competitive compensation and a strong research ecosystem.
If fully realized, this collaboration could transform Turkey into a regional center for next-generation cancer care, much like Singapore once did for transplant medicine. With the agreement signed, the work of building labs, commissioning technology, and training future experts is already underway.
Photo: Liv and Istinye teams at Penn Medicine for new cancer care partnership. / Via FL Comms.
