Prof. Işık Aslay, MD

Prof. Işık Aslay, MD is a radiation oncologist at Acibadem Altunizade Hospital in İstanbul, where she works within the Radiation Oncology unit. Her practice is centered on radiation-based cancer treatment, including radiotherapy and brachytherapy, and her clinical interests cover head and neck cancers, brain tumors, gastrointestinal oncology, and breast cancer. She has been working in medicine for more than 53 years.

Dr. Aslay graduated from İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1973. From 1976 to 1977 she worked as a general practitioner at Sivas DDY Factory before returning to İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, where she completed her Radiation Oncology training between 1977 and 1982. From 1982 to 1984 she worked in Radiation Oncology at Vakıf Gureba Hospital. In 1996 she became a Professor at İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, and in 2004 she joined Acıbadem Healthcare Services. She is a member of ASTRO, ESTRO, and the Radyasyon Onkolojisi Association.

Clinical focus

Dr. Aslay’s work concentrates on the planning and delivery of radiation treatment for patients with cancer. This includes external radiotherapy as well as brachytherapy, a form of radiation treatment in which the radiation source is placed close to or within the area being treated. The suitability of either approach depends on the type and stage of the disease, previous treatment, and the patient’s overall condition, and is assessed on an individual basis.

Her areas of interest include head and neck cancers, brain tumors, tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, and breast cancer. Radiation treatment in these settings may be considered on its own or alongside surgery or systemic therapy, and Dr. Aslay’s role within the Radiation Oncology unit is to evaluate whether radiotherapy or brachytherapy is appropriate and, where it is, to plan the treatment accordingly.

How Dr. Aslay works with international patients

Dr. Aslay consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound reports, laboratory and pathology results, operative notes and discharge summaries, and arranges appointments and the hospital visit itself. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical examination, and a discussion of the options that may be considered. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their case before traveling or as part of follow-up.