Turkish scientist Toner: Cancer will become a chronic disease
Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Toner, who has made groundbreaking advances in cancer diagnostics with innovative devices, stated that cancer could one day be considered a chronic disease. He emphasized that his method plays a critical role in early detection and monitoring treatment responses.
A graduate of Istanbul Technical University’s Mechanical Engineering Department, Prof. Toner completed his master’s and doctoral studies in the United States. He currently works at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and is internationally recognized for his pioneering research in microfluidics and cancer diagnostics.
Toner, who has received numerous international awards for his work, was one of three distinguished scientists honored yesterday at the “Mustafa Awards” ceremony in Tehran, one of the most prestigious awards in the Islamic world, for developing microfluidic devices that detect rare cancer cells.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) after the ceremony, Toner explained that the engineering component of his work focuses on microfluidics theory, while the clinical and applied component is directly related to cancer treatment. He said his devices can isolate cancer cells from billions of normal blood cells without damage, highlighting their importance for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
“Cancer Will Become a Chronic Disease”
Toner explained the principle behind his method: “Cancer begins somewhere and spreads through the blood. We use the extremely rare tumor cells among 200 billion serious blood cells to make precise technological measurements. This disease kills 10 million people annually. By capturing these cells, we can deliver the right drug to the right patient at the right time. This has immense diagnostic and early detection potential.”
He noted significant advances in cancer treatment: “First came targeted therapies, then immune system-based therapies, and later cell therapies. So now it’s not like before—previously, there were only one or two drugs for a cancer, now there are many.”
Toner expressed optimism about the future: “With these advancements, there is a huge need for accurate diagnosis. Because knowing which drug to give and when is crucial. Both diagnostics and treatment have progressed. We hope that in the next 20 years, cancer will become a chronic disease. Fewer people will die from it, and it will become a condition we can live with.”
Advice for Colleagues and Young Scientists in Türkiye
Commenting on Türkiye’s universities, Toner said: “Our universities are already excellent. I graduated from a technical university in Türkiye, then went to MIT. I passed all the doctoral exams immediately there, which normally takes two years. We have no problems with education.”
He advised young people to cultivate curiosity, reading, and consistent effort, saying: “Being a scientist is not mandatory, but to succeed in any field, curiosity is essential.”
