Extragonadal germ cell tumours are neoplasms of benign and malignant nature that arise as a result of pathological changes in embryonic cells of the reproductive glands. The reasons why these cells migrate beyond the ovaries and testes to other parts of the body are still unclear. Treatment of extragonadal germ cell tumours in Israel involves a comprehensive application of progressive methods such as intraperitoneal chemotherapy, targeted therapy, modern radiotherapy technologies, and others. Qualified doctors trained and regularly undergoing internships at the largest universities and clinics in the world deal with these types of oncological diseases.
Some types of extragonadal germ cell neoplasms exhibit a high degree of aggressiveness, so their treatment should begin as early as possible. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an adequate treatment plan, which is possible in Israeli clinics due to the availability of the latest equipment. The use of innovative molecular genetic testing methods allows for the detection of pathology at the earliest stages of development and establishes its characteristics that affect sensitivity to various therapy methods and drugs. The affordable cost of treatment, significantly lower than in the USA and Western Europe, is also attractive for medical tourists.
Treatment Methods for Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumours
Treatment methods are selected based on the following indicators:
- size and location of the neoplasm;
- stage and extent of the pathological process;
- presence and level of specific tumor markers;
- primary diagnosis or recurrence;
- clinical signs manifested in the patient and their overall condition.
Treatment is carried out according to a comprehensive program individually tailored for each patient based on the results of their examinations.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of the neoplasm is the primary and most effective method of treatment. It provides a favorable prognosis for the therapy of benign tumours and non-seminomatous germ cell neoplasms. Israeli surgeons utilize all possibilities to perform surgical operations using minimally invasive laparoscopic methods. Such interventions do not require large incisions, have an extremely low likelihood of complications, and involve a short and uncomplicated recovery period. In the case of malignant neoplasms, surgical treatment is combined with other methods.
Radiotherapy
Sessions of radiotherapy are necessarily included in the treatment regimen for intracranial germ cell tumours — in these cases, irradiation contributes to a significant reduction in tumour size, up to complete elimination, alleviating painful symptoms and normalizing the patient's condition. Due to serious complications arising from exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, in recent years, Israeli clinics have mostly adopted low-dose radiotherapy, which is maximally safe for the patient. To enhance the effectiveness of treatment, radiotherapy is generally combined with chemotherapy courses.
Irradiation on modern TrueBeam and Novalis systems is conducted using IMRT technology (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy). Before the session, the localization and shape of the pathological focus are precisely determined, and the direction of the radioactive beams is calculated. During the procedure, the direction is adjusted based on the slightest change in the patient's body position. The main advantage of this technology is the ability to change the intensity of irradiation in different areas of the tumour while minimizing the impact on healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy
The treatment program for germ cell neoplasms includes polychemotherapy — the simultaneous use of several types of cytotoxic drugs. Chemotherapy courses may be prescribed before surgical treatment to reduce the size of the neoplasm and facilitate its subsequent surgical removal. Chemotherapy is also indicated after surgery to destroy any remaining pathological cells in the patient's body and prevent recurrence. Israeli clinics use the latest generation of chemotherapy drugs, characterized by minimal toxicity and gentle action. Patient feedback indicates that the side effects that develop after chemotherapy are very mild.
Targeted Therapy
This innovative treatment method is based on the targeted destructive action of drugs on pathological cells without harming healthy ones. High effectiveness is demonstrated by drugs based on monoclonal antibodies specific to the cells of this neoplasm. Antibodies facilitate the recognition of tumour cells and their destruction by the patient's immune system. Targeted drugs from the group of angiogenesis inhibitors are also used for the treatment of germ cell tumours. They help suppress the formation of blood vessels in the tumour, thereby stopping the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the pathological tissues.
How Diagnosis of Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumours is Conducted
To make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment program, a comprehensive diagnostic examination is necessary, which is conducted in Israeli clinics, on average, within three days.
On the first day of their stay in the clinic, the patient is referred for a consultation with the treating oncologist. During the appointment, the doctor reviews the medical history, listens to the patient's complaints, and examines the available medical documentation. The specialist also conducts a physical examination and orders necessary tests.
The patient undergoes the prescribed examinations, which include:
- general and biochemical blood tests, determination of hormone levels such as testosterone, estrogen, vasopressin;
- blood tests for specific tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, lactate dehydrogenase);
- liver function tests;
- ultrasound examination of the reproductive organs;
- visual imaging methods (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET-CT) — conducted to detect the neoplasm, determine its size, location, structure, and some other characteristics;
- biopsy of the neoplasm followed by histological analysis, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic tests.
A medical council, consisting of the treating oncologist and several narrow-profile specialists, reviews the results of the examinations, determines the diagnosis, and develops a treatment plan.
How Much Does Treatment of Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumours Cost
The final amount depends on the type and location of the neoplasm, its size, stage of development, and some other factors, and is determined after the appointment of treatment procedures. Overall, the cost of treatment in Israel is 30-50% lower than in Western European and American clinics with corresponding quality of care.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of qualification and many years of experience of doctors.
- Use of effective innovative treatment methods.
- Equipping clinics with high-tech medical and diagnostic equipment.
- Professional performance of minimally invasive surgical interventions.
- Affordable prices.
A timely start to therapy is a mandatory condition for successful treatment. Therefore, do not waste time, choose a clinic, and begin treatment under the guidance of leading oncologists in the world.