Among all types of kidney cancers, renal cell carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma, is diagnosed most frequently. The development of the disease is caused by smoking, chronic kidney pathologies, and kidney failure associated with prolonged hemodialysis. Treatment of renal cell carcinoma in Israel is conducted by top-class oncologists who are among the leading specialists in this field of medicine. The comprehensive treatment program includes innovative methods such as minimally invasive surgeries, radiofrequency and ultrasound ablation, gentle radiation, and targeted therapy. These therapeutic methods allow for the elimination of the cancer formation, alleviation of painful symptoms, and achievement of stable remission.
Since at the early stages of the disease, characteristic symptoms usually do not manifest, patients seek medical help only at an advanced stage of oncopathology. Using the latest equipment available in Israeli clinics, it is possible to accurately diagnose even the smallest cancer formations, describe their characteristics necessary for developing an effective treatment plan. Comprehensive therapy conducted at early stages improves prognosis and normalizes the patient's condition in more than 95% of cases. An attractive factor contributing to Israel's popularity in the field of medical tourism is the affordable treatment costs for foreign patients.
Treatment methods for the disease
The choice of therapeutic methods is largely influenced by the location, size, histotype, and stage of development of the cancer formation, the degree of aggressiveness, and the extent of the pathological process.
Surgical treatment
The surgical removal of renal cell carcinoma remains the most effective treatment method. Israeli surgeons prefer minimally invasive interventions that do not require large incisions and do not lead to bleeding or other complications. After such operations, the recovery period is very easy for patients and lasts literally just a few days. The laparoscope's video camera captures images of the surgical field, which are transmitted to a monitor where the operating surgeon can see them, thus maintaining visual control of the procedure.
If it is necessary to remove a large cancer formation identified at a late stage of the disease, and the patient has pronounced symptoms, doctors are forced to completely remove the affected kidney. Nephrectomy involves the removal of the kidney and a fragment of the surrounding tissues, significantly increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is one of the main traditional methods of anti-tumour therapy. There are neoadjuvant (preoperative) and adjuvant (postoperative) types of radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant radiation aims to reduce the size of the renal cell carcinoma, facilitating its subsequent removal. Adjuvant radiotherapy sessions are conducted to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. In Israel, radiation therapy is performed on the latest equipment using gentle techniques that allow for targeted effects on the cancer formation, with varying radiation intensity across different areas. This minimizes harm to healthy tissues, preventing significant side effects in patients.
Chemotherapy
It is most often used in combination with other treatment methods. However, in cases where there are reasons that make surgical removal of the tumour impossible, or at a late stage of the pathology, chemotherapy is considered a standalone treatment option. In Israeli clinics, chemotherapy courses are conducted using modern chemotherapeutic agents that have low toxicity and exhibit gentle action. Patient reviews indicate that these drugs are indeed very effective and do not cause side effects.
Targeted therapy
This progressive method achieves positive results even when other treatment methods are ineffective. The protection of healthy tissues and patient safety are ensured because targeted drugs have a destructive effect only on pathological cells. Studies show that targeted therapy can make treatment 45% more effective.
Cryotherapy
This method is based on the destruction of tumour tissues through freezing, which occurs under the influence of liquid nitrogen. The coolant is delivered to the cancer formation using a cryoprobe, without damaging healthy tissues. This effective procedure can be repeated if necessary.
Radiofrequency ablation
This minimally invasive procedure is based on the destruction of the cancer formation through the action of high-frequency electric current. The current is delivered to the area of the neoplasm using electrodes, heating the tumour tissues to a temperature that causes their death and necrosis.
HIFU therapy
HIFU therapy (high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation) involves the impact on the tumour using high-frequency ultrasound waves. As a result, there is a sharp increase in local temperature, leading to the death of cancer cells. Since ultrasound does not harm healthy tissues as it passes through them, patients do not experience side effects.
Embolization of arteries
This procedure aims to block the arterial vessels supplying blood to the neoplasm by introducing micro-particles — emboli — into them. Emboli are made from a special material that does not harm the patient's body.
How the disease is diagnosed
Comprehensive diagnostic examinations in Israeli clinics take about three days.
Upon arriving at the clinic, the patient is directed to an appointment with the treating oncologist. During the consultation, the specialist reviews the medical history and examines the results of tests conducted in the patient's home country. If biopsy materials (paraffin blocks, slides) are available, the doctor sends them to the laboratory for testing. After a physical examination, the specialist compiles a list of necessary additional examinations.
The next day, the patient undergoes the assigned examinations:
- general and biochemical blood and urine tests;
- determination of specific tumour markers in the blood;
- ultrasound examination of the kidneys;
- visual diagnostic methods (CT, MRI, PET-CT);
- biopsy with subsequent laboratory histological analysis of tumour tissue samples;
- pyelography;
- scintigraphy.
A council consisting of the treating oncologist and several narrow-profile specialists reviews the obtained research results, makes a final diagnosis, and develops a treatment program.
How much does treatment cost
The final amount is influenced by various factors, but in any case, the cost of treatment in Israel is 30-50% lower than in Western European and American clinics.
Advantages of treatment in Israel
- Qualification and experience of doctors who are respected in the global medical community.
- Availability of high-tech equipment.
- Application of innovative treatment methods.
- Comfortable conditions.
- Affordable prices.
The implementation of new methods and drugs into clinical practice allows for successful treatment of the disease. Remember that delaying treatment is not an option, so contact your chosen clinic and start restoring your health.