The Ichilov Clinic employs leading oncologists and hematologists with significant experience in the diagnosis and therapy of oncological hematological diseases. The high qualifications of the staff and the latest medical equipment attract patients from all over the world for the treatment of immunoblastic B-cell lymphoma in Israel. The Ichilov Medical Center applies personalized therapeutic strategies, utilizes the latest scientific advancements and innovative medications, including targeted and immunological therapies.
At the clinic, we work with the most modern medical equipment, including advanced PET-CT, MRI scanners, and the latest linear accelerators for precise and effective radiation therapy. In developing treatment plans at Ichilov, a comprehensive approach is practiced with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
The medical center provides comprehensive support to patients and their families, including assistance with accommodation and transportation, translator services, consultations with psychologists and rehabilitation specialists.
About the Disease
Immunoblastic B-cell lymphoma is one of the aggressive types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is characterized by the presence of immunoblasts – large mononuclear cells that are precursors to plasma cells. This is a rare, rapidly progressing subtype of lymphoma, classified by cell morphology and expression of surface markers, particularly CD20 for B-cells.
The exact causes of immunoblastic lymphoma are unknown. However, scientists suggest the presence of certain factors that contribute to its development, including genetic mutations, immune system dysfunction, exposure to toxic substances, and infections.
The symptoms of the disease vary, but typical signs include:
- rapidly enlarging lymph nodes, usually painless;
- sensation of fatigue, malaise;
- fever, night sweats, unintentional weight loss (B-symptoms);
- enlargement of the liver and spleen;
- in cases where the disease has spread to the bone marrow, signs related to anemia, low platelet count, and white blood cell deficiency may manifest.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Immunoblastic B-cell lymphoma is an aggressive malignant disease requiring intensive treatment methods. In each specific case, the treatment plan is developed individually, based on the stage, health status, age, presence of comorbidities, and other factors.
Chemotherapy
The primary therapeutic method for most non-Hodgkin lymphomas. For patients with the immunoblastic form of B-cell lymphoma, various chemotherapy combination protocols are used, often along with other therapeutic methods, such as monoclonal antibodies. Chemotherapy aims to globally eliminate tumour cells throughout the body to achieve remission and optimize prognosis.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapeutic treatment may be used:
- to minimize tumour mass before chemotherapy;
- as an additional measure after chemotherapy to destroy remaining cancer cells in the body.
The Ichilov Clinic is equipped with modern TrueBeam and Lunac linear accelerators. These are examples of the latest generation of radiotherapeutic equipment for radiation therapy, providing the most precise radiation impact on the tumour with minimal involvement of surrounding healthy tissues, increasing treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.
Immunotherapy
A large prospective direction in modern medicine. Immunological treatment of immunoblastic B-cell lymphoma is based on the use of monoclonal antibodies. The feature of these microbiological agents is the ability to precisely target specific proteins on the surface of B-lymphocyte cells, such as CD20. As a result of the procedure, cancer cells are marked so that the body can accurately detect and destroy them with the help of the immune system.
Targeted Therapy
One of the promising directions of immunotherapeutic interventions. The treatment uses drugs that target specific molecular targets in transformed cells, such as protein kinase inhibitors. As a result, signaling pathways that support the growth and survival of transformed cells are blocked.
Stem Cell Transplantation
As one of the methods to combat immunoblastic B-cell lymphomas, stem cell transplantation may be an option after high-dose chemotherapy. This method is used after primary therapy in patients who have a potentially high risk of disease recurrence or in cases of already occurred relapse. The patient receives high doses of chemotherapy drugs, followed by the introduction of stem cells to restore bone marrow. The material for transplantation can be collected from the patient before high-dose procedures or from a compatible donor. The goal of treatment is the radical destruction of cancer cells and the restoration of normal hematopoietic function.
- Stem Cell Treatment
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
Modern medicine continuously improves the protocols for diagnosing oncological lymphatic pathologies. The Ichilov Clinic employs a range of studies on cell morphology and the detection of surface marker expression, allowing for accurate identification of the cause of symptoms and diagnosis. Diagnosis includes several stages.
First Day
The doctor typically begins by collecting a complete medical history of the patient (anamnesis) and conducting a physical examination, including checking for enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
Second Day
- A series of laboratory tests – tumor marker tests, biochemical studies, and other tests.
- Instrumental tests using chest X-ray, CT, ultrasound, MRI, or PET-CT.
- Lymph node biopsy.
- Histological studies.
- Immunophenotyping.
- Molecular genetic tests.
Third Day
During the diagnosis and development of the treatment plan, a team of specialists from various fields participates: hematologist-oncologist, radiologist, histopathologist, and other doctors. A multidisciplinary approach allows for studying the problem from all angles and selecting the most promising treatment options, considering the specifics of the disease course in each patient.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis – PET CT
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Blood Biochemistry
How Much Does Treatment Cost
Patients choose treatment in Israel not only for the high quality of medical services but also for the cost-to-service ratio, which is often more advantageous compared to the USA and European countries. The cost of treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Additionally, the cost of using innovative methods and medications is significant.
Treatment abroad requires detailed and comprehensive planning. You can independently study information, find descriptions, ratings, and reviews about the medical center and doctors, or you can receive a comprehensive consultation right now. Just contact the medical coordinator in any convenient way: by phone, online chat, or through a special form on the website, and clarify all your questions.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High qualifications of specialists
- Innovative treatment methods and advanced equipment
- Multidisciplinary teams
- Research and clinical trials
- High level of patient service
Patients at the Ichilov Clinic have access to the latest treatment methods, often unavailable in other countries. You can schedule a video consultation with a doctor specializing in lymphoma treatment and receive an assessment of your specific case, along with recommendations for individual treatment options.