Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a secondary malignant pathology that develops as a result of the spread of neoplasms from the digestive and reproductive organs. The extreme severity of the condition requires the highest qualifications and experience from doctors in treating such diseases. Treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in Israel is carried out according to an individual scheme, which includes both traditional and innovative methods. Despite the severity of clinical signs and the weakened state of patients, the use of modern surgical techniques, immunotherapy, and other progressive methods of anti-tumour treatment allows for symptom relief in approximately 75% of patients.
The high-precision equipment of the latest models presented in Israeli medical centers allows for the operational performance of procedures that diagnose malignant foci, describe their characteristic features, and assess the condition of internal organs. When developing a therapeutic scheme, specialists take into account the weakness and advanced age of the patient, which necessitates the use of chemotherapeutic agents with low toxicity, treatment methods that do not exert harsh effects on the body, and do not cause significant side effects in the patient. Patient reviews confirm the effectiveness of the treatment, its reasonable cost, the competence and attentiveness of the doctors, and the creation of comfortable conditions for the patient and their relatives.
Treatment Methods for the Pathology
Peritoneal carcinomatosis is the most frequently diagnosed type of distant metastatic foci that develop from the spread of malignant tumours localized in various organs. Studies have shown that approximately 40% of patients with this pathology have the primary neoplasm located in the gastrointestinal tract, and in 30% of cases — in the ovaries (notably, most female patients are diagnosed with ovarian cancer only when peritoneal carcinomatosis has developed).
Upon detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis, the prognosis of the primary oncological disease significantly worsens. This is due to the fact that this type of oncopathology is characterized by rapid development, resistance to surgical therapy, and chemotherapy courses provide only temporary relief of symptoms.
The causes of peritoneal carcinomatosis arise from the entry of serous fluid containing malignant cells from the primary tumour into the abdominal cavity. Malignant cells can also spread during the surgical removal of the primary neoplasm, when blood or lymphatic vessels are damaged during the operation.
Clinical symptoms are largely determined by the characteristics of the primary tumour. The most characteristic symptom is ascites, which occurs due to the accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Patients are in a severe condition, experiencing intense pain, marked weight loss, nausea with vomiting, fatigue, and weakness.
The therapy scheme includes various techniques.
Surgical Treatment
The most effective method for removing as many detected tumour foci as possible is cytoreduction. If necessary, the gallbladder and reproductive organs, as well as affected parts of the liver and pancreas, are removed. In most cases, minimally invasive intervention is performed, with a low probability of damage to normal tissues, absence of complications, and rapid recovery.
Chemotherapy
Before surgery, modern chemotherapeutic agents with low toxicity are prescribed to alleviate symptoms and achieve resectability of the neoplasm. After the surgical intervention, chemotherapy is aimed at eliminating residual cancer cells and preventing recurrence.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
A widely used progressive method in Israeli clinics that has high effectiveness. At the final stage of the operation, the patient's abdominal cavity is washed with a concentrated heated solution of chemotherapeutic agents. Due to the local effect and penetration into the general bloodstream of a limited volume of drugs, the procedure does not cause side effects in the patient.
Immunotherapy
A method that positively influences the dynamics of the pathological process in the most severe cases, as well as in cases where previous treatments have been ineffective. The principle of the method involves the use of drugs that stimulate the anti-tumour activity of the patient's immune system. In the case of peritoneal carcinomatosis, monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors of tumour angiogenesis are prescribed, which prevent the formation of blood vessels in the neoplasm.
Radioimmunotherapy
One of the progressive techniques that combines the principles of immunotherapy and radiotherapy. This group of drugs contains monoclonal antibodies and radioactive isotopes. When entering the patient's body, the radioisotope is delivered specifically to the cancer cell recognized by the specific monoclonal antibody. The safety of the patient is ensured by the fact that radioimmunotherapy drugs do not affect normal cells.
Photodynamic Therapy
A laser method used when the patient has contraindications to surgical treatment. Before the procedure, a photosensitizing agent is administered to the patient, which accumulates in pathological cells and significantly increases their sensitivity to laser beam exposure. Subsequent laser irradiation raises the local temperature to levels sufficient for the necrosis of malignant tissues.
How the Pathology is Diagnosed
Since peritoneal carcinomatosis does not manifest with characteristic clinical signs, laboratory tests are prescribed in conjunction with instrumental studies to establish an accurate diagnosis. In Israeli medical centers, comprehensive examinations and the development of a treatment plan take about three days.
On the first day of their stay in the clinic, the patient visits a leading gastroenterologist. The doctor reviews the existing results of previous studies, learns about the specifics and severity of the symptoms troubling the patient, and performs a physical examination. After this, the necessary diagnostic procedures are prescribed for the patient.
Performing the prescribed examinations:
- laboratory blood tests — general and biochemical analyses, detection of specific tumour markers;
- ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis;
- imaging methods (CT, MRI);
- paracentesis (obtaining ascitic fluid for subsequent analysis);
- diagnostic laparoscopy.
The results of the studies are reviewed by a commission consisting of a gastroenterologist and narrow-profile specialists. After analyzing the information, the doctors collectively establish a diagnosis and develop a treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost of the treatment course is finally determined after the patient undergoes examination and a therapy scheme is prescribed. Treatment in Israeli medical centers is approximately 30% cheaper than in Western European countries and, on average, 50% more economical than in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High effectiveness of anti-tumour therapy.
- World-renowned oncologists.
- Availability of modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Use of progressive treatment methods.
- Affordable prices.
Undergoing treatment prescribed by highly qualified specialists will improve the quality and duration of the patient's life. Do not hesitate to contact your chosen Israeli clinic and start your therapeutic course.