Innovative medical equipment and years of experience in treating Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Israel provide patients at Ichilov Clinic with a high rate of durable remissions. The medical center is known for its high-quality specialized services and innovative approaches to cancer therapy.
Advanced technologies and treatment methods are constantly being implemented here. Leading oncologists at Ichilov have extensive experience in treating various types of cancer, including Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Many specialists have trained abroad and interned at leading global cancer centers.
Multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, radiotherapists, oncologists, dermatologists, geneticists, and other specialists, work together to provide the most effective treatment.
In Israel, great attention is paid to the individualization of treatment programs. Therapy begins with a comprehensive diagnostic examination and is based on combining the most effective methods. The hospital is equipped with the latest technological equipment in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, including linear accelerators, advanced diagnostic imaging devices, and molecular analysis tools. In addition to high-quality medical care, significant attention is given to the comfort and emotional support of patients and their families.
About the Disease
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer. The disease is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, trabecular carcinoma, or cutaneous apudoma. Merkel cells are a type of epidermal nerve cell responsible for the sensation of touch. MCC tends to metastasize early and rapidly. The tumour develops on the face, neck, and hands but can also occur in other areas.
The cause of MCC is associated with viral infection. In most cases, the transformed tissue contains integrated DNA of the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV), likely responsible for gene mutations in skin cells. UV radiation is another risk factor. People with weakened immune systems, particularly those receiving immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplants or those with HIV, are at higher risk.
Symptoms of MCC:
- the most common sign is a rapidly growing, painless, shiny nodular formation that is red, pink, purple, or bluish in color;
- localization on exposed areas of skin that are subject to sun exposure – face, neck, or hands.
- size ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters, often irregularly shaped;
- texture is hard and firm upon palpation;
- enlarged regional lymph nodes.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) depends on the stage of the disease, characteristics of the formation, overall health of the patient, and other factors.
Surgical Treatment
The primary and most preferred method of treating MCC in the early stages is surgical removal of the tumour.
Ichilov Clinic employs several surgical techniques and approaches:
- standard excision. This traditional method involves removing the tumour along with some healthy tissue around it to minimize the risk of leaving behind cancerous cells;
- Mohs micrographic surgery. A layer-by-layer excision technique that allows for the preservation of healthy tissues while completely removing affected areas;
- sentinel lymphadenectomy. If biopsy results show a positive reaction for malignant cells, the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is removed;
- wide surgical excision. A surgical method used when larger tumours are present or when cancer has spread beyond the primary formation. This type of intervention is often used when extensive tissue removal is required.
Radiation Therapy
Often used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence, especially for large tumours or metastasis to lymph nodes. It may also be used as primary treatment for patients for whom surgical intervention is not possible for various reasons.
Ichilov Clinic uses the latest TrueBeam and Lunac linear accelerators, providing high precision in targeting beams, adjustable intensity of radiation to different areas of the tumour, stereotactic delivery of high doses to a precisely defined area, reducing treatment time and side effects.
Chemotherapy
This method may be used to treat metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) or in cases where the tumour cannot be completely surgically removed.
Targeted Therapy
Molecular-targeted drugs, such as kinase inhibitors, are used in Israel for the treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma. Their feature is precise targeting of a molecular target and blocking specific mechanisms that allow cancer cells to grow and spread.
Immunotherapy
Significant progress in the treatment of MCC has been achieved through immunotherapeutic agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly antibodies against PD-1 and PD-L1. These substances stimulate the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Diagnosis Methods for the Disease
Diagnosis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is based on the correct interpretation of symptoms and a step-by-step analysis of research results. The comprehensive approach adopted at Ichilov allows for high accuracy in confirming the diagnosis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma, determining the stage of the disease, and providing a reliable prognosis.
First Day
The diagnosis begins with a physical examination during which the doctor collects complaints and examines the suspicious skin nodule or formation. Additionally, regional lymph nodes are palpated, and a medical history is gathered.
Second Day
After a personal consultation, the patient is assigned a series of laboratory tests and instrumental studies.
- General clinical tests.
- Dermatoscopy. A non-invasive method that allows the doctor to closely examine skin formations and identify specific patterns characteristic of various types of skin cancer.
- Biopsy. If a suspicious nodule is present, an excisional biopsy (removal of the entire nodule) or incisional biopsy (removal of part of the nodule) is performed for microscopic examination of tissues and determination of the presence of Merkel cancer cells.
- Histopathological examination.
- Immunohistochemical tests. Additional tests to determine specific markers, such as cytokeratin 20, neuron-specific enolase.
- Testing for Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV).
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Ultrasound.
Third Day
To analyze research results and plan treatment, a multidisciplinary team is involved at Ichilov. A dermatologist, radiologist, oncologist, plastic surgeon, and doctors from other specialties jointly make decisions, considering the nuances of the disease's progression in the specific patient.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis – PET CT
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost of treatment is influenced by many factors: the stage of the disease, the location and size of the formation, the patient's age, current condition, and comorbidities. The price depends on the complexity and number of diagnostic procedures, the chosen treatment strategy, and the need to involve narrow specialists.
Contact a medical consultant by phone, through a special feedback form on the website, or via online chat to find out how much treatment costs at Ichilov Clinic. Familiarize yourself with doctor ratings, patient reviews, and the specifics of organizing your trip.
Advantages of Treatment for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) in Israel
- High level of medicine.
- Experienced specialists with extensive practical experience.
- Individualized approach to treatment.
- Latest technologies and equipment.
- Support and comfort during the stay.
Trust your health to professionals. You can schedule a video consultation via Zoom or Skype to get accurate and up-to-date information about the treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Israel. Leading experts at Ichilov Clinic will answer questions about the specifics of your particular case.