A systemic blood disease, multiple myeloma, of all types is treated according to the most modern protocols in Israel. Therapeutic methods aim to destroy pathological cells, eliminate disease foci, improve the patient's condition, and overall prognosis. Thanks to high-precision diagnostics, doctors determine the most optimal therapy scheme individually. Innovative treatment methods allow achieving results even in cases where doctors from other countries with less developed medicine are powerless.
The Ichilov Clinic is equipped with modern medical equipment, which makes classical treatment methods (for example, radiotherapy) more gentle for the patient without losing their high effectiveness. Drug therapy, which uses new generation drugs, has fewer negative consequences.
Reviews of multiple myeloma treatment in Israeli clinics indicate the highest level of therapeutic procedures, while the prices for multiple myeloma treatment in Israel are lower than in European countries and the USA.
Treatment Methods for Multiple Myeloma in Israel
A combination of various methods that complement each other and provide the most optimal effect may be used in the therapy of myeloma disease.
Chemotherapy
This is the leading method that allows for the destruction of abnormal cells throughout the body. A combination of cytostatic drugs that suppress cancer cells is individually prescribed to the patient. The chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of myeloma in Israel are new generation medications.
Hormone Therapy
Typically, it accompanies treatment with chemotherapy drugs. Glucocorticoid medications improve blood composition and alleviate undesirable side effects from chemotherapy.
Symptomatic Treatment
To stabilize the patient's condition and relieve pain, anticancer therapy is supplemented with supportive care. At Ichilov, pharmaceutical agents that have passed strict control and effectively manage pain are used.
Targeted Therapy
This innovative method is based on selective action on pathological cells. A drug is prescribed that inhibits (suppresses) the development and growth of cancer cells, while not affecting normal, healthy cells. As a result of taking targeted drugs, the number of tumour cells decreases, and the progression of myeloma stops. Numerous studies and clinical trials have proven the high effectiveness of targeted therapy in treating myeloma disease. Additionally, targeted drugs can stimulate the activity of the immune system. In particular, drugs are prescribed that uncover the mechanism of masking pathological blood cells. The cancer process develops when the immune system is unable to recognize and fight cancer cells. The action of the drugs is aimed at their identification and increasing the activity of T-lymphocytes, killer cells that destroy tumour cells.
Plasmapheresis
This method aims to cleanse the blood of pathological elements. Blood taken from the patient is processed in laboratory conditions, removing toxins and pathological proteins. The purified blood is then returned to the bloodstream.
Radiotherapy
Irradiation of damaged areas helps reduce the tumour and alleviate pain syndrome. In Israel, courses of radiotherapy are conducted on modern devices – linear accelerators. They have high precision (up to 0.5 mm), allowing for the irradiation of pathological tissues with a high dose of radiation while not harming surrounding tissues. During radiotherapy, the irradiation covers the entire area of the tumour.
Surgery
In cases of compression syndrome, when a neoplasm compresses tissues and organs, a decision may be made to surgically remove the myeloma. In this case, the least traumatic option for the patient is considered. If the size and location of the tumour allow, minimally invasive intervention is performed. The surgical method is often combined with radiotherapy.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
This method is recognized as one of the most effective in treating myeloma, as it helps restore normal hematopoietic function. At Ichilov, transplantation is performed at the highest level. Donor material, which can be taken from the patient's relatives, is used for the transplant. Before the procedure, a series of high-precision compatibility tests are conducted. It is also possible to transplant the patient's own bone marrow after processing and cleansing it of toxins and cancer cells (material collection is performed before the start of therapy).
100% Accurate Diagnostics
The purpose of the examination is to determine the type, degree of aggressiveness, and stage of myeloma. About one-third of patients coming from abroad face the issue of having been given an incorrect or inaccurate diagnosis in their home country – due to the imperfection of diagnostic techniques or methods. In Israel, all diagnostic procedures are carried out in modernly equipped research centers at clinics. The presence of advanced equipment ensures 100% diagnostic accuracy.
A clear schedule for conducting examinations is drawn up for foreign patients to avoid delays in determining the diagnosis and prescribing treatment. Typically, the diagnostic program does not take more than 3-4 days.
The meeting between the attending physician and the patient takes place on the first day of the visit to the clinic. The doctor studies the symptoms, medical history, results of previous examinations, conducts a physical examination, and refers the patient for additional tests if necessary.
If multiple myeloma is suspected, the following studies are conducted:
- Blood tests (general, protein electrophoresis, biochemistry, immunofixation).
- Biochemical urine analysis.
- X-ray.
- CT, MRI, PET-CT.
- Bone marrow puncture for genetic and histological analysis.
After all studies are completed, a council of doctors determines the most acceptable therapy strategy. It is important to note that in Israel, it is standard to provide the patient with the most detailed information about the chosen treatment plan, expected results, and possible risks.
How Much Does Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in Israel
The price formation is influenced by the stage of the disease, the prevalence of the tumour process, and the presence of complications. This directly affects the choice of treatment methods, the number of procedures, and courses of medication. When comparing costs in Israel with prices in countries where therapy is conducted at a similarly high level (for example, Germany, USA), it turns out that the amounts in Israeli clinics are one-third or even half less. The affordability of prices is often an important factor in favor of choosing treatment in Israel.