Professor Eliyahu GezActing Head of the Department of Onco-Urology
Israeli specialists direct significant resources and efforts towards the development of pediatric oncology. The development of new anti-tumour drugs, improvement of current therapeutic protocols, and the search for more effective and gentle ways to combat cancer have all led to approximately 90% of young patients today successfully overcoming neuroblastoma and returning home completely healthy. It is important to note that the Ichilov Medical Center accepts young patients who have previously undergone treatment in other clinics, despite the fact that many institutions often refuse further treatment for such children. Even in cases of highly aggressive and advanced forms of cancer, the center's doctors are capable of making the child feel much better, and the disease can enter a state of stable clinical remission.
How Neuroblastoma is Treated at Top Ichilov
The choice of specific therapy methods in each case depends on the localization and extent of the tumour process, the stage of disease progression, the age of the patient, and their overall health condition. At early stages of neuroblastoma, which are classified as low-risk, surgical excision of the neoplasm is often sufficient. If the tumour is inoperable, specialists at Top Ichilov resort to modern conservative methods of anti-tumour therapy. These methods can not only stop the growth of the neoplasm and prevent its metastasis but also, with a high degree of probability, bring the neuroblastoma to a resectable state and successfully remove it.
- Chemotherapy. Most often conducted in combination with surgical treatment: before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour, and after to destroy residual cancer cells. High-dose chemotherapy is also prescribed in conjunction with bone marrow transplantation in situations where other treatment methods prove ineffective (typically occurring at terminal stages of disease progression). Thanks to the fact that neuroblastoma treatment in Israeli clinics is conducted using new generation chemotherapy drugs tailored to each patient individually, side effects are minimized in any case.
- Immunotherapy. An innovative method of treating oncology that is completely safe for the child's body and allows for much more effective combat against neuroblastomas, including those in the high-risk group. Its essence lies in stimulating the child's immune system to recognize cancer cells and target their destruction – this is achieved using drugs based on monoclonal antibodies, GM-CSF cytokines, and interleukin-2. Recent research results have shown that immunotherapy offers chances for recovery even for patients diagnosed at stages III-IV of disease progression.
- Radiation Therapy. Israeli specialists practice a unique technology for conducting radiotherapy that significantly reduces the negative impact of ionizing radiation on the body and more precisely destroys cancer cells. Before the procedure, a special radiopharmaceutical is administered to the patient, which accumulates more in the tumour tissues and makes them more sensitive to radiation exposure. Feedback on neuroblastoma treatment in Israel indicates that this way, doctors successfully cure even those children for whom radiation therapy was previously contraindicated due to high risks of complications. Nevertheless, until the child reaches 3 years of age, Israeli doctors still apply this method with caution – radiotherapy is primarily prescribed as a means of neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy or as an alternative to surgery for unresectable tumours.
- Surgical Treatment. The extent of the surgery and the method of its execution in each case depend on the size and location of the tumour. Top Ichilov employs highly experienced oncologists capable of removing neoplasms of any localization without significant damage to healthy tissues. This not only minimizes blood loss and the risks of postoperative complications but also promotes faster recovery for patients.
Bone Marrow Transplantation. In severe and recurrent forms of neuroblastoma, high-dose chemotherapy proves to be the most effective, which, however, has a serious side effect – the destruction of not only cancer cells but also healthy cells (including bone marrow). Therefore, to restore hematopoietic function, patients undergo stem cell transplantation. These are harvested from the child during remission before chemotherapy or taken from a donor. The first option is more preferable – autologous bone marrow transplantation is associated with lower risks of rejection of the transplanted biomaterial, thus increasing the chances of success.
Neuroblastoma Diagnostics in Israel
One of the key factors for successful therapy is timely and accurate diagnosis. Thanks to the installation of state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment at Top Ichilov, doctors can always identify even the smallest tumours with 100% accuracy, and the completion of all necessary examinations takes patients only 3-4 days.
Israeli specialists are also frequently consulted for a "second opinion." Obtaining it is quite simple. It is enough to send copies of all available medical documents to the doctor via email, after which he will analyze them and provide his expert opinion. The doctor will share his findings with the patient during a video consultation via Skype: this way, one can find out whether the diagnosis was correctly made in their home country, what treatment methods will be most effective in this case, etc.
Examination and Consultation
The leading specialist studies the medical history, conducts a physical examination, and develops a program for further diagnostics.
Diagnostic Procedures
If neuroblastoma is suspected, the following examinations may be prescribed for patients:
- Ultrasound.
- CT.
- MRI.
- PET-CT.
- Comprehensive blood tests.
- Biopsy.
- X-ray.
- Scintigraphy and others.
Medical Consultation
The attending physician, together with other specialists, analyzes the results of the examinations and, according to the specifics of the clinical picture of the disease, develops an individual treatment plan for the patient.
How Much Does Neuroblastoma Treatment Cost in Israel
Compared to the prices for medical services in clinics in the USA and Western Europe, the cost of neuroblastoma treatment in Israel is more affordable. With absolutely the same quality of service, patients in Israeli clinics have the opportunity to save from 25% to 45% – depending on the complexity of the required therapy, this can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In any case, the exact price of neuroblastoma treatment in Israel will be provided after a consultation with the doctor and a complete examination.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ichilov
- Advanced technical equipment.
- Highly qualified doctors with unique practical experience.
- 100% reliable diagnostics.
- The most progressive treatment methods.
- Transparent pricing policy.
- Comprehensive assistance in solving organizational and everyday issues, including on-site support with a personal translator-curator.
To receive an individual consultation from an Israeli doctor, simply fill out the application form on the website. A clinic representative will contact you shortly.