Various forms of duodenal cancer often can be asymptomatic and lack specific markers for early diagnosis. The disease is often detected during a routine examination by a gastroenterologist – about 70% of patients had previously been under observation for duodenal ulcer disease. But do not lose hope – this type of neoplasm has a relatively mild course, and specialists at Top Ihilov use non-surgical treatment methods in more than 42% of cases. The secret to success lies in the use of the latest advancements in pharmacology and radiotherapy. The use of diagnostic panels allows for the selection of a drug to which the tumour cells are sensitive.
Intra-tissue radiotherapy enables targeted irradiation within the pathological focus, without affecting healthy tissues. Effectiveness, safety, and results – this is why you should trust the specialists at Top Ihilov.
Methods of Treating Duodenal Cancer in Israel
Effective treatment of duodenal cancer in Israel, whose reviews speak for themselves, is conducted only according to individually developed protocols. After determining the cellular composition of the neoplasm, the following treatment methods are available to the patient:
Chemotherapy
- Intra-arterial administration of drugs: due to the rich arterial network in the area of the duodenum, intra-arterial administration of chemotherapeutic agents through a long-term port system is effective. The advantage of the method is the absorption of a larger portion of the drug by the tumour and practically insignificant transformation of the active substance in the liver. It is often used to reduce the size of the tumour in cases of compression syndrome of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
- Administration via a venous catheter: the standard chemotherapy regimen, most commonly used for non-invasive tumour growth. Through intravenous infusion (measured administration via an infusion pump), a combination of platinum drugs, cytostatics, and mitosis blockers is administered.
Radiation Therapy
- Stereotactic radiation therapy: the Top Ihilov clinic is equipped with the latest technology, which eliminates the possibility of radiation burns to surrounding tissues. The True Beam STx linear accelerator used has a laser navigation system. Its presence eliminates the possibility of displacement of the radiation beam from the intended target. Before the session, Top Ihilov radiologists conduct a control scan, allowing for the creation of a three-dimensional model of the tumour and tracking its movement amplitude depending on the act of breathing. Now the patient does not need to hold their breath during the procedure, which adds comfort to this important stage of treatment.
- Intra-tissue brachytherapy: a small capsule with a supply of radioisotopes is implanted into the tumour or adjacent tissues using an endoscope. As they decay, the isotopes release ionizing radiation, which is maximally absorbed by the tumour cells (contact method). As a result, the maximum therapeutic effect is concentrated in the pathological focus, without affecting surrounding tissues and organs.
Surgical Treatment
- Radio-surgical intervention using a cyberknife: a new technique successfully applied by surgeons at the Top Ihilov clinic. The operation is based on a combination of surgical excision of the malignant area and simultaneous sterilization of the surgical field with high-dose ionizing radiation. The robotic navigation system of the cyberknife allows for precise removal (up to 0.5 mm) of even deeply infiltrating tumours, while the radiation destroys even single cancer cells hiding within the tissues.
- Laparoscopic removal of the focus: used in cases of polypoid neoplasm or pronounced compression syndrome of the bile duct and pancreas. With the help of a video recording system, not only delicate removal of the tumour is possible, but also a simultaneous assessment of surrounding tissues and lymph node packets. The advantage of the method is its minimally invasive nature – after the operation, three small holes remain, healing naturally.
- Combined operation according to Billroth: applicable when the focus is represented by an ulcerative defect and its length exceeds 20% of the surface area of the intestine itself. A combined operation is performed, during which part of the intestine is removed and anastomosis is created in an end-to-end or