Professor Ofer MerimskiHead of the Department of Oncology of the Skeleton and Soft Tissues
Israeli specialists in the treatment of malignant lung neoplasms apply the most advanced methods available in global oncology. For diagnosing the disease, they use high-precision equipment and modern laboratory facilities, with the examination taking only a few days.
After the examination, the patient begins to undergo treatment procedures. At Ichilov Clinic, doctors employ a comprehensive approach to treatment — performing various types of surgical operations, combining surgical treatment with systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As a result, the percentage of patients achieving stable remission here is significantly higher than the average in Europe.
Advanced Treatment Methods for Pancoast Tumour
The therapy for this type of malignant tumours differs from the treatment of classical non-small cell lung cancer. Since the disease is associated with the infiltration of pathological cells into the large blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other vital structures located near the apex of the lung, the therapy is based on a multimodal approach. First, the patient undergoes courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and after a few weeks, surgical resection of the remaining tumour tissues is performed.
Chemotherapy
Treatment involves high-dose induction therapy with systemic chemotherapeutic agents. These agents have cytotoxic properties and can destroy all rapidly dividing cells in the body. Most rapidly dividing cells are represented by tumour cells. The drugs are administered via intravenous infusions through a central catheter. Typically, the treatment course consists of several cycles, each including multiple infusions. Complex drug regimens are used, which may include cytostatics from various groups — semi-synthetic compounds based on the active substances of the yew tree, antimetabolites based on nucleoside derivatives, vinca alkaloids, platinum compounds, etc.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can be performed separately or combined with chemotherapy. The patient is irradiated on a linear accelerator — a device that generates ionizing radiation using a swirling electric field. The modern accelerators installed at Ichilov Clinic differ from outdated models in their high precision and allow for the uniform distribution of a precisely calculated dose of radiation within the pathological tissues. The course of irradiation consists of several (or several dozen, depending on the clinical picture) sessions, each lasting just a few minutes.
Surgical Treatment of Pancoast Tumour in Israel
Typically, surgical treatment is performed a few weeks after conservative therapy. Since the surgical resection of this type of tumour is associated with certain difficulties, the operation is carried out by surgeons with extensive clinical experience. During the intervention, the surgeon's main efforts are directed at resecting the lung — this operation is called pneumonectomy and is performed through an open incision from the sternum or back. Concurrently, other tissues involved in the pathological process may also be removed — nerve plexuses, lymph nodes, bone tissues (specifically, the two upper ribs), as well as blood vessels. To preserve blood supply, the removed arteries are replaced with vascular grafts — fragments of vessels taken from other parts of the body.
Targeted Therapies
Since this type of tumour is represented by non-small cell carcinomas, targeted therapies may be used as an adjunctive treatment. They are prescribed if the neoplasm has metastasized. A necessary condition for effective treatment with these drugs is the presence of specific mutations in the tumour cells. In particular — mutations in the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of epidermal growth factor EGFR. This protein is responsible for the proliferation and differentiation of cells — by acting on it, the growth of the tumour can be inhibited. One of the drugs that may be used in such cases belongs to the group of chimeric monoclonal antibodies specific to the antigen EGFR.
Positive reviews about the treatment of Pancoast tumour in Israel can be found on many online resources where patients share their experiences. Many people note the high effectiveness of the multimodal approach employed by Israeli doctors, as well as the affordable cost of medical procedures.
Diagnostics
In the overwhelming majority of cases, the examination does not take long and lasts no more than three to four days. During this time, the patient undergoes a comprehensive set of studies, and doctors select a therapy program. You can find out today what diagnostic and treatment procedures you will need to undergo in your case — simply schedule a video consultation with one of our doctors. An oncologist will talk to you via Skype, answer all your questions, and provide valuable recommendations. When you arrive at the clinic, the first consultation with a specialist will be free of charge.
First Day — Consultation
The first appointment is usually scheduled for the same day you arrive in the country. At the airport, a clinic staff member — a translator-coordinator — meets you. They are responsible for the transfer from the airport to the clinic, coordinating the doctors, assisting with everyday issues, and translating your medical documentation. Together with them, you go to the first consultation, during which the doctor plans the diagnostic program.
Second Day — Investigations
- X-ray.
- Computed or magnetic resonance tomography.
- PET-CT (used to detect metastases).
- Respiratory function tests.
- Bronchoscopy.
- Mediastinoscopy.
- Biopsy of tumour tissues and their histological examination.
Third Day — Medical Council
On the final day of diagnostics, a medical council is convened. The medical commission includes several specialized experts. They analyze the research data and select a therapy program based on the individual characteristics of the disease.
Cost of Treatment for Pancoast Tumour in Israel
Many foreign patients note that the cost of treatment for Pancoast tumour in Israel is significantly lower than in clinics in leading countries of the European Union or the United States. Typically, the savings amount to 30-40% of the funds.