Recent studies have shown that Israel is one of the leaders in the success of therapy for various types of kidney cancer. Treatment of renal pelvis cancer in Israel is carried out according to an individual comprehensive program, including the most effective innovative methods and drugs for the patient. Surgical operations are performed using minimally invasive methods, often with the use of robotic systems. When undergoing therapy in the early stages of the disease, more than 90% of patients achieve recovery while preserving kidney function. The innovative approach ensures a favorable prognosis for the treatment of any, even the most advanced, stages of the disease.
Oncological centers in Israel are equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment, which, combined with modern techniques, allows for the detection of neoplasms at an early stage of development and accurately determining their characteristics necessary for selecting effective drugs. Numerous reviews from patients who have undergone treatment confirm that therapy is conducted according to established protocols, which are constantly improved and adjusted depending on the situation. The affordable cost of treatment, which is significantly lower than prices in Western European and American clinics, is also attractive for medical tourists.
Current Treatment Methods for the Disease
Oncopathologies of the renal pelvis are diagnosed quite rarely, accounting for about 4-5% of malignant neoplasms of the urinary system and no more than 0.5% of all oncological diseases. The main causes of the pathology are related to exposure to carcinogenic substances. Painful symptoms, namely hematuria and varying degrees of pain, are similar to manifestations of other kidney diseases. The treatment scheme is developed taking into account the stage of the pathological process, the size and location of the neoplasm, and the presence of distant metastases.
Surgical Treatment
Remains the primary and most effective method of therapy. Due to the high probability of recurrence, radical nephroureterectomy is preferred in most cases. During this surgical intervention, the entire affected kidney, ureter along with a fragment of the bladder mucosa, and surrounding tissues are removed. In the absence of contraindications, Israeli surgeons professionally perform nephrectomy laparoscopically, which does not require large incisions and is characterized by low trauma, a low likelihood of postoperative complications, and a short recovery period. Laparoscopic interventions are performed using the SILS technique, where access to the pathological focus is obtained through a small incision made in the area of the navel.
The use of robotic systems, such as da Vinci, for performing surgical operations has become widespread. All actions are performed by a surgical robot with maximum precision, unattainable for humans. The robot is remotely controlled by an experienced specialist at the console. Robotic interventions take significantly less time and are associated with minimal complications.
If it is necessary to remove a large neoplasm or if the patient has contraindications to minimally invasive intervention, the operation is performed using the traditional open (laparotomy) method.
Radiotherapy
The effect of ionizing radiation causes irreversible damage and death of malignant cells. In cases of renal pelvis oncopathology, a course of radiation may be conducted prior to surgical intervention to reduce the size of the neoplasm, facilitating its subsequent removal. After surgical treatment, radiotherapy is aimed at destroying remaining cancer cells and preventing recurrence.
Israeli clinics use various types of external and contact radiation. External radiotherapy is performed on modern Novalis TrueBeam STx systems using advanced technologies that ensure precise irradiation of the affected area and minimal negative impact on healthy tissues.
HIFU Therapy (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation)
A progressive technique based on the destructive effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound waves on malignant cells. A gentle method of anti-tumor therapy, resulting in minimal damage to healthy tissues.
Cryotherapy
When the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, a small-sized neoplasm is destroyed by freezing, achieved through the application of liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is delivered to the tumour using a special cryoprobe, without damaging healthy tissues.
Radiofrequency Ablation
A method that involves destroying the neoplasm using high-frequency electric current, which is delivered to the tumor tissues through a needle-electrode.
Targeted Therapy
An innovative highly effective method based on drugs that specifically target malignant cells without affecting healthy ones. Monoclonal antibodies specific to the cells of this neoplasm are used in the treatment of kidney cancers. Therapy using angiogenesis inhibitors, which prevent the formation of blood vessels responsible for supplying the tumour, is also indicated.
Immunotherapy
The introduction of drugs that destroy the masking that hides cancer cells from recognition and destruction by lymphocytes, and stimulate the anti-tumor activity of the patient's immune system. Currently, clinical trials are being conducted on the method of introducing the patient's T-lymphocytes, modified in laboratory conditions to recognize cancer cells.
Innovative therapeutic methods are widely used in the treatment of kidney cancers, as this type of malignant pathology is not sensitive to the action of traditional chemotherapy drugs.
How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
An accurate diagnosis is necessary for developing an individual comprehensive treatment program. Established protocols for diagnostic examination in Israeli clinics allow diagnostic procedures to be completed, on average, within three days.
First Day
During the initial consultation, the attending nephrologist reviews the patient's medical history and existing results from previous studies, clarifies the painful symptoms they are experiencing, conducts a physical examination, and prescribes necessary tests.
Second Day
Undergoing the prescribed tests, including:
- general and biochemical blood and urine tests;
- cytological urine analysis — detection of malignant cells;
- blood test for specific tumor markers;
- cystoscopy;
- ureteropyelography;
- ultrasound (sonography) of the kidneys;
- visual imaging methods (CT, PET-CT, MRI);
- excretory urogram;
- intravenous pyelography;
- angiography of renal vessels;
- biopsy.
Third Day
After completing the tests, a medical council consisting of the attending nephrologist and several specialized specialists reviews the results and develops an individual treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The final amount depends on many factors and is determined after the diagnostic examination and the appointment of treatment procedures. Overall, the cost of treatment in Israel is 30-50% lower than in medical centers of comparable level in Western Europe and the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of qualification of doctors, many of whom are recognized worldwide.
- Use of innovative treatment methods.
- Accurate diagnosis on high-tech equipment.
- Comfortable conditions for undergoing treatment.
- Affordable prices.
In the early stages of the disease, recovery with preservation of kidney function is possible. The main thing is to choose a clinic without delay and entrust your health to it.