Professor Ofer MerimskiHead of the Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology
When the need arises to find the most reliable direction for combating Kaposi's sarcoma, the natural inclination is towards centers where innovation combines with experience, and technology works towards results. This is why the appeal of the Ichilov Medical Center is so high. Here, an excellent combination of advanced diagnostic methods, modern treatment protocols, and deep expertise of specialists is provided. All stages of treatment at the center are carefully thought out and planned. Special attention is paid to patient comfort: the accommodation conditions are created to help them focus on the recovery process. Thanks to the high professionalism of its team, the Ichilov Center enjoys trust and is considered a reliable alternative among international medical institutions.
About the Disease
Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant vascular neoplasm associated with infection by human herpesvirus 8, and includes types such as the classic form which develops slowly, the endemic form prevalent in Africa, the epidemic form associated with HIV, and the iatrogenic form occurring due to immunosuppression.
Causes
- HHV-8
- Immunodeficiency
- Organ transplantation
- Chronic inflammatory processes
Symptoms
- Spots and nodules on the skin
- Swelling of the limbs
- Mucosal lesions
- Enlargement of lymph nodes
Treatment of Sarcoma in Israel - Review
Treatment Methods for Kaposi's Sarcoma
The choice of treatment methods for Kaposi's sarcoma at Ichilov is determined by the molecular-genetic profile of the tumour, the extent of the process, and the patient's immune status, which allows for the creation of a therapeutic strategy taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.
Systemic Chemotherapy
In advanced forms of the disease, when lesions affect internal organs or multiple areas of the skin, systemic chemotherapy becomes the basis of treatment. Liposomal anthracycline drugs are delivered directly to the tumour cells thanks to a special coating that protects healthy tissues from toxic effects. This approach minimizes side effects and allows for outpatient therapy. Dosages are calculated using computer modeling systems that take into account body weight, kidney, and liver function.
Antiretroviral Therapy
When Kaposi's sarcoma develops against the background of HIV infection, restoring the immune system through antiretroviral therapy can lead to regression of tumour lesions without additional interventions. Combinations of drugs from the groups of protease inhibitors and reverse transcriptase inhibitors are selected based on the genotyping of the virus, ensuring maximum effectiveness. Viral load is monitored using highly sensitive PCR methods, allowing for tracking dynamics every four weeks and adjusting the regimen as necessary.
Local Cryotherapy
Single small skin lesions are effectively removed by cryodestruction in the early stages of the disease. Liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus one hundred ninety-six degrees is applied with an applicator precisely to the edges of the tumour, causing immediate freezing of pathological cells. The procedure takes a few minutes and does not require anesthesia, as the cold itself has an analgesic effect. After destruction, the tissue gradually sloughs off, and healthy epithelium forms in its place with minimal cosmetic defects.
Radiation Therapy
For patients with localized lesions in the facial area or mucous membranes, where surgical intervention may disrupt function or aesthetics, radiation therapy offers an alternative solution. Modern linear accelerators using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technology create a complex three-dimensional dose distribution that precisely matches the shape of the tumour to within a millimeter. Dose fractionation allows for delivering the maximum amount of energy to the neoplasm while preserving surrounding structures. The entire course usually concludes within two to three weeks with daily sessions.
Interferon Immunotherapy
In the early stages of the disease, especially with skin forms without internal organ involvement, immunotherapy with interferon alpha activates the body's own defense mechanisms against tumour cells. These biological molecules enhance the activity of natural killers and macrophages, which recognize and destroy altered tissues. Injections are administered subcutaneously several times a week, and the effect develops gradually over several months. This method is particularly relevant for individuals with preserved immune function.
Targeted Therapy
In cases of resistance to standard regimens or with aggressive disease progression, targeted therapy opens new possibilities for controlling the tumour process. Drugs from the group of angiogenesis inhibitors block the formation of new blood vessels that nourish the sarcoma, depriving it of resources for growth. Molecular diagnostics identify specific markers on the surface of tumour cells that become targets for targeted action. This personalized approach allows for achieving remission even in complex clinical situations.
Photodynamic Therapy
In cases of superficial multiple lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma, photodynamic therapy provides selective destruction of the tumour without damaging healthy skin. A photosensitizer is administered to the patient, which selectively accumulates in pathological tissues over several hours. The affected area is then irradiated with a laser of a specific wavelength, activating the drug and initiating a cascade of oxidative reactions leading to the death of tumour cells. This method is particularly valued for its excellent cosmetic result and the possibility of multiple repetitions if necessary.
Surgical Excision
When tumour nodules have clear boundaries and are located in accessible anatomical areas, surgical removal becomes the method of choice for achieving quick results. The operation is performed using high-frequency electrosurgical instruments that simultaneously cut tissues and coagulate vessels, minimizing blood loss. The boundaries of resection are determined based on dermatoscopic mapping, ensuring complete removal of altered areas. Histological examination of the material confirms the radicality of the intervention and helps plan further monitoring.
Intralesional Chemotherapy
For individual large nodules, especially located on the limbs or torso, intralesional administration of chemotherapy drugs creates a high concentration of the active substance directly in the tumour. Drugs from the group of vinca alkaloids are injected with a thin needle under ultrasound control, which prevents the spread of the solution beyond the lesion. This method avoids systemic side effects and ensures regression of the lesion after just a few procedures. Patients tolerate this treatment significantly better, maintaining their usual level of activity.
Supportive Therapy
At all stages of treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma, supportive therapy helps the body cope with the burden and maintain quality of life. Medications to protect mucous membranes prevent the development of ulcerative lesions during chemotherapy, while modern antiemetic agents from the group of serotonin receptor antagonists alleviate nausea within an hour after administration. Nutritional support with individual calculations of caloric and protein content helps maintain muscle mass. Psychological support is integrated into the treatment process from the first days, creating a resource for overcoming difficulties.
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Oncological Surgery
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
Accurate diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma is critically important, performed on precise equipment, with procedures at Ichilov planned in advance and carried out quickly.
First Day
Upon arrival, the patient undergoes a consultation with the attending physician, who clarifies the medical history, conducts an examination, and prescribes necessary tests for a complete assessment of the condition.
Second Day
Diagnostic procedures prescribed by the attending physician are conducted:
- Clinical blood test
- Biochemical blood test
- PCR for HHV-8
- Biopsy
- Dermatoscopy
- CT
- MRI
- PET-CT
Third Day
The team of specialists jointly analyzes the diagnostic results, assesses the prognosis, and selects the most effective therapy strategy. This approach allows for considering the nuances of the disease's progression and increases the likelihood of achieving optimal clinical outcomes.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis - PET CT
- Blood Biochemistry
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treating Kaposi's sarcoma in Israel is formed from a complex of factors, including the level of diagnostic examination, the type of therapy used, the work of a multidisciplinary team, and the use of modern technologies. Additionally, individual characteristics of the disease and the need for hospitalization are taken into account.
For an accurate cost calculation, it is necessary to contact the clinic's consultant at the phone number provided on the website.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Experienced oncology team of world-class
- High-precision expert-class diagnostics
- Individual therapy protocols
- Modern clinic infrastructure
- Comfortable accommodation conditions
The patient can pre-order an online consultation with a specialized specialist to receive personal recommendations, answers to pressing questions, and information about available modern treatment technologies.