Among the most renowned and respected oncologists and hematologists in the world are many Israeli doctors. Many of them have trained and worked at leading medical centers in the USA and Europe, and today they successfully conduct treatment for blastic NK-cell lymphoma in Israel. The Ichilov clinic actively participates in scientific research and the development of new treatment methods for oncological diseases. Here, great attention is paid to each patient, and individual treatment plans are developed. Analyzing the unique morphological characteristics of the disease allows for selecting the most effective and safe therapy options.
The Ichilov Medical Center is equipped with the most modern equipment for diagnosing and treating oncological pathologies. The clinic performs complex procedures with high precision and minimal risk for patients, using the latest drugs, often unavailable or not yet accredited in other countries.
About the Disease
Blastic NK-cell lymphoma is a rare and aggressive disease that belongs to the group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas – tumors of lymphoid tissue. This disease is associated with the abnormal proliferation of natural killer (NK) immune cells, a type of white blood cell that is part of the innate immune system. Normally, NK cells play a key role in protecting the body from viruses and tumor cells, but in this disease, they begin to proliferate uncontrollably and function improperly. Blastic NK-cell lymphoma can affect various organs and tissues, including the skin, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
The WHO classifies the pathology as extranodal T- and NK-cell lymphomas and distinguishes it as a separate subtype of this group due to its unique characteristics.
The exact causes of blastic NK-cell lymphoma are unknown. Researchers believe that various factors, including genetic mutations, may play a role in the development of the disease.
Characteristic symptoms:
- high fever
- night sweats
- unexplained weight loss
- enlarged lymph nodes
- yellowing of the skin and sclera (jaundice) when the liver is affected
- pain and a feeling of pressure in the affected organs.
Send your records — an Ichilov physician will reply within 1–2 days, free of charge.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
The approach to each patient with NK-cell lymphoma at the Ichilov clinic is individualized. The type of therapy depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, overall health, and previous treatment experience.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the primary method of combating most forms of NK-cell lymphoma. Therapy can be based on individual drugs or their combinations. Depending on the stage and the patient's condition, more or less aggressive regimens and combinations of medications may be used.
The main advantage of systemic chemotherapy is:
- the ability to globally destroy cancer cells throughout the body;
- increasing the chances of prolonged remission and optimizing prognosis.
Radiotherapy
Radiation is used for local control of the disease, for example, when lymph nodes, skin, or other organs are affected. Radiotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other methods.
At the Ichilov clinic, radiotherapy is conducted on modern TrueBeam and Lunac linear accelerators. This is the most advanced equipment available today, allowing precise adjustment of radiation parameters, minimizing damage to healthy tissues, and increasing the dose in areas of malignant tumors.
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem cell transplantation is considered for relapses or extremely aggressive forms of lymphoma. This method involves two stages:
- complete destruction of cancer cells using high doses of chemotherapy and, in some cases, radiotherapy,
- restoration of bone marrow hematopoietic function by introducing healthy stem cells.
The Ichilov clinic has extensive experience in stem cell transplants and subsequent long-term remissions.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Depending on the molecular and genetic characteristics of the tumor, immunotherapy and targeted drugs may be used. These treatment methods target specific molecular characteristics of cancer cells to stimulate the immune system. The advantages of this approach include minimal side effects and high effectiveness in cases of resistance to standard treatment methods.
- Stem Cell Treatment
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The Ichilov clinic conducts a comprehensive series of studies that allow for accurate identification of tumor pathology. Confirming the diagnosis of blastic NK-cell lymphoma is a complex multi-step process. Typically, it takes no less than three days to complete all tests and interpret the results.
First Day
The doctor collects symptoms and the complete medical and family history of the patient, then conducts a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver for enlargement.
Second Day
- Laboratory blood tests
- Biopsy of the affected tissue or node, including lymph nodes, skin, or bone marrow, followed by microscopic examination of samples
- Immunophenotyping
- Molecular genetic studies
- Imaging tests: CT, MRI, PET-CT
Third Day
Based on the research results, a multidisciplinary team of doctors develops a treatment strategy. The comprehensive therapeutic methods take into account the individual characteristics of the disease's progression in the specific patient and the molecular genetic characteristics of the tumor.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis — PET CT
- Biopsy and Histological Studies
How Much Does Treatment Cost
At the Ichilov Medical Center, each treatment program is developed considering the progression of the disease in the specific patient. The cost calculation is based on the volume and complexity of the necessary diagnostic procedures and treatment methods.
For additional information, you can call or write in the online chat on our website. Here, you can also fill out a special feedback form. An experienced coordinator will help clarify how medical programs are formed and provide guidance on service prices. We will provide all necessary information about the medical center's equipment, department specializations, qualifications and experience of specialists, their ratings, and patient reviews.
Advantages of Treatment at the Ichilov Clinic
- Leading specialists practicing an individualized approach to treatment
- High-tech medical equipment
- Access to innovative methods and the latest pharmacological developments
- Multidisciplinary medical teams
- Attention to quality of life and comfort during the stay at the clinic
The high quality of medical service and positive statistics in combating the rarest and most complex oncohematological diseases make Israel one of the preferred destinations for treating blastic NK-cell lymphoma. Today, you can consult with a leading specialist at the Ichilov clinic without leaving your country. To schedule an online appointment, you need to send the test results to the clinic's email and agree on a call time. On the appointed day, the doctor will contact you via Zoom or Skype, share their opinion, and suggest further options for action.