The Ichilov Hospital has a team of highly professional doctors, most of whom have trained and practiced in leading medical institutions around the world. They possess extensive experience in precise diagnostics and use advanced techniques, making the treatment of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma in Israel successful and long-lasting.
The Ichilov Hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Patients receive a comprehensive assessment of their condition and an individualized treatment plan developed with the participation of specialists from various fields, including hematologists, oncologists, histopathologists, radiologists, and transplantologists. The doctors have access to targeted immunotherapy agents, the latest chemotherapy and radiotherapy protocols using modern linear accelerators.
The treatment process at Ichilov is organized to maximize the quality of life for the patient and their family and to focus on restoring health. In addition to therapy, there are opportunities for communication, assistance with transportation and accommodation, and personal support from a translator.
About the Disease
Extranodal NK-cell lymphoma is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The tumor pathology develops extranodally – from lymphoid tissue located outside the lymph nodes, such as in the gastrointestinal tract, brain and spinal cord, and skin. The disease begins with the malignant transformation of NK cells, which are part of the innate immune system and normally participate in the destruction of infected and malignant cells.
There are two forms of the disease:
- nasal – characterized by lesions of the nose and upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, throat);
- non-nasal (extranodal), manifesting in other extranodal sites, including skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.
The exact cause of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma is not established. Understanding the etiology is complicated by the rarity of the disease. However, several risk factors and possible associations that contribute to the development of this condition have been identified:
- infection with Epstein-Barr virus;
- genetic predisposition;
- chronic inflammatory conditions;
- exposure to certain chemicals.
Manifestations and course of the disease can vary significantly depending on the location of the tumor cells. Symptoms of lymphoma are determined by the affected organs and tissues and may include local symptoms such as swelling, pain, as well as more general manifestations like fever, weight loss, and overall fatigue.
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Treatment Methods for the Disease
Treatment of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma presents a complex challenge due to the aggressive nature of this disease and the low effectiveness of traditional approaches such as standard chemotherapy. However, progress in oncological hematology and the implementation of a comprehensive approach have improved treatment prognosis. Remission and disease control are achieved through a comprehensive and multifactorial approach to treatment, incorporating the latest scientific and clinical developments.
Systemic Comprehensive Chemotherapy
The outdated low-efficiency treatment regimens for extranodal NK-cell lymphoma have been replaced by a method that combines chemotherapy with anthracyclines.
Anthracyclines can interfere with the DNA of cancer cells, thereby preventing their reproduction and causing cell death.
Another breakthrough in therapy has been the introduction of chemotherapy protocols based on asparaginase. Asparaginase disrupts amino acid metabolism in cancer cells, making it an effective agent in the fight against this type of lymphoma. Asparaginase is an enzyme that breaks down asparagine, an amino acid necessary for protein synthesis in malignant cells. The effectiveness of treatment is due to the fact that cancer cells of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma are critically dependent on asparagine.
Radiotherapy
A very effective method, especially in the early stages of the disease or as part of combined treatment. The effectiveness of external beam radiation therapy is maximized in localized forms of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma, allowing for targeted destruction of cancer cells in a specific area.
At the Ichilov clinic, treatment is conducted using modern linear accelerators TrueBeam and Lunac. This equipment is capable of:
- very accurately directing radiation to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs;
- adapting the dose and intensity of radiation to the individual characteristics of the tumor and the patient's anatomy;
- reducing the overall duration of the course of radiotherapy.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be considered as treatment methods for extranodal NK-cell lymphoma.
Allogeneic transplantation involves the transplantation of stem cells from a donor. This method is based on a specific effect: GvT (graft-versus-tumor effect), where donor immunity helps to destroy remaining cancer cells.
In autologous transplantation, the patient's own stem cells are collected before treatment begins and then returned after a course of high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
The Ichilov clinic is actively researching new approaches to the treatment of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma. Drugs targeting specific proteins or mechanisms of transformed cell development, as well as interventions that activate the immune system to fight the disease, show effectiveness.
Optimizing the prognosis for patients with extranodal NK-cell lymphoma is achieved through the personalization of treatment approaches, comprehensive assessment of the condition, and the use of innovative methods and combinations of various types of therapy.
- Bone marrow transplantation in Israel
- Radiotherapy
- Targeted chemotherapy
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The diagnosis of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma at the Ichilov clinic involves a set of procedures and various studies to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease. Diagnostics may vary depending on the clinical case and typically takes about three days.
First Day
The doctor requests information about symptoms, their duration, and the presence of other diseases. A physical examination may include checking for enlarged lymph nodes, changes in skin condition, and other potential manifestations.
Second Day
- Blood laboratory tests
- Biopsy of affected tissue for histological analysis under a microscope
- Immunophenotyping to determine specific surface and intracellular markers and classify the type of lymphoma
- Imaging studies: CT, MRI, PET-CT, ultrasound
- Molecular genetic studies
Third Day
The combination of diagnostic methods, high qualifications, and experience of the staff at the Ichilov clinic allows for accurate diagnosis of extranodal NK-cell lymphoma and determination of the subtype of the disease. Based on the stage and individual characteristics of the disease's progression in a specific patient, a multidisciplinary team of doctors develops the optimal treatment strategy.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnostics – PET CT
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy and histological studies
How Much Does Treatment Cost
Patients from all over the world come to Ichilov, expecting high-quality medical services. The clinic uses the most modern and effective methods of examination and treatment, while the cost of treatment programs is more attractive compared to medical institutions in the United States and Europe. The price is calculated individually depending on the severity of the disease, the volume, and complexity of procedures.
A qualified medical consultant will assist with cost inquiries and explain what is included in the standard treatment plan, what services are available for foreign patients. They will help find ratings of specialists and reviews of their work. More detailed information can be obtained by calling, filling out the feedback form, or writing to the chatbot.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov Clinic
- High level of medical expertise
- Innovative treatment and research methods
- Personalized approach
- Multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent medical services and comfort for patients
Israel is one of the leaders in the treatment of lymphoid tumors. At the Ichilov clinic, they focus on an individualized approach, which includes developing a treatment program tailored to the specific case. You can schedule a video consultation (via Zoom or Skype) with a doctor specializing in this area to learn about the most effective treatment methods and options for further action.