Professor Igal Mirovskyleading spinal surgeon
In Israeli clinics, patients from various countries undergo effective therapy for the rarest types of malignant tumors. Diagnosis is performed using high-precision and modern medical imaging methods and takes only a few days.
Doctors at the Top Ichilov center employ a full range of effective therapeutic approaches — performing surgical interventions on the spinal and brain, conducting radiosurgery sessions, using radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy agents. An individual treatment plan is developed for each patient, incorporating the most suitable therapy methods. Patients recover quickly and return to their normal lifestyle. Additionally, the cost of ependymoma treatment in Israel is acceptable to the overwhelming majority of foreign patients. The cost of the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at Ichilov is on average 30-50% lower than in similar-level clinics in Europe and the USA.
Ependymoma Treatment in Israeli Clinics — Methods
The approaches to therapy for this disease differ somewhat between adult patients and children.
Therapeutic Protocols for Adults
Surgical resection is the primary treatment method for ependymomas in adult patients. The likelihood of complete resection within healthy margins is the main factor that allows for a good prognosis. The intervention is performed via craniotomy — a part of the skull is excised to allow the surgeon access to the area of interest in the brain. All manipulations are performed through a formed trepanation window with minimal damage to healthy tissues.
After surgery, radiation therapy may be prescribed — the patient undergoes a certain number of radiation sessions on a high-precision linear accelerator. The accelerator is a device that generates and precisely distributes ionizing radiation within the tumor, without affecting healthy brain structures. Usually, from one to several dozen radiation sessions are required. Each session takes a few minutes and is conducted once a day.
Ependymoma Treatment in Children
More than half of all diagnosed ependymomas are found in children under three years old and are typically localized in the posterior cranial fossa. The primary type of therapy for such tumors is surgical intervention, followed by radiation therapy. Since the tumor sometimes spreads to cranial nerves and the brainstem, complete resection may be impossible, and the remaining tumor tissues are destroyed using ionizing radiation.
Radiation therapy provides local control over malignant tissues and improves the subsequent quality of life for patients. To prevent the development of neurocognitive deficits, the total radiation dose is divided into several smaller fractions. Irradiation is performed in a standard EBRT mode, and more precise modes such as IMRT and VMAT may also be used.
For patients in the high-risk group, stereotactic radiosurgery is used — the tumor is irradiated using increased doses of radiation delivered as focused radiation. Irradiation is performed on ultra-precise computerized systems like Gamma Knife or CyberKnife. Unlike classical radiation therapy, sometimes only one session is sufficient for tumor destruction. This method provides good local control over the tumor and avoids complications such as neurotoxicity.
As an additional treatment method after surgery or radiation therapy, chemotherapy may be prescribed. The regimen usually includes several drugs from different groups — platinum agents, alkylating agents, vinca alkaloids, topoisomerase inhibitors, and antimetabolites. The effectiveness of treatment increases by an average of 50%.
Therapy for Patients with Recurrences
In the case of recurrence, repeat surgical intervention and a second course of radiation therapy may be prescribed. Chemotherapy agents (alkylating agents, platinum compounds) may also be used. Currently, the possibility of using targeted drugs — inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor and monoclonal antibodies that block the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor — is actively being researched.
Therapy for Patients with Spinal Cord Tumors
Although most ependymomas are intracranial tumors, in some cases, the tumor forms from spinal cord tissues. In such cases, the treatment method is microsurgical operation, followed by radiation therapy. Other treatment methods may include oral chemotherapy agents and targeted drugs from the group of monoclonal antibodies.
Positive reviews about ependymoma treatment in Israel can be found on many internet platforms where patients share their experiences. Medical tourists who have already undergone therapy in Israeli clinics note the high level of physician qualifications and the good equipment of clinics with modern technology.
Send your records — an Ichilov physician will reply within 1–2 days, free of charge.
Diagnosis of Ependymoma in Israel
The examination process takes a few days and begins on your first day in the country. You can learn more about the possibilities of modern diagnostics by consulting with one of our clinic's doctors via video consultation. All you need for this is a computer or mobile device with the Skype application installed. While at home, you can ask the Israeli oncologist any questions you have and receive valuable recommendations. Additionally, when you arrive at the clinic, your first doctor's appointment will be free of charge.
First Day — Consultation
From the airport, you arrive at the hospital accompanied by a specially assigned staff member (translator-curator) where the leading specialist conducts an introductory consultation and assigns several different types of examinations to clarify the diagnosis. The curator does not part ways with you at this point — they will assist you at all stages, translate your medical documentation, and coordinate with the doctors.
Second Day — Examinations
- MRI or CT.
- Myelography with contrast.
- PCR, fluorescent hybridization, and other laboratory diagnostic methods.
Third Day — Consultation
The consultation consists of several doctors who collectively analyze the examination data and develop a treatment program.
How Much Does Ependymoma Treatment Cost in Israel
Many foreign patients who have already undergone treatment believe that the cost of ependymoma treatment in Israel is quite reasonable and allows them to save at least 30-40% of their budget compared to American or Western European clinics.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov Clinic
- Specialists, each of whom has extensive clinical experience — which is extremely important in treating such rare tumors as ependymoma. Our doctors have undergone advanced training courses at major American and European medical centers.
- The diagnostic process takes only a few days, thanks to the use of precise methods, allowing doctors to select the optimal therapy program.
- Ichilov employs a full range of modern and effective approaches — surgical interventions, stereotactic radiosurgery, radiation therapy, new chemotherapy regimens.
- The staff is attentive and polite, and the rooms are equipped with everything necessary. A personal curator assists you with any questions.
Leave your contact details — we will get in touch with you and schedule your appointment at the clinic.