Treatment of Soft Tissue Fibrosarcoma in Israel

Reviews speak for themselves: at Ichilov clinic, patients gain access to high-precision diagnostics, next-generation medications, and innovative therapy techniques. Transparency of organization and affordable service costs are particularly important. The clinic's international department coordinates all stages: from the initial inquiry and document translation to treatment planning. This approach allows for achieving sustained long-term remission even in complex cases.

About the Disease

Fibrosarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer. Despite its relatively low prevalence, the danger of this disease lies in the tumor's tendency to rapidly destroy healthy tissues. Fibrosarcoma most often forms in the deeply located soft tissues of the lower leg or thigh, shoulder, or torso, and less frequently in the head and neck area.

The following types of soft tissue fibrosarcomas are distinguished:

• infantile (congenital) — detected in newborns, grows rapidly, but rarely spreads, has a good prognosis;
• adult-type fibrosarcoma — most commonly diagnosed in individuals aged 20-60, occasionally found in adolescents, has a worse prognosis due to its aggressiveness and difficulty in treatment.

As of today, the exact causes of the disease are not determined; however, genetic mutations are considered to play a significant role. In adults, the malignant process may be stimulated by the following factors:

• multiple radioactive exposure (for example, during radiotherapy for another oncological disease);
• injuries;
• scar formation.

Since fibrosarcoma develops from deeply located soft tissues, clinical signs may be weakly expressed or absent in the early stages of the disease. As the neoplasm grows, the following symptoms may be observed:

• painless lump or nodule in soft tissues;
• gradual increase in tumor size (this is one of the key signs distinguishing fibrosarcoma from benign neoplasms);
• limitation of limb or joint mobility;
• sensation of pressure and pain caused by nerve compression;
• swelling associated with impaired blood circulation;
• neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness);
• signs of cancer-related toxicity (weakness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss).

The prognosis of the disease is influenced by the patient's age and overall health, cancer stage, and tumor localization.

Treatment Methods for the Disease

Antitumor therapy aims at complete tumor removal, preventing recurrence, and preserving the functions of the affected area. At Ichilov clinic, effective methods are selected based on the characteristics of the neoplasm, its aggressiveness, and the presence of metastases.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical resection of the neoplasm is the fundamental and most effective therapeutic method. At Ichilov clinic, organ-preserving surgeries are performed, allowing the preservation of the limb and its functions. In complex cases, the involvement of neurosurgeons, vascular, and plastic surgeons may be necessary to restore normal anatomical structures and ensure adequate blood supply. Tumor resection and adjacent tissue removal are performed to guarantee maximum removal of malignant cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation sessions are indicated in the following cases:

• before surgery (to reduce tumor size);
• after surgical removal of fibrosarcoma (to destroy remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence);
• as a standalone treatment method (when surgical removal of the tumor is not possible).

At Ichilov clinic, radiation is conducted using the following techniques:

• IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) – provides precise irradiation of the tumor site with minimal impact on normal tissues and the ability to adjust the dose during the procedure;
• VMAT – an accelerated version of IMRT, allowing irradiation from different angles;
• brachytherapy – contact radiotherapy based on the introduction of a radioactive isotope directly into the tumor tissues for prolonged irradiation;
• proton therapy – used when the tumor is located near critical structures.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy courses are also prescribed before surgery (neoadjuvant) and after surgical resection of the tumor (adjuvant). Typically, chemotherapy is added to the treatment regimen at advanced stages of fibrosarcoma. At the terminal stage of the disease, chemotherapeutic agents are used as palliative treatment.

Immunotherapy

This modern method involves stimulating the patient's own immune system. Monoclonal antibody-based drugs are used for certain tumor biomarkers, in metastatic or resistant fibrosarcoma.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is an immunotherapeutic personalized method of cancer treatment. This method is based on the ability of drugs to specifically intervene in key biochemical pathways of malignant cell growth.

Targeted drugs come in two types:

• small molecule inhibitors – block signaling proteins responsible for cancer cell growth;
• monoclonal antibodies – laboratory-produced proteins that recognize cancer cells, attach to them, and destroy their immune defense.

Diagnostic Methods for the Disease

For effective antitumor treatment, it is essential to quickly establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the main characteristics of the tumor. At Ichilov clinic, the high qualifications of doctors and modern diagnostic equipment allow this to be done within three days.

First Day

Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient is directed to a primary consultation with the treating oncologist. During the appointment, the doctor reviews the medical documentation, conducts a superficial examination, and orders additional tests.

Second Day

Conducting examinations:

• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – the most common imaging method, shows the size and location of the tumor, the extent of damage to blood vessels and nerves;
• computed tomography (CT) – a method for obtaining 3D images of soft tissues;
• biopsy — obtaining a sample of tumor tissues for further histological analysis;
• immunohistochemical analysis – used to determine the malignancy of the neoplasm.

Third Day

The results of the conducted examinations are submitted to the medical commission. After reviewing the data, the doctors collectively establish a diagnosis and develop a treatment program.

How Much Does Treatment Cost

Advantages of Treatment in Israel

• Professionalism and experience of doctors.
• Equipped clinics with modern equipment.
• Application of innovative treatment methods.
• Excellent organization of the treatment process.
• Affordable prices.

International patients can have an online consultation with an Israeli doctor without leaving home. To do this, it is necessary to contact the clinic's consultant, provide medical documentation, and connect at the specified time. The specialist will answer the questions posed, assess the ongoing treatment, and provide recommendations regarding further actions.