Treatment of Soft Tissue Fibrosarcoma in Israel

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

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 tumour'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 fibrosarcoma are distinguished:

• infantile (congenital) — detected in newborns, rapidly increases in size 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 as the tumour is more aggressive and harder to treat.

As of today, the exact causes of the disease are not clarified; 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 not manifest at all in the early stages of the disease. As the neoplasm grows, the following symptoms may be observed:

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

The prognosis of the disease is influenced by the age and overall health of the patient, the stage of cancer, and the location of the tumour.

Treatment Methods for the Disease

Antitumour therapy aims at complete removal of the tumour, preventing recurrence, and preserving the functions of the affected area. At the 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 basic and most effective therapeutic method. The Ichilov clinic performs organ-preserving surgeries that allow for the preservation of the limb and its functions. In complex cases, neurosurgeons, vascular, and plastic surgeons may be involved to restore normal anatomical structures and ensure adequate blood supply. Resection of the tumour and surrounding tissues is performed to guarantee maximum removal of malignant cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation sessions are indicated in the following cases:

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

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

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

Chemotherapy

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

Immunotherapy

A modern technique that involves stimulating the patient's own immune system. Monoclonal antibody-based drugs are used in the presence of certain tumour biomarkers, in metastatic or resistant fibrosarcoma.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is an immunotherapeutic personalized method of cancer treatment. The technique is based on the ability of drugs to specifically interfere with key biochemical pathways of malignant cell growth.

Targeted drugs come in two types:

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

Diagnostic Methods for the Disease

For effective antitumour treatment, it is necessary to quickly establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the main characteristics of the tumour. At the 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

Undergoing examinations:

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

Third Day

The results of the examinations are presented to the medical commission. After reviewing the data, the doctors collectively establish the 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 consultant, provide medical documentation, and connect at the specified time. The specialist will answer the questions posed, evaluate the ongoing treatment, and provide recommendations regarding further actions.