Today, hematological oncology in Israel occupies one of the leading positions in the world and continues to develop rapidly. Hematological oncologists achieve brilliant results in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of blood cancers. Patient reviews indicate that the treatment of hematological oncology diseases in Israel is conducted using innovative methods that allow for the cure of such complex and aggressive pathologies as lymphoma and acute leukemia. When comprehensive therapy begins at early stages, sustained remission and complete recovery are noted in 85-90% of cases.
Israeli clinics offer a personalized approach to treatment, where the most effective types of therapy for each patient are selected through genomic profiling of malignant cells. Innovative methods provide a favorable prognosis even in the most severe cases, for patients resistant to traditional antitumor therapeutic methods. The clinics are equipped with high-tech equipment that allows for rapid and highly accurate diagnostics. A comprehensive treatment plan is developed by a team of doctors, which includes not only the hematologist-oncologist but also chemotherapists, radiologists, and other specialized professionals. The cost of treatment in Israel is significantly lower than in Western Europe and the USA.
Treatment Methods for Hematological Oncology Diseases
Hematological oncology includes malignant blood pathologies as well as diseases of the hematopoietic system that have a high risk of malignancy. Various causes of such disorders are identified, the main ones being exposure to carcinogenic compounds, the influence of ionizing radiation, and hereditary factors. Clinical signs largely depend on the stage of the disease, the location of the primary pathological focus, and a number of other factors. A comprehensive treatment program includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and progressive highly effective therapeutic methods.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is one of the traditional methods of antitumor therapy and is used to treat the most common hematological oncology pathologies. Under the influence of ionizing radiation, irreversible damage occurs in the DNA of malignant cells, making their growth and division impossible. In Israeli clinics, radiation therapy sessions are conducted on modern equipment, using innovative techniques that ensure targeted irradiation of the malignant focus with minimal impact on healthy tissues. Thus, high effectiveness is combined with maximum safety for the patient.
Chemotherapy
For several years now, polychemotherapy — the simultaneous use of several chemotherapeutic agents — has been applied in Israeli clinics, which is significantly more effective compared to traditional monotherapy. In the last decade, tested chemotherapeutic agents have gradually been replaced by innovative ones, characterized by lower toxicity and high effectiveness. Thanks to the gentle targeted action of the latest drugs, they are successfully used in patients of any age, causing minimal mild side effects. Today, about 50 modern chemotherapeutic agents are used in Israeli medical centers for the treatment of blood cancers.
Immunotherapy
The principle of this promising method lies in activating and strengthening the immune system, restoring its ability to recognize and destroy pathologically altered cells. The following immunotherapy methods are used for the treatment of hematological oncology diseases:
- Monoclonal antibody therapy — the use of antibodies specific to the cells of a particular tumor. The drug based on monoclonal antibodies recognizes and attacks only the cancer cells to which it is specific, without affecting healthy ones.
- The use of nonspecific immunostimulants (cytokines).
- Cellular immunotherapy — an innovative method of adaptive CAR-T therapy based on modifying the patient's T-lymphocytes in laboratory conditions to develop the ability to overcome the masking of cancer cells and accurately recognize them. Modifications are carried out using gene-engineering techniques.
- Radioimmunotherapy — immunotherapeutic agents have high effectiveness, allowing for sustained remission in approximately 90% of patients resistant to other treatment methods.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
In the field of bone marrow transplantation, Israel has also achieved extraordinary success. Previously, the procedure used the patient's own bone marrow (autologous transplantation) or material from a biocompatible donor, who was most often a close relative of the patient (allogeneic transplantation). Now, transplantation of partially compatible stem cells obtained from non-relatives is allowed. The transplantation itself has become a less traumatic operation, performed in young children and patients over 75 years old. When healthy stem cells are transplanted, the patient's hematopoietic function is restored, and the immune system's capabilities are regained.
Before the transplantation procedure, the patient is shown a course of high-dose chemotherapy that destroys both malignant and healthy immune cells. Since time is needed to restore protective capabilities, after bone marrow transplantation, the patient is placed in a sterile room to prevent infection by pathogenic agents. For about a month and a half after transplantation, the patient is under medical supervision.
Blood Transfusion
Periodic transfusions are necessary for patients with blood cancers. Thus, donor blood cells replace components of the blood with pathological changes, alleviating painful symptoms and normalizing the patient's condition.
Palliative Therapy
To alleviate clinical symptoms in the late stages of the disease, eliminate side effects of treatment procedures, and provide overall control of the pathology, certain medications and procedures are prescribed to the patient.
How Hematological Oncology Diseases Are Diagnosed
Leading clinics in Israel provide patients with remote video consultations via Skype. To obtain a second opinion from an Israeli specialist, it is necessary to submit a request on the website of the chosen clinic and send the available medical documentation, which will be forwarded to the attending physician. At the agreed time, the hematologist-oncologist contacts the patient, answers all their questions, and expresses an opinion regarding the correctness of the diagnosis and the prescribed treatment. If after the consultation the patient decides to continue treatment at an Israeli clinic, the initial consultation upon arrival in the country will be free.
In Israeli clinics, comprehensive diagnostic examinations usually take no more than three days.
During the initial consultation, the attending hematologist-oncologist reviews the patient's medical history, conducts a physical examination, and prescribes the necessary tests.
The prescribed tests include:
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- molecular genetic testing;
- flow cytometry;
- bone marrow and lymph node biopsy;
- visual imaging methods (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET-CT).
A medical council, which includes a hematologist-oncologist, immunologist, chemotherapist, and radiologist, reviews the obtained results, makes a final diagnosis, and develops a comprehensive treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment for Hematological Oncology Diseases Cost
The final cost depends on the type and stage of the disease, the overall condition of the patient, and is determined after the examinations and the appointment of treatment procedures. In Israeli clinics, the cost of treatment is 30-50% lower than in medical centers of the same level in Western European countries and the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of development in hematology oncology.
- Hematologists-oncologists among the leading specialists in this field of medicine.
- Clinics equipped with the latest technology.
- Use of innovative treatment methods.
- Affordable prices.
- The rapid development of medicine, the development of new treatment methods and drugs has shown that blood cancers are not a death sentence. To restore health, one must not lose time and hope; it is necessary to contact the clinic as soon as possible and start treatment.