Germinomas of the brain are rare but potentially well-treatable tumours, where timely diagnosis and precise therapy tactics are particularly important. Treatment of germinoma of the brain in Israel is conducted according to an individual program, focusing on combinations of chemotherapy and high-precision radiation, allowing for sustained long-term remission. An individual protocol is developed for each patient, including modern neurosurgical methods, stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, and gentle chemotherapy courses.
Accurate diagnosis and the initiation of comprehensive anti-tumour therapy are provided to foreign patients in the shortest possible time, and the treatment process is led by a multidisciplinary team specializing specifically in germ cell tumours. Numerous reviews indicate that patients appreciate the professionalism and attentiveness of the medical staff, clear organization, and assistance from the clinic's coordinator in resolving organizational issues. An important advantage of treatment in Israel is the affordable cost of services.
About the Disease
Germinoma belongs to the group of germ cell tumours that develop in the brain. Most often, intracranial germinomas form in areas of the brain where the pineal gland and pituitary gland are located. In germinoma, reproductive cells that usually migrate to the ovaries or testes during fetal development penetrate the central nervous system. Instead of transforming into eggs or sperm, they continue to divide uncontrollably and form an abnormal mass in one or several areas of the brain.
Germ cell tumours of the brain are rare, but on the other hand, germinomas are the most common type of these neoplasms. They are usually diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults, more often in males. Although these tumours are most often malignant, a positive prognosis is noted since they grow slowly and are easily treatable.
To date, the causes of this disorder, which usually occurs no later than the first trimester of pregnancy, are not clear. The risk of developing the pathology increases under the influence of the following factors:
- severe intoxication;
- the course of viral diseases during pregnancy, such as influenza, herpes, measles.
Germinomas are characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which, combined with the pressure exerted by the tumour, leads to the following symptoms:
- headache;
- nausea and vomiting;
- coordination problems (ataxia);
- vision problems (blurry vision, double vision, and inability to look upward);
- sudden mood changes;
- inability to concentrate;
- increased fatigue.
Depending on the location of the germinoma, hormone-associated clinical signs may be observed:
- increased thirst and frequent urination (signs of diabetes insipidus);
- growth retardation;
- too early or late sexual maturation;
- drowsiness, lethargy.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
The Ichilov Clinic provides comprehensive treatment for germinoma. Most germinomas can be treated with radiation therapy, enhanced by chemotherapy. The main task of the doctors is to achieve maximum control over the disease with minimal negative impact on the sensitive nervous tissue.
Radiation Therapy
Since germinoma of the brain is particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation, radiation therapy is the primary method of anti-tumour therapy. At the Ichilov Clinic, radiation sessions are conducted using modern gentle techniques that ensure targeted irradiation of the tumour focus with minimal impact on healthy tissues. In some cases, chemotherapy is recommended before starting the course of radiation therapy to reduce the size of the neoplasm and allow for a smaller dose of radiation.
Chemotherapy
This type of germ cell tumour is very sensitive to the action of chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, in childhood, when this oncological disease is most often diagnosed, radiation therapy is contraindicated due to radioactive exposure. It has also been found that radiotherapy is ineffective in the spread of the tumour process. The Ichilov Clinic uses modern low-toxicity types of chemotherapeutic agents that combine effectiveness and low toxicity. Patients show positive dynamics without severe side effects typical of classical chemotherapy.
Surgical Treatment
Since the development of germinoma is usually accompanied by the accumulation of CSF in the brain tissues, surgical removal of the tumour is combined with the installation of shunts that help restore normal cerebrospinal fluid drainage and eliminate hydrocephalus. The Ichilov Clinic performs ventriculoperitoneal shunting and endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy surgeries for shunting.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
If the patient has contraindications to neurosurgical intervention or difficult access to the neoplasm, stereotactic radiosurgery operations are performed at the Ichilov Clinic using the CyberKnife system as an alternative option. This method is based on destroying malignant cells under the influence of high doses of ionizing radiation. Patient safety is ensured by minimal damage to healthy tissues.
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Oncological Surgery
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
For effective treatment of germinoma, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis as early as possible. The professionalism of diagnosticians and modern equipment allows for comprehensive examinations and determining the diagnosis within three days.
First Day
After hospitalization, the patient is directed to a primary consultation with the attending physician. During the appointment, the neurologist examines the patient, reviews medical documentation, and prescribes necessary additional examinations.
Second Day
Conducting examinations:
- visualization studies (CT, MRI) – allow for the detection of the tumour, determining its exact size, structure, and other features;
- echoencephalography – a method used to identify pathological signs of increased intracranial pressure, anatomical abnormalities of the brain;
- biopsy – obtaining tissues from the neoplasm for cytomorphological analysis, which allows for an accurate diagnosis;
- laboratory blood tests – identifying a high level of certain biologically active proteins characteristic of the disease.
Third Day
The council reviews the obtained results and, based on them, collectively makes the final diagnosis and develops a comprehensive therapy program.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost of therapy in Israeli clinics is favorably different from the rates in other popular medical tourism countries. The final price is determined only after the treatment is completed, while an approximate amount can be obtained from the clinic's consultant.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High qualification of neurosurgeons and neurologists.
- Clinics equipped with the latest technology.
- Use of advanced anti-tumour methods.
- Development of an individual treatment program.
- Reasonable prices.
Consultation with an Israeli doctor can be obtained without leaving home. To do this, you need to contact the clinic's consultant, provide the required medical documentation, and arrange a time for the online consultation. The specialist will assess the accuracy of the diagnosis and the effectiveness of the therapy being applied, and recommend further treatment.