An increasing number of foreign patients are turning to Israeli clinics for the treatment of brain tumors. This is due to the presence of modern equipment in neurosurgery departments, the high level of qualification of specialists, many of whom are respected in the global medical community. Neurosurgeons in Israel achieve positive results even in the most severe cases, deemed hopeless in their home countries. Thus, the treatment of chiasmatic glioma in Israel is carried out according to international protocols, using advanced gentle techniques. Surgical removal of the tumor is performed using minimally invasive neurosurgical operations, which remove the maximum volume of the neoplasm, alleviate painful symptoms, and do not disrupt the functional activity of the brain.
The treatment program includes innovative methods such as robotic surgical interventions and stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife system, which help restore the health of patients who were given a very unfavorable prognosis in their home countries. The presence of high-tech equipment in Israeli medical centers allows for rapid diagnostic examinations, during which not only is the neoplasm identified, but its characteristics are also described, which are necessary for selecting effective therapeutic methods. Another attractive factor for medical tourists is the affordable cost of treatment in Israel, which is significantly lower than prices in Europe and the USA.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
The therapeutic scheme is built taking into account the size and localization of the glioma, the aggressiveness and stage of the disease, and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Surgical Removal of the Tumor
Endoscopic surgical removal is indicated in the early stages of the disease, in the absence of malignant process spread, metastasis, and involvement of vital brain structures (including major vessels and cranial nerves). A neurosurgical endoscope is used to excise the neoplasm, which is introduced into the skull through a small trepanation hole. The endoscope is equipped with a miniature video camera, microsurgical instruments, and other attachments. The course of the operation is monitored using the intraoperative microscopic system KINEVO 900. This virtually eliminates trauma to brain tissue without pathological changes. Patient feedback from those who have undergone such procedures confirms that the operation does not cause complications, and the recovery period proceeds easily and quickly.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgical intervention helps restore significant visual function impairments — complete or partial blindness, increased intraocular pressure. When removing the neoplasm using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, patients regain lost functions and vision. Surgical actions are performed with precision unattainable by human hands, conducted by a surgeon operating the robot remotely. The experienced specialist conducting the operation maintains constant control over the procedure, observing the surgical field on a monitor where the image captured by the camera is transmitted. Robotic surgical interventions are characterized by minimal trauma, and the recovery period takes no more than a few days.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
If there are reasons that contraindicate surgical removal of the glioma (significant size of the neoplasm, involvement of large nerves and vessels in the pathological process, development of bleeding near the malignant focus), radiosurgical therapy serves as an alternative. The procedure is performed using the CyberKnife system, and it may take only a few sessions to remove the glioma. The essence of the method lies in destroying tumor tissues by exposing them to a high dose of ionizing radiation. Radiation is delivered by directing multiple weak-dose radioactive beams at the neoplasm, which focus in front of the tumor and act on it with cumulative power. Since the radiation load from a single beam is insufficient to damage healthy tissues, the procedure is very well tolerated by patients, without the development of significant side effects.
Radiotherapy
This is used in conjunction with surgical removal. External beam radiation is conducted in Israeli clinics on modern systems, using the latest gentle techniques. This allows for the irradiation of the entire volume of the neoplasm, with the ability to adjust the intensity of irradiation of different areas. Healthy tissues are subjected to minimal negative impact.
Chemotherapy
For pediatric patients diagnosed with chiasmatic glioma, radiotherapeutic treatment is replaced with chemotherapy courses. This is due to the fact that radiation at a young age causes irreparable harm to the developing organism, leading to significant endocrine disorders and disturbances in behavioral and intellectual functions. Therefore, radiotherapy is prescribed to children only if there is no positive result from chemotherapy. Israeli clinics use modern types of chemotherapy drugs that have low toxicity, exert a gentle effect on the child's body, and do not cause significant side effects.
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How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
To establish a primary diagnosis or confirm an existing one, and to select the most effective treatment methods, a comprehensive examination is necessary, which in Israeli clinics takes no more than three days.
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient goes for a consultation with the treating neurosurgeon. During the appointment, the doctor reviews the medical history and the results of examinations conducted in the patient's home country, performs a neurological examination, and develops a plan for the necessary examinations.
On this day, the patient undergoes the examinations scheduled the day before:
- general and biochemical blood and urine tests;
- biopsy with subsequent histological analysis of the obtained tumor tissue samples, establishing the presence of specific receptors on the surface of malignant cells;
- lumbar puncture with subsequent biochemical analysis of cerebrospinal fluid;
- visual imaging methods (CT, MRI, PET-CT);
- angiography of the brain vessels;
- optometry.
A medical board, which includes the treating neurosurgeon and several narrow-profile specialists, studies the obtained research results, makes a final diagnosis, and develops a treatment scheme.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost is influenced by the histotype, stage of development, size and localization of the glioma, degree of spread of the malignant process, and duration of hospitalization. In any case, the final price of treatment in Israeli medical centers is 30-50% lower than in Western European and American clinics.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Highly qualified neurosurgeons and oncologists.
- Availability of modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Professional execution of endoscopic and robotic surgeries.
- Use of advanced treatment methods.
- Affordable prices.
Remember that timely therapy is a prerequisite for recovery from glioma. Therefore, do not waste time, contact the clinic, and start treatment.