An increasing number of foreign patients are turning to Israeli clinics for the treatment of brain tumours. 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 progressive gentle techniques. Surgical removal of the tumour is performed using minimally invasive neurosurgical operations, resulting in the maximum volume of the neoplasm being removed, painful symptoms being alleviated, and functional brain activity being preserved.
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 necessary for selecting effective therapeutic methods are also described. 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 Tumour
Endoscopic surgical removal is indicated in the early stages of the disease, in the absence of malignant process spread, metastasis, and damage to 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 controlled using the intraoperative microscopic system KINEVO 900. This practically eliminates trauma to brain tissue without pathological changes. Patient reviews of this procedure confirm that the operation does not cause complications, and the recovery period is easy and quick.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgical intervention helps restore significant visual function damage — 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 humans, conducted by a surgeon operating the robot remotely. The experienced specialist conducting the surgery 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), an alternative is radiosurgical therapy. The procedure is performed using the CyberKnife system, and it may take only a few sessions to remove the glioma. The essence of the technique lies in destroying tumour tissues by exposing them to a high dose of ionizing radiation. Irradiation is performed by directing multiple low-dose radioactive beams at the neoplasm, which are focused in front of the tumour and act on it with cumulative power. Since the radiation load of an individual 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 using modern equipment, employing the latest gentle techniques. This allows for the irradiation of the entire volume of the neoplasm, with the ability to vary the intensity of irradiation of different areas. Healthy tissues are subjected to minimal negative impact.
Chemotherapy
In pediatric patients diagnosed with chiasmatic glioma, radiotherapy is replaced with courses of chemotherapy. This is due to the fact that radiation in childhood 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 chemotherapeutic agents that have low toxicity, exert a gentle effect on the child's body, and do not cause significant side effects.
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 takes no more than three days in Israeli clinics.
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 previous 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 tumour tissue samples, establishing the presence of specific receptors on the surface of malignant cells;
- lumbar puncture with subsequent biochemical examination of the cerebrospinal fluid;
- visual imaging methods (CT, MRI, PET-CT);
- angiography of the cerebral vessels;
- optometry.
A medical council, which includes the treating neurosurgeon and several narrow-profile specialists, studies the obtained research results, makes a final diagnosis, and develops a treatment plan.
How Much Does Treatment of the Disease 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
- High-class neurosurgeons and oncologists.
- Availability of modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Professional performance of endoscopic and robotic surgeries.
- Use of progressive 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.