Israel's popularity in the field of medical tourism is due to the high quality of diagnostics and therapy, the clinics' state-of-the-art medical and diagnostic equipment, and qualified specialists with extensive experience in treating the most severe and rare diseases. Rare oncological pathologies include mycosis fungoides — a type of T-cell lymphoma. Treatment of mycosis fungoides in Israel is successfully conducted through a comprehensive program that includes modern medication and chemotherapy methods. According to statistical research results, timely provision of adequate therapy ensures a favorable prognosis and stable remission in more than 85% of cases.
Great attention is paid to conducting accurate diagnostics necessary for developing an effective treatment plan. Examination using high-tech equipment available in Israeli clinics allows for the correct diagnosis, which often does not match the previous one made in the patient's home country. The outdated equipment in medical centers in the former CIS countries does not provide reliable information, which explains the incorrect diagnosis and the ineffectiveness of the prescribed therapy. The affordable cost of treatment, which is significantly lower than in the USA and Western Europe, also attracts medical tourists to Israel.
Treatment methods for the pathology
The disease, whose causes are primarily due to mutations in T-lymphocytes concentrated on the skin surface, is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma — an oncological pathology of the immune system. Characteristic signs of the disease manifest as various types of rashes and plaques on the skin, which in advanced stages are combined with damage to internal organs. In Israeli clinics, effective therapy for the oncological disease is based on a combination of progressive chemotherapy techniques, physiotherapy, and modern medications.
Medication therapy
Early-stage oncological disease is characterized by painful symptoms such as itching, peeling, and small skin rashes. The following topical agents are indicated for their elimination:
- steroid ointments;
- immune response modifiers belonging to the group of imidazoline derivatives;
- pyrimidine group drugs that inhibit the action of the enzyme involved in T-lymphocyte proliferation;
- agents containing the pigment hypericin from St. John's Wort.
At different stages of the disease, systemic medications are also used:
- retinoid chemotherapy drugs — prescribed when topical medications are ineffective or in case of recurrence;
- combinations of diphtheria toxin and interleukin-2 — these anti-tumor agents attach to T-lymphocytes that have a receptor for interleukin on their surface, resulting in the release of a toxic compound that destroys them;
- histone deacetylase receptor inhibitors — these agents inhibit processes necessary for the growth and division of pathological T-lymphocytes.
In some cases, opioid receptor blockers (to alleviate itching) and α-interferon injections are also prescribed.
The medications used by Israeli oncologists have a mild effect on the patient's body and do not cause pronounced side effects.
Chemotherapy
The comprehensive treatment program includes courses of chemotherapy that suppress the growth and division of malignant cells and prevent disease progression. The modern types of chemotherapy drugs used are characterized by minimal toxicity, high effectiveness, and do not cause pronounced side effects in the patient. Therapy with cytostatic drugs is indicated in the late stages of the oncological disease and is used in conjunction with corticosteroid therapy and other therapeutic methods.
Targeted therapy
An innovative, highly effective method based on the use of drugs that have a targeted negative effect on malignant cells without affecting healthy ones. Targeted drugs include histone deacetylase inhibitors and combinations of diphtheria toxin and interleukin-2. The division of malignant T-lymphocytes is also inhibited by monoclonal antibodies.
Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy)
An innovative therapeutic method successfully applied by Israeli specialists in cases of mycosis fungoides and some other types of skin diseases. The procedure is conducted in several stages. Initially, a photosensitizing agent is applied to the affected areas, which accumulates in pathologically altered cells and significantly increases their sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. In cases of significant area involvement, the photosensitizing agent is administered orally. After several hours, a session of ultraviolet irradiation is conducted, resulting in the destruction and death of pathological cells, and the skin surface is cleared of rashes. Photochemotherapy is safe and well-tolerated by the patient, does not cause side effects, and its effects last for 1-3 years.
Electronic therapy
In the early stages, the use of a type of remote radiotherapy, which differs from traditional therapy by irradiating the affected skin surface with a stream of electrons, has a positive effect. Sessions of electronic therapy can be conducted on standard radiotherapy equipment. Because electrons cannot penetrate deeply into the skin layers, healthy tissues are protected from negative effects. Patient feedback confirms a significant reduction in the area of the affected site, alleviation of painful symptoms, and normalization of the condition.
How the disease is diagnosed
In Israeli clinics, comprehensive diagnostic examinations take, on average, no more than three days.
During the initial consultation, the treating oncologist reviews the patient's medical history, studies the available results of previous examinations, conducts a physical examination, and prescribes necessary tests.
The prescribed examinations include:
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- immunohistochemical analysis;
- dermatoscopy;
- ultrasound examination;
- biopsy with subsequent histological analysis;
- visual imaging methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
A medical council, consisting of the treating oncologist and several specialized experts, reviews the results of the conducted examinations and develops a treatment plan.
How much does treatment cost
The final amount depends on the stage of the disease, the extent of the pathological process, and a number of other factors. In general, the cost of treatment in Israel is 30-50% lower than in Western European and American clinics of a similar level.
Advantages of treatment in Israel
- Qualified specialists with many years of experience in treating rare diseases.
- Application of progressive treatment methods.
- Accurate diagnostics using high-tech equipment.
- Comfortable conditions for undergoing treatment.
- Affordable prices.
One of the main conditions for restoring health is the timely start of therapy. Therefore, do not waste time, contact the chosen clinic and start treatment.