Radiation Therapy in Israel

Currently, radiation therapy in Israeli clinics is at a very high level. Over the past 10 years, outdated models of equipment have been completely replaced in the country.

There are several dozen super-modern radiotherapy centers operating here. They use the latest generation linear accelerators and equipment with digital computer control. Revolutionary imaging methods allow not only to locally mark the location of the tumour focus but also to reproduce the structure of the tissues.

• Modern Israeli radiation oncology includes:
• radiation scalpels (Truebeam STx, CyberKnife)
• super-complex, expensive nuclear-physical complexes for medical purposes with the latest accelerators and multi-leaf collimators;
• the latest computerized devices for brachytherapy.

Who and in what cases are radiation sessions recommended

Radiation therapy encompasses a variety of methods based on the effects of ionizing radiation,
which sequentially and effectively destroys cancer cells. Progressive technologies allow
for the maximum targeted and localized concentration of the beam in the area of the tumour mass,
without affecting neighboring healthy organs and tissues. The patient receives a clearly planned and
controlled dose of irradiation.

1. Oncological radiology: Israeli radiology is an integral part of conservative cancer treatment methods.
   According to expert estimates, patients with early-stage cancer can avoid surgical operations in 53% of cases.
2. Standalone method: Radiation therapy can be used as a standalone treatment for cancer or complement surgical intervention within a comprehensive therapy program.
3. Irradiation before surgeries: Intended to reduce the size of the tumour mass before surgical intervention.
4. Postoperative sessions: Aimed at eliminating remaining malignant cells, minimizing the risk of recurrence.
5. Modern methods: Stereotactic radiosurgery allows for high-precision operations on organs such as the lungs, brain, and prostate.
6. Pain relief: Ionizing radiation plays an important role in pain therapy and helps reduce swelling.

Radiation therapy does not require anesthesia. Most patients maintain their usual lifestyle during treatment.

How irradiation is performed, and types of radiotherapy

During the session, a powerful stream of ionizing radiation emitted by special devices penetrates the area affected by cancer cells. The energy passes through tissues, causing destruction of malignant cells and suppressing their growth.

The main disadvantage of external beam radiation therapy is that all cells in the path of the energy beam, in the affected area, are impacted. However, healthy cells in the body successfully recover over time.

The most positive effect, with a nearly 99% success rate, is achieved when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage and the tumour is small.

Standard treatment is conducted daily in the form of outpatient sessions. When planning procedures, the clinical radiation oncologist considers many nuances to achieve the greatest effect with minimal side reactions. Modern hardware allows for very precise:

• localization of the tumour mass;
• beam targeting;
• and calculation of radiation power.

Planning treatment activities

For planning, special equipment is used. Simulators visualize the necessary area of the body, ensuring maximum accuracy of settings. At the end of the procedure, control points (markers) are applied to the body, which are subsequently used to target the equipment.

Subsequent radiation sessions take only a few minutes. Treatment is conducted in a lying position. During the session, the doctor monitors the patient's condition using a video surveillance system.

Types of radiotherapy

Israeli cancer centers practice two types of radiation exposure:

• external, where the source of radiation is located outside the body. This is the most common type of radiotherapy.
• internal (brachytherapy). In this case, the source of radiation is introduced directly into the tissues of the human body, in close proximity to the tumour.

Innovative approaches to radiation therapy

• CRT – conformal radiotherapy. This allows for the formation of a radiation field that precisely matches the size and configuration of the tumour process.
• IMRT – intensity-modulated radiation therapy. A procedure in which the irradiation time from various angles and the intensity of ionizing rays can be varied, thanks to the use of a multi-leaf collimator.
• IGRT – four-dimensional conformal therapy (4D-CRT) or image-guided radiotherapy. A new technique that, in addition to the geometric parameters of the tumour in three dimensions, takes into account the "fourth dimension" - potential displacement of the tumour during the physiological process of breathing.
• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). A new technology in the field of internal radiation therapy (Intrabeam). Used during surgical removal of the tumour, when intensive irradiation of the target area is conducted using a special device.
• Accelerated radiation therapy. An experimental method that involves delivering large doses over a short period.

How much does radiation therapy cost in Israel?

Advantages of undergoing irradiation in Israeli cancer centers

• In Israel, the latest models of radiation emitters are used. These technical means have significantly increased the effectiveness of radiation therapy, including by expanding the indications for its use in patients with various forms of malignant neoplasms.
• To minimize damage to healthy structures, radiation exposure is conducted only after precise planning, using the latest models of simulators.
• The treatment plan is strictly individual and maximally adapted to the specific patient. The radiation oncologists conducting the therapy are an integral part of the interdisciplinary team developing and implementing cancer treatment.
• The calculation of services is transparent and fixed.

In Israel, there is a constant effort to improve radiation treatment technologies. New approaches are regularly developed, and equipment models are created that are adopted by medical professionals worldwide. Many unique know-how, technologies, and original ideas have been invented and patented here.