Radiation Therapy in Israel

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 Over the past 10 years, outdated equipment models have been completely replaced.

There are several dozen state-of-the-art radiation therapy centers operating here. They use the latest generation linear accelerators and equipment with digital computer control. Revolutionary imaging methods allow not only to precisely mark the location of the tumor 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 impact 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 tumor mass,
without affecting neighboring healthy organs and tissues. The patient receives a clearly planned and
controlled dose of radiation.

1. Oncological radiology: Israeli radiology is an integral part of conservative cancer treatment methods.
   According to experts, patients with early-stage cancer can avoid surgical intervention 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. Preoperative radiation: Intended to reduce the size of the tumor 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 gland.
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 radiation is administered, and types of radiotherapy

During a 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 exposed. However, healthy cells in the body successfully recover over time.

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

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

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

Treatment planning

For planning, special equipment is used. Simulation devices 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 oncology centers practice two types of radiation therapy:

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

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 tumor process.
• IMRT – intensity-modulated radiation therapy. A procedure in which the duration of radiation 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. The latest technique that, in addition to the geometric parameters of the tumor in three dimensions, takes into account the "fourth dimension" - potential tumor displacement during the physiological process of breathing.
• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). A new technology in the field of internal radiation therapy (Intrabeam). Used during surgical tumor removal, when intense radiation is applied to the target area using a special device.
• Accelerated radiation therapy. An experimental method that involves delivering high doses over a short period.

How much does radiation therapy cost in Israel?

Advantages of undergoing radiation therapy in Israeli oncology 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 is conducted only after precise planning, utilizing the latest simulation devices.
• 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, continuous efforts are made to improve radiation treatment technologies. New approaches are regularly developed, and equipment samples are created that are adopted by medical professionals worldwide. Many unique know-hows, technologies, and original ideas have been invented and patented here.