At the Ichilov Clinic, comprehensive treatment of oligodendroglioma is successfully conducted, providing patients with a high level of medical care. Neuro-surgeons and oncologists with international training use advanced treatment methods, including surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, creating personalized programs for each patient.
The accommodation conditions at the Ichilov Clinic meet high standards of comfort and safety. Patients are placed in modern comfortable rooms and can use the services of personal companions and psychologists, which contributes to the best path to recovery.
About the Disease
Oligodendroglioma is a type of tumour that usually arises in the brain or spinal cord. It originates from cells called oligodendrocytes, which are typically responsible for creating myelin – a substance that provides insulation and protection for nerve fibers.
Oligodendrogliomas can be of various types, and their characteristics can vary. They can be slow-growing tumours with mild symptoms or already formed neoplasms with a range of dangerous symptoms depending on their size and location. The most common symptoms include:
- headaches;
- seizures;
- changes in sharpness and clarity of vision;
- coordination disorders;
- other symptoms related to pressure on surrounding tissues or disruption of brain functions.
Treatment Methods for Oligodendroglioma
At the Ichilov Clinic, the choice of treatment methods for oligodendroglioma is based on an individual approach to each patient, considering the stage of the tumour, its location, and overall health. Neuro-surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists jointly determine the optimal treatment strategy, including surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Medication Treatment
For oligodendroglioma, medication treatment may include the use of chemotherapy with various drugs, such as temozolomide or PCV (procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine). These drugs may be used as an adjunct to other treatment methods or in cases where surgical intervention or radiation therapy is not feasible. They aim to restrain tumour growth or reduce its size, sometimes in combination with other therapeutic approaches.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment of oligodendroglioma includes various approaches depending on the location and size of the tumour. Microscopic surgery may be used to access the tumour in the brain, where the neuro-surgeon employs a microscope and other specialized tools for the most precise removal of the tumour, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and nerves.
Surgical methods vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the tumour. The goal of surgical intervention is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving brain functionality and minimizing the risk of tumour recurrence. At the same time, subsequent rehabilitation plays an important role in restoring the patient's health after surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is also one of the key treatment methods for oligodendroglioma. Various radiation therapy techniques are used, such as external beam radiation therapy, where beams are directed at the tumour from outside through the skin, or internal radiation therapy, where the radiation source is placed directly inside the tumour.
The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy cancer cells or reduce the size of the tumour, decreasing its activity and slowing its growth. Efforts are made to minimize the impact on surrounding healthy tissues and organs to preserve their functionality. Radiation therapy can be used as a standalone treatment method or in combination with surgical intervention and chemotherapy to achieve the best results in combating oligodendroglioma.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy plays a role in the treatment of oligodendroglioma, although its use for this type of tumour is not the primary method and is usually applied in combination with other approaches. Commonly used chemotherapy drugs for oligodendroglioma include temozolomide or combinations of drugs such as PCV (procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine). These drugs can be used either as an adjunct to surgical treatment or radiation therapy or independently, especially in cases where other treatment methods are not possible or undesirable.
Immunotherapy
This is a promising approach in the treatment of oligodendroglioma. The method is based on using the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. The therapy stimulates the immune system, enhancing its ability to recognize and attack the cancer cells of the tumour. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors, are also used in immunotherapy, which can help unlock the "brakes" on immune cells, increasing their ability to attack cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery in Israel
- Chemotherapy
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
At Ichilov, special attention is paid to the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma, as an accurate and detailed diagnosis is the foundation for determining the most effective treatment. All procedures and consultations for foreign patients are planned in advance and therefore conducted within a short timeframe. Usually, the entire process takes no more than 3 days.
Day One – Doctor Consultation
Upon admission to the hospital, the patient is immediately directed to a pre-scheduled consultation with the treating oncologist. At this stage, the doctor reviews the clinical case, clarifies symptoms, conducts an examination, and prescribes additional diagnostic procedures.
Day Two – Laboratory and Instrumental Tests
The following types of tests are included for the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma:
- Blood tests: general tests and tumour biomarkers that help assess the overall condition of the patient and the level of tumour activity.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): used to obtain a detailed picture of the structure and size of the tumour in the brain or spinal cord.
- Computed Tomography (CT): provides a more detailed view of the tumour and its spread, including possible pressure on surrounding tissues.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): used to assess the metabolic activity of the tumour and to search for possible metastasis sites.
- Genetic studies and molecular tests: may be conducted if necessary to identify specific genetic mutations that may affect treatment and prognosis.
Depending on the clinical picture and the needs of the patient, additional tests or examinations may be prescribed.
Day Three – Treatment Plan Development
After all necessary studies are conducted, the team of specialists (oncologists, neuro-surgeons, radiologists, and others) discusses the results and develops an individual therapeutic plan. In the process of developing the treatment plan, the characteristics of the tumour and the overall condition of the patient are taken into account. This allows for the determination of the optimal therapeutic strategy and ensures a good prognosis.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis – PET CT
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treating oligodendroglioma can be determined individually for each patient and depends on many factors, such as types of treatment and their prices, the stage of the disease, necessary procedures, and the duration of treatment. For specific information about treatment costs and financial aspects, please contact the medical consultant at the phone number provided on the website. This will help obtain detailed information about the planned procedures, possible expenses, and services related to the treatment of oligodendroglioma.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov
When leaving reviews about treatment at the Ichilov Clinic, patients usually mention the following advantages:
- High qualifications of specialists and standards of medical care.
- Use of advanced, more effective treatment methods.
- Individual approach to each patient, involving a multidisciplinary case assessment.
- Modern equipment and technologies that enhance the accuracy of diagnosis and effectiveness of treatment.
- Affordable prices, part a third lower than in Europe or the USA.
Do not ignore the signs of the disease. Contact the Ichilov Clinic. Even before your arrival, you can schedule a consultation with the necessary specialist via Skype or Zoom, providing the results of preliminary studies. Get specific recommendations and find out which of the existing treatment methods best suit your condition. Do not delay taking care of your health.