At the Ichilov clinic, the latest diagnostic technologies are used to determine the stage of lung cancer and the most suitable treatment methods for each patient. The clinic's doctors practice integrative medicine based on progressive results from clinical research and a holistic individual approach.
Lung cancer in Israel is treated using several types of therapy depending on the type of lung cancer and the extent of its spread. Thanks to the vast experience of the doctors working at Ichilov and the constant integration of the latest methods into the treatment process, lung cancer is successfully fought at almost any stage, achieving maximum effectiveness and prolonged remission.
Treatment Methods for Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Treatment of squamous cell lung cancer in Israel is carried out using a comprehensive approach that may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and other methods, which are described in more detail in this section.
Surgery
There are 3 types of lung cancer surgery:
- lobectomy - removal of one or several large parts of the lung (called lobes). This surgery is recommended if the cancer is located in only 1 section of 1 lung;
- pneumonectomy - the entire lung is removed. This approach is used when the cancer is located in the middle of the lung or has spread throughout the lung;
- wedge resection or segmentectomy, where a small piece of the lung is removed. This procedure is suitable only for a small number of patients. It is used only if the tumour is small and confined to one area of the lung. Usually, this is a very early stage of lung cancer.
The surgery is usually performed through an incision (cut) in the chest or side and involves the removal of part or all of the affected lung. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if it is suspected that the cancer has spread to them.
In some cases, an alternative approach called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may be appropriate. VATS is a type of minimally invasive surgery where small incisions are made in the chest. A small camera is inserted through one of the incisions so that the surgeon can see the inside of your chest on a monitor while removing part of the affected lung.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses radiation pulses to destroy cancer cells. There are several ways to use it to treat lung cancer.
An intensive course of radiation therapy, known as radical radiation therapy, may be used before surgery. For very small tumours, a special type of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiation therapy may be used instead of surgery.
Radiation therapy can also be used to control symptoms such as pain and coughing up blood, as well as to slow the spread of cancer when treatment is not possible.
Types of Radiation Therapy:
- Conventional external beam radiation therapy – beams are directed at the tumour after preliminary mapping of the neoplasm to ensure maximum accuracy of the therapy. In Israel, TrueBeam sTX linear accelerators are used for this therapy.
- Stereotactic radiation therapy – an even more precise type of external radiation therapy, where several high-energy beams deliver a higher dose of radiation to the tumour while maximally avoiding surrounding healthy tissues. It is performed on the CyberKnife system and the TrueBeam sTX linear accelerator.
- Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) – a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the lung. A small piece of radioactive material passes through the catheter and is applied to the tumour for a few minutes, then removed.
For squamous cell lung cancer, external radiation therapy is used more frequently than internal radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiation therapy may be used to treat very small tumours, as it is more effective in these circumstances than standard radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy
There are several ways to treat lung cancer with chemotherapy. Before surgery, to shrink the tumour, which may increase the chances of a successful operation; after surgery, to prevent the return of cancer; to relieve symptoms and slow the spread of cancer when treatment is not possible; and also in combination with radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy treatment is usually conducted in cycles. A cycle involves taking chemotherapy drugs for several days, followed by a break of several weeks to allow the therapy to take effect. The number of cycles required will depend on the type and stage of lung cancer. Most people require 4 to 6 cycles of treatment over 3-6 months.
Typically, chemotherapy for lung cancer involves taking a combination of different drugs. The drugs are most often administered intravenously or through a tube connected to one of the blood vessels in the chest.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
These are two promising and newest methods of cancer treatment. Immunotherapy is a method that stimulates the patient's immune system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy is used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy (also known as biological therapy) for lung cancer is designed to slow the spread of advanced disease. This type of therapy is suitable only for those patients whose cancer cells have certain proteins. Before immunotherapy is prescribed, a special analysis of cells removed from your lung (biopsy) is performed to determine whether the method will be effective in each specific case.
Other Treatment Methods
- Radiofrequency ablation may be used to treat early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
- Cryotherapy can be used if the cancer begins to block the airways. This is called endobronchial obstruction and can cause symptoms such as: breathing problems, coughing, hemoptysis.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be used to treat early-stage lung cancer when a person cannot or does not want to undergo surgery. This method can also be used to remove a tumour blocking the airways.
You can read reviews about lung cancer treatment in Israel on this site in the comments or in a special section.
Accurate Diagnostics in 3 Days!
In order to start the treatment process as quickly as possible, the diagnostic process in Israel is planned in advance, even before the patient arrives in the country. Usually, all examinations and diagnostic procedures take three days.
First Day
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient meets with the attending physician. The doctor conducts a physical examination, studies the symptoms, medical history, reviews the medical documents brought by the patient, and orders the necessary tests.
Second Day
On the second day, the patient begins undergoing the tests necessary for planning the treatment process. Usually, the tests include: PET-CT, X-ray, biopsy, molecular genetic tests, and laboratory analyses, as well as bronchoscopy.
Before surgery, several more tests are conducted to check the overall health and lung function. These may include:
- electrocardiogram (ECG) - electrodes are used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart
- lung function test, called spirometry – the patient breathes into a device that measures how much air your lungs can inhale and exhale
- exercise test
Third Day
On the third day, a medical council is convened. The doctors review the examination results, assess the prognosis, and develop a treatment plan that is most appropriate for the case at hand.
How Much Does Treatment for Squamous Cell Lung Cancer Cost in Israel
The cost of treating such oncological pathology as lung cancer in Israel will depend on the severity of the disease, the stage, the type, and, of course, the chosen treatment methods.
It is worth noting that the price for treatment at Ichilov is favorably different from prices in private clinics and is 20-30% lower than in European countries, while the quality of treatment at Ichilov is on par with that provided in the best clinics in Germany or the USA.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ichilov
- Accurate diagnostics. You can be sure that you have been given the correct diagnosis. The clinic's doctors follow the most modern protocols and perform differential diagnostics, which allows them to exclude other pathologies that present similar symptoms.
- Highly qualified doctors. Ichilov employs the best doctors in Israel, trained not only in their homeland but also in the largest clinics in the world and mastering the most effective methods for treating oncological pathologies.
- High-tech equipment. Ichilov's facilities are constantly updated. The clinic acquires medical equipment only from the best manufacturers worldwide.
- Minimally invasive surgeries. The clinic's doctors prefer surgeries performed through small incisions. After such surgeries, patients recover significantly faster.
If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with signs of lung cancer, seek our help. We will quickly help organize direct communication with the best doctors at the clinic. There is no reason to delay seeking help; do it today!