Ihilov Clinic rightfully occupies leading positions not only in Israel but also worldwide. By turning to Ihilov, a patient with somatostatinoma can expect modern treatment at the largest clinic, where every doctor is an exceptional professional in their field and has many years of clinical experience.
The effectiveness of cancer tumour treatment at Ihilov reaches 90%, which is one of the highest rates even among countries with developed healthcare systems. The clinic employs innovative techniques such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, photodynamic therapy, minimally invasive laparoscopic (including robotic) surgery, and more. The use of an individualized comprehensive approach allows Israeli doctors to achieve positive results even in patients with advanced stages of cancer.
Treatment Methods for Somatostatinoma
The specific treatment for somatostatinoma depends on the location and size of the tumour, whether the patient has one tumour or several, and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. When developing an individual treatment program, the overall health status and family history (hereditary syndrome known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)) are also taken into account.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for somatostatinoma. It is usually an open surgery during which the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to remove the tumour. During the surgery, the patient will also undergo an ultrasound scan to check for other tumours. If necessary, the surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes. If the somatostatinoma has spread to the liver, it may be possible to remove the liver tumour during the main surgery. After the tumour is removed, the material is sent for histological examination to check if the tumour is malignant.
Transarterial Embolization (TAE, TACE)
TAE works by reducing the blood supply to the liver tumour. The blood supply brings oxygen and nutrients necessary for the cells to survive and grow. Blocking the blood supply also stops the release of tumour hormones into the bloodstream. Doctors can not only block the blood supply to the liver but also simultaneously introduce a chemotherapy drug into the liver. This is called transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).
Radiofrequency Ablation and Microwave Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves, while microwave ablation uses microwaves to heat neuroendocrine tumour cells in the liver and destroy them. During the procedure, the doctor (interventional radiologist) uses either ultrasound or computed tomography to insert a special needle or probe through the skin into the tumour. The probe is an electrode that passes radiofrequency current or microwaves into the tumour. During the procedure, the tumour is heated, leading to its destruction.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anticancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy tumour cells. Chemotherapy may be prescribed if the somatostatinoma has spread to the liver or other parts of the body. Chemotherapy can be administered alone or in conjunction with other types of treatment, such as targeted therapy or radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapy
For somatostatinoma, internal radiation therapy, known as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), is usually prescribed. Lutetium-177 or yttrium-90 is used as the radioactive substance. The procedure is usually prescribed if the tumour cannot be completely removed surgically or if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Targeted Therapy
Cancer cells have changes in their genes (DNA) that distinguish them from normal cells. Targeted drugs are aimed specifically at these mutations in the cancer cell. The drug attacks a specific target, destroying it, while healthy cells are not directly affected by the drug, reducing the number and severity of possible side effects.
Treatment with Interferon
Interferon is also known as interferon alpha. It may be prescribed if the somatostatinoma has spread to other parts of the body and if other treatment methods have stopped working.
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Ablation
Diagnostic Methods
Diagnostics at the Israeli Ihilov Clinic is conducted in three stages and usually takes three days.
First Day
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient meets with the treating oncologist-endocrinologist. The doctor conducts a physical examination, clarifies the symptoms of the disease, collects the medical history, and reviews the documentation brought by the patient. After that, the doctor orders tests that will help confirm the diagnosis and identify or rule out conditions causing painful symptoms.
Second Day
The diagnostic program usually includes the following types of laboratory tests and diagnostic studies:
- blood tests;
- endoscopic ultrasound;
- computed tomography;
- octreotide scan (radioactive scanning);
- MRI.
The above tests allow doctors to see the tumour, which may be malignant or benign. Most somatostatinomas are malignant. The only way to determine if the tumour is malignant is through surgical intervention.
The causes of somatostatinoma are currently unknown. However, there are some risk factors that may lead to the disease, including family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), neurofibromatosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease, and tuberous sclerosis.
Third Day
When the test results are ready, the treating physician gathers a consultation. The working group includes doctors from related specialties – endocrinology, oncology, surgery, and others. Colleagues collectively review each clinical case and choose the most relevant treatment scheme. The patient may attend this medical meeting and receive information about the advantages and risks of the chosen methods.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treatment directly depends on what diagnostic and therapeutic measures will be applied during the patient's stay at the clinic. Usually, the full scope of treatment is determined after the comprehensive examination is completed at the clinic. Then the final price is announced.
Approximate costs can be obtained by contacting our contact center at the phone number listed on the website. You can also request a callback to connect with our medical consultant, who will answer all questions related to possible financial expenses.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Experienced doctors with international-level training.
- Availability of revolutionary treatment methods.
- Excellent clinic equipped with modern equipment.
- Affordable treatment costs, no prepayments required.
- Positive feedback from patients who have already completed their treatment course.
If you or your loved ones have signs of the disease and you are interested in receiving a consultation from an Israeli specialist, please leave your contact details in any of the feedback forms, call, or request a callback. Timely treatment always improves the overall prognosis.