Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas: diagnosis, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, CAR-T, and stem cell transplantation
The Hematology Department of Ichilov (Sourasky) Medical Center in Tel Aviv specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of lymphomas — from classical Hodgkin lymphoma to aggressive diffuse large B-cell, follicular, mantle cell, T-cell, and extranodal forms (stomach, mediastinum, CNS, thyroid gland, skin). Patients come here after a diagnosis has already been made — for histology verification and protocol selection, or from scratch when enlarged lymph nodes, prolonged fever, night sweats, and weight loss require a rapid response.
The work begins with restaging. Slides and paraffin blocks are reviewed in the Sourasky pathology laboratory, and if necessary, additional immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, FISH, and molecular genetic testing are ordered. PET-CT on state-of-the-art machines is used both for Lugano staging and for assessing metabolic response after just 2 cycles of therapy — this allows for real-time adjustments to the regimen rather than waiting until the end of the course.
The therapeutic arsenal includes standard protocols (ABVD, escBEACOPP, R-CHOP, R-DHAP, R-ICE, R-Bendamustine), targeted therapies (brentuximab vedotin, polatuzumab, ibrutinib, venetoclax, obinutuzumab), checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for refractory Hodgkin disease, programs for autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as CAR-T cell therapy for refractory and relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphomas — Ichilov was one of the first centers in Israel where it became a routine option.
Supportive therapy, prevention of infectious complications and tumor lysis syndrome, fertility preservation for young patients, and psychological support are also provided. This section contains materials on specific subtypes of lymphomas, diagnostic programs, and profiles of the hematologists at Sourasky who lead this block.