Lung cancer treatment in Israel
Israeli top hospitals and medical centers offer world-class treatment for lung cancer patients. These facilities are equipped with the latest technology, including advanced imaging systems and computerized treatment planning software, which enables doctors to create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
The Hadassah Clinic operates a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary center for early detection and innovative individualized treatment of lung cancer, using the latest targeted and immunotherapy drugs.
When treating lung cancer, the clinic uses revolutionary Ethos radiotherapy technology, the only one in Israel so far, equipped with artificial intelligence.
In 2020, the Israeli Ministry of Health launched at the Hadassah Clinic a three-year pilot program of innovative lung cancer screening by the latest Lung-RADS system, which uses special computed tomography (CT) technology. The system has greatly increased the chances of early detection of lung cancer.
Lung cancer surgery at the clinic is performed by the experienced thoracic surgeon, Professor Uzi Izhar.
Get advice from Israel’s leading specialists in the treatment of lung cancer.
Types of lung cancer
There are 2 main types of lung cancer:
- Small cell lung cancer: rare, found mostly in smokers;
- Non-small cell lung cancer: more common, occurs in both smokers and non-smokers. It is called non-small because the cancer cells don’t look small under a microscope.Non-small cell lung cancer is further divided into several subtypes, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Lung cancer diagnostics in Israel
Lung cancer is a significant public health concern in Israel, and early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment. The Hadassah Clinic, one of the leading medical centers in Israel, offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services for lung cancer, including state-of-the-art imaging, biopsy, and genetic testing.
Lung cancer screening
Lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is becoming increasingly popular in Israel as a tool to detect early stage lung cancer in individuals at high risk. The Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) is a standardized reporting system used to interpret LDCT scans and to categorize detected abnormalities. The Lung-RADS system provides a structured approach for radiologists to present their findings to referring physicians and to guide further management of patients. The system categorizes LDCT scans into six different categories, ranging from category 1 (no nodules detected) to category 4B (suspicious for malignancy). Lung-RADS has been shown to be a useful tool in the management of patients undergoing lung cancer screening, helping to reduce unnecessary follow-up imaging and invasive procedures while improving the detection of lung cancer at early stages.
Other imaging tests
DISCOVERY MI PET-CT
PET-CT is one of the most informative methods of cancer diagnostics and is used in Israel for many types of cancer. The Hadassah Clinic uses the latest DISCOVERY MI PET-CT by General Electric, capable of detecting tumors with a diameter of 2-3 mm, which was unavailable for PET-CT devices of previous generations.
According to the data obtained, a treatment plan and tactics are developed at the consultation, taking into account the patient’s specificities and complying with the world standardized protocols.
Biopsy
If a suspicious lesion or nodule is detected during imaging, a biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. The Hadassah Clinic offers a range of biopsy options, including bronchoscopy, which involves using a thin, flexible tube to examine the airways and take a tissue sample from the lung, and needle biopsy, which involves usage of a needle to extract tissue from the lung. These procedures are performed by experienced pulmonologists and interventional radiologists using the latest equipment and techniques.
Genetic testing
In addition to imaging and biopsy, genetic testing is becoming an increasingly important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The Hadassah Clinic offers a range of genetic tests to identify specific mutations or abnormalities in the cancer cells, which can help guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes.
Lung cancer treatment options
Israel is famous for its advanced healthcare system, cutting-edge medical technology, and highly skilled healthcare professionals.
Once a diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed, the Hadassah Clinic offers a multidisciplinary treatment approach, involving a team of specialists from different medical fields, including oncologists, radiologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons. This approach ensures that every patient receives personalized, comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
Radiotherapy
Prof. Popovtzer, Head of the Oncology Department, and Prof. Vigoda, Head of the Radiology Department, near Ethos
At the Hadassah Hospital, radiotherapy is performed by the latest Ethos machine, the only one of its kind in Israel. This device, equipped with artificial intelligence, is highly accurate and allows you to create a new radiation plan before each session, taking into account all the latest structural changes in the tumor and organ, which greatly increases the effectiveness of radiotherapy and makes it much safer.
Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment option for lung cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs. Surgical procedures for lung cancer may involve removing a portion of the lung (lobectomy) or the entire lung (pneumonectomy). Minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), are also available at the Hadassah Clinic.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is also one of the most common types of treatment for lung cancer. This systemic treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other kinds of treatment, such as surgery or radiotherapy.
Biological therapy
Biological therapy is another treatment option for lung cancer. This therapy targets specific proteins or molecules that are involved in cancer growth and progression. By blocking or interfering with these targets, biological therapy can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
It can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The Hadassah Medical Center offers a range of biological types of treatment for lung cancer, including EGFR inhibitors and ALK inhibitors.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the newest treatment option for lung cancer. This therapy harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy drugs work by activating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that specifically targets genetic mutations or abnormal proteins that are driving cancer growth. These drugs are designed to target specific molecules that are overexpressed in cancer cells, while sparing healthy cells.
The multidisciplinary team of the Hadassah Clinic works together to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient, taking into account the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and individual preferences. Treatment plans may involve a combination of these different treatment options.
How much does lung cancer treatment cost in Israel?
The cost of lung cancer treatment in Israel can vary depending on the type of treatment and the stage of the disease. However, compared to other countries, the cost of treatment in Israel is often lower. The Hadassah Medical Center can provide patients with an estimate of the treatment cost before they arrive.
The Hadassah Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, using the latest diagnostic tools and treatment approaches to provide personalized care to each patient. With a multidisciplinary team of experts and a range of support services available, the Hadassah Clinic is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with lung cancer.
