Lymphoma Treatment in Israel

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, caused by abnormal growth of lymphocytes. Lymphoma symptoms include lymphadenopathy, fatigue, night sweats, itching and weight loss. The two main forms of the disease are Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Lymphoma treatment in Israel programs vary depending on the type of the illness.

Work-up

The diagnosis stage includes the following investigations:

• Initial hematologist consultation
• Full blood workup (CBC, CMP, electrolyte levels, lipid profile, coagulation factors, macroglobulin tumour marker, liver serology & SPEP)
• Urine tests (urinalysis & Bence Jones protein)
• Optional: Reactive lymphadenopathy blood test
• LN Pathology revision (with immunohistochemical staining) provided you are in possession of samples obtained during a previous biopsy abroad
• PET/CT to determine all areas of lymphadenopathy
• Optional: New bone marrow biopsy (including histopathological and histochemical studies)
• Final hematologist’s consultation to determine the appropriate course of treatment

If the type of lymphoma is still not determined following the aforementioned examinations, there are two further diagnostic tools:

• US-guided biopsy of an enlarged lymph node (FNA + CNB with express histopathology and histochemistry)
• Diagnostic lymph node dissection – if this option is selected, its cost will include the following:
  • Preoperative preparation (ECG, chest X-ray and an anesthesiologist consultation)
  • Operative procedure and 1 day of hospitalization
  • Disposable surgical materials and equipment
  • Express biopsy and definitive histopathological study

Length of program: 4 business days. Please note, however, that some lab work results may take up to 7 business days to complete.

The aforementioned investigations take place at Assuta Hospital.

Treatment

The exact protocol will depend on the type of the lymphoma – some are considered routine, while others involve the use of biological chemotherapy agents and may be administered in outpatient settings or during hospitalization at the department of onco-hematology. The treatment protocol and administration method will be determined by your treating hematologist. A PET-CT is usually scheduled following 3 or 4 cycles to evaluate response.

Recently, autologous stem cell transplants (transplant of bone marrow from one’s own body to replace stem cells damaged by chemotherapy) have become commonplace in lymphoma treatment in Israel. The procedure makes it possible to pursue a more aggressive course of treatment, which improves the chances of controlling the disease and often allows curing it completely.