Prostate Cancer Treatment in Israel
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting men, and is most prominent in patients over 50. Symptoms include frequent urination (including nocturia), weak flow of urine, presence of blood in urine and/or and erectile difficulties. The odds of developing prostatic carcinoma increase with age.
Experts identify 3 primary causes of prostate cancer:
- Exposure to carcinogens
- Genetic predisposition
- Progressive prostatic hyperplasia
Our program for prostate cancer patients consists of two stages: thorough investigation and treatment according to a carefully selected protocol.
Diagnosis
- Full blood workup (including CBC, CMP, lipid profile, PSA (free and bound) and urine tests (urinalysis, biochemical and culture)
- US scan of genitourinary system (including measurement of postvoid residual urine volume)
- Pathology revision (provided one was performed at an earlier date)
- Urologic oncologist’s consultation
- Optional: Isotope bone scan & CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis
Length of diagnosis stage (not including BRAF testing): 3-4 business days.
If the investigation does not reach an equivocal diagnosis (for instance, if the patient did not bring pathology slides with him, or if quality of the material is unsatisfactory) a new TRUS-guided biopsy will be required. Pathological study results will be ready within 7 business days.
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed there are several possibilities:
Option 1: Radical prostatectomy
Cost is comprised of:
- Preoperative preparation (ECG, chest X-ray and an anesthesiologist consultation)
- Operative procedure and 4 days of hospitalization in a semi-private room at Assuta Hospital’s Dept. or Urology
- Disposable surgical materials and equipment
- Express biopsy and definitive histopathological study
It is advised you remain in Israel for approximately 10 days following your discharge from the hospital for outpatient follow-up and care as you will be release with a catheter, which will be removed only on Post-Operative Day 14.
** Please note that the procedure can be performed utilizing the robotic da Vinci Surgical System. This will significantly decrease post-operative pain and shorten your recovery period.
Option 2: Brachytherapy
Cost is comprised of:
- Preoperative preparation (ECG, chest X-ray, routine blood work and an anesthesiologist consultation)
- Operative procedure and 1 day of hospitalization
- Disposable surgical materials and equipment
This procedure takes place at Tel HaShomer Hospital. You will be able to return home after the implant has been inserted, and will be asked to travel to Israel when the internal radiation therapy course is completed to have the implant removed. To find out more about brachytherapy, please click here.
Option 3: Combined RapidArc and hormone therapy
Cost is comprised of:
- Standard program consists of 30 sessions of 10 fields each
- Radiation oncologist’s consultation
- Radiation simulation
The procedures will take place at Assuta Hospital’s Dept. of Urology.
Assuta hospital utilizes the cutting-edge IMRT RapidArc (integrated boost) therapy which allows to only irradiate the tumour, and to spare healthy tissue. The tumour’s size is continuously monitored by means of dynamic CT-scans. This technique improved the efficacy of XRT, having increased the intensity of radiation applied to the tumour cells by approximately 30 to 40 per cent and also improved tolerance of treatment for patients.
