Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy – a method of cancer treatment using cytotoxic drugs that act on cells that are in a state of rapid growth and division. Chemotherapy in Israel may be used as an independent treatment or be administered in combination with radiotherapy and targeted therapy; in many cases, oncologists recommend chemotherapy combined with other measures to improve its efficiency.

Indications for chemotherapy in Israel

Chemotherapy is administered in the presence of the following indications:

• Effects on the tumor. Chemotherapy in Israel can be used as the primary means of treating cancer with the aim of destroying a tumor or slowing its growth.
• Destruction of residual cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often given after surgery to remove the tumor, to exclude the presence in the body of residual cancer cells. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy and is often used in the treatment of cancer in Israel.
• Preparing for further treatment. To achieve a reduction in tumor size, to facilitate its radical removal or enhance the effects of radiotherapy on it, doctors may prescribe a course of pre – neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
• Relief of symptoms. Palliative – supportive – chemotherapy prescribed to patients in the later stages of the disease. It relieves the symptoms of a malignant process, such as pain.

Side effects of chemotherapy

Cancer Treatment in Israel involves the active participation of the patient in decision-making and informed consent. Chemotherapy in Israel is administered after the patient has received a detailed explanation about the side effects of treatment. Despite the fact that for many people chemotherapy is associated with severe and adverse consequences, in fact, most of the side- effects of chemotherapy are reversible, and the associated discomfort can be alleviated.

The most common side effects of chemotherapy include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Weakness
• Digestive disorders (constipation or diarrhea)
• Ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth
• Anorexia

If you are undergoing cancer treatment in Israel, talk with the staff on how to alleviate the above-mentioned phenomena. The medical staff of the Department of Oncology at the “Herzliya Medical Center” private hospital can recommend effective remedies and give practical tips to help cope with the unpleasant consequences of chemotherapy.

The degree of severity depends on what treatment a patient receives. It is advisable to discuss the potential implications of chemotherapy with your doctor before starting treatment. For example, some medications cause irreversible damage to the reproductive function – infertility. Patients who are planning for the future birth of a child can start a course of chemotherapy after cryopreservation of biological material (eggs and semen) and use it later for artificial insemination.

Preparing to have chemotherapy in Israel

• Setting an intravenous catheter or port. Thanks to a special device installed in one of the large veins, drugs can be administered into the bloodstream without having to perform each time an intravenous injection.
• Genetic testing. Some patients have a specific gene that can increase the severity of side effects. For this reason, before starting chemotherapy in Israel, produce a genetic analysis.
• Laboratory tests, diagnostic tests. Before starting chemotherapy treatments in Israel some medical tests for assessing the functional ability of the heart and medical blood tests are needed (total clinical blood chemistry analysis on liver function).
• A visit to the dentist. Before chemotherapy treatment in Israel, you are advised to contact your dentist. It is desirable to take care of any infection in the oral cavity.
• Preparations for the first session of chemotherapy. Cancer treatment in Israel in most cases is carried out on the basis of an outpatient clinic. At the end of a session of chemotherapy, you can go home or if you are a medical tourist patient you can go to your hospital room. Most patients in the outpatient clinic feel satisfied and do not need any help. However, if you feel comfortable being accompanied by a relative or a friend you can definitely do so.
• Planning your day. Typically, patients receiving chemotherapy do not change radically their usual lifestyle. However, because one of the side effects of treatment is fatigue, you must set aside time for regular rest and recuperation. It’s wise to plan your day, avoiding excessive exertion, and negotiate with friends and family about possible assistance in domestic affairs.

Methods of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatments in Israel, in most cases are produced using a combination of cytotoxic drugs that can be in the form of injectable solutions, tablets, ointments, etc.

Ointments or creams containing cytotoxic components are used in Israel to treat certain skin cancers.

Chemotherapeutic solutions can be administered into the body cavity, in which the cancer is localized. For example, intraperitoneal chemotherapy is cytostatic solution irrigation of the abdominal cavity and intrapleural for the thorax. Intrathecal chemotherapy drugs are injected into the cerebrospinal fluid, and at intravesical – the bladder.

Most often, chemotherapy is administered as an intravenous injection, but also in the form of tablets. Another technique is to place near the tumor tampons soaked in a solution of cytostatics.

Chemotherapy protocol

Chemotherapy protocol – this treatment program lists the drugs, their exact dosage, the schedule of chemotherapy sessions, course duration and other parameters. Between the treatments a break to restore the body’s reserves is provided. The oncologist defines the number and duration of chemotherapy treatment. During treatment, the patient is undergoing regular screening (blood tests, CT scans, and other tests). According to their results, the oncologist determines and estimates the overall health of the patient and decides to continue or discontinue the course of chemotherapy treatment.

“Herzliya Medical Center” private hospital boasts the most advanced cancer treatments in Israel. The Department of Oncology at HMC, Israel sincerely believes that cancer is curable. Thanks to their knowledge and experience, thousands of patients have been cured.