Low-Grade Glioma Treatment in Israel

Three types of glial cells can produce tumors, and gliomas are classified according to the type of glial cell involved in the tumor, as well as the tumor’s genetic features. Types of glioma include astrocytomas, which originate in cells called astrocytes; ependymomas, which originate in cells called ependymocytes; and oligodendrogliomas, which originate in cells called oligodendrocytes. Gliomas can be classified as low-grade or high-grade. The grade of a tumor is determined by its appearance under a microscope and how fast it grows.

Low-grade gliomas, most common in the second through fourth decades of life, are slow-growing tumors that originate in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Compared to high-grade gliomas, they have a relatively good prognosis and prolonged survival rates. However, as low-grade gliomas grow, they can press on surrounding healthy parts of the brain, affecting their function. Accordingly, the danger posed by low-grade gliomas depends on the tumor’s size and location in the brain.

Low-grade bilateral thalamic glioma is one of the rarest subtypes of glioma, and is an extremely uncommon tumor. Although low-grade bilateral thalamic gliomas are benign in nature, their outcome is often poor due to their occurrence in the thalamus – the main relay station for the brain. When attempting to remove tumors from the thalamus, inadequate surgical excision is common due to its hard-to-reach location and the need to prevent further damage to a sensitive and important part of the brain.

Most low-grade gliomas are both highly treatable and highly curable, but depending on their location and rate of growth, a glioma can be life-threatening. Treatment options include removal by means of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery often constitutes the first line of treatment for low-grade glioma patients. However, inadequate surgical excision is a common problem, especially relevant in cases of low-grade bilateral thalamic glioma cases.

Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform complex minimally invasive surgical procedures with precision and accuracy through the use of robotic arms. These arms are controlled by the surgeon through a dedicated console.

Widely accepted as one of the most advanced surgical systems available, the new da Vinci Xi represents the 4th generation of surgical robotic technology, taking surgical treatment to an entirely new level. The da Vinci Xi features 3D high-definition visualization that provides the clearest possible view of the surgical site, a greatly expanded range of motion, and improved manipulator capabilities. Additional features include a tremor filtration system which eliminates natural hand tremors and significantly enhances surgical precision.

Greatly contributing to the precise detection and removal of tumors, advanced surgical robotic systems, such as the da Vinci Xi, offer many glioma patients a new hope for a full, healthy life.

At Sheba Medical Center, we are proud to stand at the forefront of surgical innovation and operate many advanced robotic systems, including the da Vinci Xi.

Sheba Medical Center, one of the 10 best hospitals in the world according to Newsweek magazine, is a comprehensive medical facility dedicated to providing patients from around the world with cutting-edge compassionate care. Following are just a few of the many reasons to choose Sheba for treatment:

• Sheba operates the latest robotic surgical systems, including the Da Vinci Xi.
• Sheba is dedicated to performing procedures that minimize pain and suffering, with deep consideration for the physical and emotional needs of children.
• Sheba treats children with a holistic approach, keeping in mind that cancer can have devastating effects on the physical and emotional well-being of your child and his/her entire family, which is why we offer a variety of support services.
• As a government institution, we have no hidden costs, and our fees are transparent. Although we offer advanced treatments that are available only in select medical institutions around the world, our prices are affordable.
• Sheba treats each patient as a unique individual, personalizing every therapy program.
• Sheba’s 360-degree care approach to every patient, which means that Sheba’s professionals will assist you with arranging medical record reviews, travel, visas, accommodations, and language interpretation as needed.
• Sheba has full accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), the premier international healthcare accrediting group.
• Sheba has both advanced treatment and laboratory facilities. At Sheba, patients receive every aspect of their treatment in a single facility.
• Our physicians are actively involved in the latest research and application of progressive treatments.