Retinoblastoma Treatment in Israel
Retinoblastoma occurs when cancer cells originate and grow in the retina, the light-sensitive nerve tissue at the back of the eye. While it is the most common type of ocular cancer in children, the cure rate is fortunately very high due to the development of precise, modern diagnostics and state-of-the-art medical treatments.
At the Ocular Oncology Center at Sheba Medical Center, we offer advanced retinoblastoma treatment in Israel. Our center is a national and international referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of various ocular tumors and associated conditions. Working in collaboration with the experts at our Goldschleger Eye Institute, the largest facility for ocular medicine in Israel, we strive to preserve the overall health and vision of adult and pediatric patients with retinoblastoma.
Treatments for Retinoblastoma
Our team of ocular specialists evaluates each patient’s unique case to design the most effective, personalized treatment program. The goals of retinoblastoma treatment in Israel are to destroy the cancer, preserve as much vision as possible, limit the long-term effects that can result from cancer therapies, and save the patient’s life.
Treatment options include:
- Surgery (enucleation): If the tumor has grown large before it is detected or after other treatments fail, there may already be irreversible vision damage and enucleation (surgery to remove the entire eye) may be necessaryChemotherapy: To treat retinoblastoma, chemotherapy drugs may be delivered via oral medications, intra-arterial delivery (injection into the ophthalmic artery), or intravitreal delivery (injection into the vitreous humor)
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy may be used to treat small retinoblastoma tumors
- Photocoagulation: Laser beams are used to target and destroy the blood vessels that feed the tumor
- Transpupillary thermal therapy (TTT): Using a different type of laser than thermotherapy, TTT directs infrared light to the tumor, killing the cells. TTT may be used as the sole treatment for small tumors or in addition to chemotherapy or radiation for larger tumors
Why Come to Sheba for Retinoblastoma Treatment in Israel?
Exceptional Experience
As a national and international referral center for diagnosing and treating ocular tumors, Sheba’s Ocular Oncology Center has extensive experience treating retinoblastoma; specialists collaborate with experts at our Goldschleger Eye Institute, the largest facility for ocular medicine in Israel
Compassionate Care
We are committed to providing first-rate healthcare that causes minimal pain, which is especially important when treating young patients who may not yet be able to communicate
Customized Treatments
We relate to each patient as an individual, tailoring every treatment program to the person’s unique case and needs
Advanced Technologies
Using the latest equipment, we implement cutting-edge treatments and techniques
Multidisciplinary Medicine
Specialists from various departments collaborate, including hemato-oncologists, geneticists, neuro-radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pediatricians
Internationally Renowned
We have full accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), the golden standard for safety and quality in healthcare
Baby Stepan’s Battle Against Retinoblastoma
While going through life’s trials and tribulations, we never once regretted our decision to choose Sheba Medical Center. Our little son, Stepan, is alive and healthy, and he can see this beautiful world with his saved left eye.
In October 2012, Stepan and his twin sister Lera were born strong and healthy. Yet within a few weeks, Stepan’s parents noticed that his pupil wasn’t black, instead it was transparent. Their ophthalmologist referred the baby for additional diagnostic testing, which detected retinoblastoma in both eyes. However, the local doctors hesitated and did not schedule any treatment for young Stepan.
Stepan’s parents watched anxiously as their son’s condition deteriorated, and they decided to search for treatment abroad. Their research led them to Sheba Medical Center in Israel, where Dr. Victoria Vishnevskia-Dai and a comprehensive team of specialists began to treat Stepan immediately. Over the next year and three months, he underwent multiple procedures and therapies. Since January 2014, Stepan has been in remission.
Sheba – Ranked In The Top Ten Best Hospitals Worldwide
Our Doctors
Victoria Vishnevskia-Dai, MD
Senior Ophthalmologist, Director of the Ocular Oncology and Autoimmune Eye Diseases Center
Dr. Vishnevskia-Dai received her medical degree from the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, and she completed a clinical and surgical fellowship in ocular oncology at the Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. From 1999-2003, Dr. Vishnevskia-Dai was an instructor in the course of Ocular Diseases Among the Aging Population, at the nursing school of Assaf Harofeh Medical Center.
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Ido Didi Fabian, MD
Consultant Ocular Oncologist, Goldschleger Eye Research Institute
Dr. Fabian runs the ocular oncology laboratory at the Goldschleger Eye Institute at Sheba, where he is actively involved in researching innovative treatments for ocular tumors. He has a particular interest and expertise in treating retinoblastoma, ocular lymphoma, and conjunctival melanoma. Dr. Fabian is the initiator and principal investigator of the Global Retinoblastoma 2017 study, and he is a member of Sight for All, an Australian nonprofit that focuses on ocular oncology training in Southeast Asia. He is also a member of the Retinoblastoma-Network; in this role, he trains local doctors from Sub-Saharan East Africa. Dr. Fabian has published dozens of scientific articles in international journals.
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Roberto Spiegelmann, MD
Senior Staff Neurosurgeon, Department of Neurosurgery Head, Stereotactic Radiosurgery Unit and Functional Neurosurgery Service
Dr. Spiegelmann founded the first radiosurgery facility in the Middle East at Sheba, in December 1992. This linear accelerator Radiosurgery Unit has since treated over 5,000 patients. Dr. Spiegelmann is very active in the field of radiosurgery, both nationally and internationally. In Israel, he pioneered the combined approach of microsurgery and radiosurgery improve the management of complex clinical situations in patients with metastatic brain disease, acoustic neurinomas, and meningiomas. As the first functional neurosurgeon in the country, Dr. Spiegelmann introduced many advanced therapies to Israel.
Read MoreOur holistic approach to healthcare means that all Sheba patients benefit from world-class medicine provided with a personal touch. When designing your program for retinoblastoma treatment in Israel, we pay attention to more than just the disease – considering all aspects of well-being, including your physical, emotional, and social needs. Every therapy that we provide in our Ocular Oncology Center is offered in close cooperation with supportive services, such as psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, and rehabilitation professionals. As the largest hospital in the region, we provide every service you need conveniently under one roof on our vast campus. Every patient is also assigned a personal medical coordinator from Global patient services, who will provide assistance throughout every step of your treatment.
Request a consultation
Sheba Medical Center provides innovative, personalized medical care to patients from around the world. We are the largest, most comprehensive hospital in the Middle East and dedicated to providing advanced and compassionate medicine for everyone.
We welcome all cases, including the rarest and the most challenging. Our medical teams collaborate to provide the best possible health outcomes. From your initial inquiry through the long-term follow-up care, we are here for you.
Request a consultation and a Sheba Case Manager will contact you shortly: