Colon Cancer Treatment in Israel

Using a gloved, lubricated finger, the doctor performs a rectal examination to check for polyps, nodules, bleeding, or other problematic signs

Certain blood tests can be helpful, such as a CBC (complete blood count), liver enzymes, and tumor markers (CEA and CA19-9)

Can detect tiny traces of blood in the feces; used as a screening test for early detection of colorectal cancer

Recommended by gastroenterologists and oncologists for early detection and prevention of colon cancer. While the patient is under sedation, an endoscope (a thin optical fiber connected to a camera) is inserted through the rectum into the colon, providing a view of the intestinal cavity. If polyps are discovered, they can be removed and a biopsy can also be performed. It is advisable to have a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years from age 50.

A new and innovative test that uses a CT device to simulate the colon and abdominal cavity

These techniques record detailed images of soft tissues in the body; used to check if the tumor has spread to distant organs

A radioactive sugar is injected into the blood; cancer cells, which are fast growing, absorb more sugar than normal cells, and a special camera is then used to create a picture of the areas of the body that show more radioactivity. The picture helps to identify the location of cancer cells in the body.

An endoscope with a special ultrasound device is inserted into the rectum to see how far the cancer has spread through the rectal wall and whether it has spread to any nearby tissues or organs

Using a thin needle, a small piece of tissue is removed from the tumor. Most of the time, this procedure is done during the colonoscopy.

1. Surgery for early stage colon cancer – If the tumor is very small, a minimally invasive procedure may be performed, such as:

• Removing polyps during the colonoscopy
• Laparoscopic surgery: May be used when polyps can’t be removed during the colonoscopy. This procedure is done through small incisions in the abdominal wall.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection: Removes larger polyps and a small piece of the colon’s inner lining

2. Surgery for more advanced colon cancer

• Partial colectomy: The part of the colon that contains the cancer is removed, along with some of the normal adjacent tissue. The healthy parts of the colon or rectum are then reconnected.
• Ostomy: When it’s not possible to reattach the healthy parts of the colon or rectum, this surgery creates a stoma (an opening) in the abdominal wall that allows stool to be eliminated into a bag. An ostomy can be temporary or permanent.
• Lymph node removal: Lymph nodes may also be removed during colon cancer surgery.

3. Surgery for metastatic cancer

When the cancer is extremely advanced, an operation may be done to relieve colon blockage and improve symptoms. This procedure doesn’t cure the cancer, but works to relieve bleeding, blockage, or pain.

This breakthrough, alternative therapy delivers high and heated doses of chemotherapy directly into the abdomen. HIPEC, which is performed at Sheba, may be used to treat colon cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity.

After surgery, colon cancer treatment in Israel may include chemotherapy to destroy any cancer cells that remain in the body, reducing the risk of recurrence. The drugs will typically be given for six months and can include one type of chemotherapy or a combination of two types. Chemotherapy may also be administered before an operation to shrink a large cancer.

Radiation therapy can be used to kill cancer cells; it may also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery. Radiation is sometimes combined with chemotherapy.

Targeted drugs work by blocking specific abnormalities in cancer cells, causing the cells to die. This treatment is generally used in conjunction with chemotherapy, and it is recommended mainly for people with advanced colon cancer.

Immunotherapy modifies the cells of your immune system so they fight cancer directly. Usually, immunotherapy is recommended only for advanced colon cancer.

At Sheba Cancer Center, several clinical studies to examine the safety and efficacy of new treatments are ongoing. Our doctors can discuss any suitable options with you.