Diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in Israel
Why Israel is the best choice for prostate cancer treatment
Israeli oncology is a leader in global medicine thanks to innovative technologies and a personalized approach. The five-year survival rate for prostate cancer in Israel is 97-98% — one of the highest rates in the world. This is the result of early diagnosis, the use of robotic systems, and advanced methods of targeted therapy.
Medical Expert organizes a full cycle of medical care: from initial consultation to rehabilitation. Our patients have access to the country's leading urologists and oncologists working at university clinics and research centers.
Prostate cancer diagnosis: accuracy and speed
Step-by-step examination protocol
The diagnostic process in Israel is based on the principle of reasonable sufficiency — each test is prescribed strictly according to indications. The initial examination includes blood tests for PSA, testosterone, and extended biochemistry. If cancer is suspected, an MRI of the prostate is performed on a 3 Tesla machine with contrast — the gold standard of imaging.
If the MRI reveals that the tumor has spread beyond the gland capsule, a highly specific PSMA PET scan with gallium-68 is prescribed. This method allows the detection of micrometastases as small as 2-3 mm, which are not visible on a conventional CT scan.
Molecular diagnostics and precision biopsy
In complex clinical cases, the 4KScore test is used—a “liquid biopsy” that evaluates genetic risk markers through blood analysis. This helps avoid invasive procedures in patients with a low probability of aggressive cancer.
Prostate biopsy is performed under MRI guidance, which ensures 95% accuracy of material collection compared to 60-70% with standard transrectal ultrasound. The entire diagnostic cycle takes 5-6 business days, with imaging studies performed within the first 24-48 hours.
Treatment of localized prostate cancer
Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy
Surgical removal of the prostate gland using the Da Vinci robot is the method of choice for patients up to 65-70 years of age with an operable tumor. The system provides a tenfold increase in the surgical field and precision movements, allowing the nerve bundles responsible for erectile function to be preserved.
Advantages: complete removal of the neoplasm, minimal blood loss, rapid recovery (discharge on the 2nd-3rd day). If aggressive tumor characteristics are detected after surgery, adjuvant radiation therapy may be used to prevent recurrence.
Radiation therapy: IMRT and SBRT radiosurgery
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) tailors the radiation dose to each individual, maximizing the effect on the tumor and minimizing damage to the bladder and rectum. The course lasts 3-4 weeks with daily sessions.
An alternative is stereotactic radiosurgery (SBRT, CyberKnife): only 4-5 sessions of high-dose radiation with an accuracy of 1 mm. It is as effective as conventional radiotherapy, but much more comfortable for the patient.
Brachytherapy and focal methods
Brachytherapy (implantation of radioactive micro-sources) is ideal for small tumors with a Gleason score of 6-7. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with a return to work after 3-5 days. The method preserves potency in 70-80% of patients.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and TOOKAD photodynamic therapy are used for single lesions within the capsule. TOOKAD uses a light-sensitive drug derived from marine bacteria, activated by a laser—a method with minimal side effects on the genitourinary system.
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Treatment of metastatic prostate cancer
Lutetium-177 PRRT therapy: a breakthrough in oncology
Lutetium-177 peptide receptor therapy is a revolutionary method for patients with castration-resistant cancer. The radioactive isotope is delivered directly to tumor cells via molecules that bind to the PSMA protein. Before treatment, a PET scan is required to confirm PSMA expression in metastases.
Effectiveness: increases life expectancy by 12-18 months, improves quality of life in 80% of patients. Used after chemotherapy and second-generation hormone drugs have proven ineffective.
Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy with Radium-223
Radium-223 (Xofigo) chemically mimics calcium and accumulates in bone metastases. Alpha particles destroy cancer cells in bone tissue with virtually no effect on bone marrow. Indicated for painful bone lesions without visceral metastases.
Immunotherapy and targeted drugs
Checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab) are prescribed in the presence of specific MSI-H/dMMR mutations. PARP inhibitors (olaparib, rucaparib) are effective in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers — they block the self-repair mechanisms of cancer cells.
Modern tactics turn metastatic prostate cancer into a chronic disease with a life expectancy of 5-7+ years with the right sequence of therapies.
Questions and answers about prostate cancer treatment in Israel
How long does prostate cancer diagnosis take in Israel? A complete examination with biopsy takes 5-6 business days. MRI and PET scans are performed within the first 48 hours after arrival.
Is it possible to maintain potency after treatment? With Da Vinci robotic surgery, nerve-sparing techniques preserve erectile function in 60-85% of patients (depending on age and initial condition). Brachytherapy and HIFU have even higher rates — up to 80%.
What is the survival rate for stage 4 prostate cancer? The five-year survival rate is 28-35%, but new methods (Lutetium-177, combination therapy) significantly prolong life. Many patients live 7-10 years with a good quality of life.
Is hospitalization necessary for all types of treatment? Robotic surgery requires 2-3 days of hospitalization. Radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and PRRT are performed on an outpatient basis or in a day hospital.
Prices for prostate cancer treatment in Israel
The cost depends on the stage of the disease, the chosen treatment method, and the scope of diagnostics:
- Diagnostic package (3T MRI, PSMA PET, biopsy, consultations): $4,500–$6,800
- Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy: $22,000–$28,000
- IMRT radiotherapy (full course): $18,000–$24,000
- SBRT radiosurgery: $20,000–$26,000
- Brachytherapy: $14,000–$18,000
- Lutetium-177 PRRT (1 cycle): $9,500–$12,000
- Radium-223 therapy (full course): $65,000–$75,000
Prices include the work of the medical team, consumables, and 1-2 follow-up examinations. Medical Expert provides an accurate calculation after reviewing medical documents.
Israel's leading specialists in prostate cancer treatment
Our patients receive treatment from world-renowned experts:
- Prof. Raanan Berger — urological oncologist, pioneer of PRRT therapy in Israel
- Dr. Victoria Neuman — specialist in Da Vinci robotic surgery
- Prof. Zohar Dotan — expert in minimally invasive treatment methods
- Prof. Rafi Fefer — oncologist-radiotherapist with 25 years of experience
All doctors regularly undergo training at leading centers in the US and Europe and are involved in teaching and research activities.
Fill out the application for a free consultation — our medical coordinator will contact you within 2 hours, review your documents, and draw up a preliminary treatment program with exact prices. Get a second medical opinion from Israeli professors and learn about all the treatment options available to you.
