Chemotherapy in Modern Oncology

No, not at all. And actually, this is one of the most common fears I hear. People hear the diagnosis and immediately think chemotherapy is inevitable.

But in reality, it’s much more nuanced. Sometimes we don’t recommend chemotherapy at all. In some cases, targeted therapy is a better option, sometimes immunotherapy, and occasionally we even start with observation.

I always tell my patients — first we need to understand the tumor type, stage, test results, and molecular markers. Only after that do we decide on treatment.

So no, chemotherapy is not for everyone. And it’s definitely not always the first option.

This is probably the number one concern for most patients. Many people still think about chemotherapy the way it was 20 years ago — severe side effects, hospitalizations, feeling very sick.

But things have changed significantly. The drugs are different now, and we have much better supportive treatments.

In practice, many of my patients continue working and maintaining their daily routines. Of course, everyone is different, and side effects can occur. But in many cases, chemotherapy is much easier than patients expect.

Sometimes the fear of chemotherapy is actually harder than the treatment itself.

There are several situations. Sometimes we recommend chemotherapy before surgery, to shrink the tumor. That’s quite common.

Other times, we recommend it after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

And sometimes chemotherapy is used in advanced disease, when our goal is to control the cancer and slow its progression.

We also often combine chemotherapy with immunotherapy or targeted therapy. In some cases, this combination can be very effective.

So it really depends on the situation. There’s no single answer that fits everyone.

Yes, of course. I’m always comfortable with that. In fact, sometimes I recommend it myself.

Chemotherapy in Israel is an important step, and patients should understand why a specific treatment is being recommended and what other options exist.

During a consultation, we review medical records, test results, and sometimes suggest alternative approaches. In some cases, there may be newer therapies or clinical trial options available.

Getting a second opinion is completely normal. It doesn’t mean someone made a mistake. Sometimes there are simply several valid treatment options.

In oncology, treatment is usually evaluated after 3–4 cycles, which typically takes about 2–3 months.

Patients often ask me to check earlier, but it’s important to understand that many drugs have a cumulative effect, and evaluating too early may not give accurate results.

Only in certain situations, for example if symptoms worsen, we may recommend earlier imaging or testing.

Every treatment plan is personalized, and decisions are always based on how the patient responds.

Yes, in many cases it can. Especially for patients coming from other countries.

Usually, patients send their medical records first — reports, imaging, pathology results. I review everything before the consultation, and then we discuss possible treatment options.

After that, we decide on the next steps. Some patients come to Israel for treatment, while others continue treatment in their home country with our recommendations.

A remote consultation is often the first and very helpful step. It allows patients to understand whether they are on the right path without needing to travel immediately.

Yes, absolutely. And actually, many of my patients come from abroad.

Often patients are looking for a second opinion, clarification of treatment options, or access to advanced therapies available in Israel.

Patients send their documents in advance. Our international medical team organizes the information so that the clinical picture is clear. If something is missing, I request additional information.

We then schedule the consultation, usually via Zoom or WhatsApp video. After the consultation, the patient receives a structured treatment plan.

Clinical trials are not always a “last resort,” as many people think. Sometimes they are simply an opportunity to receive newer and more advanced treatment.

For example, clinical trials may include new medications, new combinations, or personalized treatment approaches. In some cases, these options can be very promising.

During the consultation, I evaluate whether a patient may be suitable for a clinical trial. Sometimes these options are available, sometimes not.

But it’s definitely worth discussing — especially in complex or advanced cases.