Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) | Cancer Care

Ichilov Hospital opened in 1961 and forms part of today's Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. The institution has developed into a large public academic medical centre affiliated with Tel Aviv University. The names Ichilov and Sourasky are often used interchangeably, although the medical centre encompasses services beyond the original hospital.

Located in central Tel Aviv, it is a general hospital complex rather than a standalone cancer hospital. Cancer care therefore sits alongside other adult medical and surgical specialties. This setting can be relevant when patients need assessment of additional illnesses, complex surgery or management of treatment complications. The precise departments involved depend on the individual case.

Its oncology profile combines treatment of solid tumours with haematology and bone marrow transplantation. Clinical research, including early-phase drug studies, is another notable component. Academic status and research activity describe the institution's role; they do not establish that a particular treatment will be appropriate or produce better outcomes for an individual patient.

Blood cancers are a highlighted specialty, with haematology and bone marrow transplantation forming part of the centre's profile. Patients with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma should ask which disease-specific team would review their case and whether the proposed pathway involves medicines, transplantation or a clinical trial. Transplant suitability depends on factors including disease status, previous treatment, fitness and donor considerations.

Breast and lung cancers are also highlighted areas. Planning for these diseases commonly depends on stage, pathology and relevant biomarkers, rather than the organ of origin alone. Patients should clarify whether existing biopsy material is sufficient for local review and whether further molecular testing would change treatment recommendations.

Liver cancer is another stated specialty. Referral information should distinguish a primary liver tumour from cancer that has spread to the liver, as these require different assessments. Liver function, the extent of disease and previous treatment can all affect the options. Ask which liver-focused specialists would participate in the review.

Surgery is among the treatment approaches offered. Whether it is appropriate depends on the cancer type, its extent, the patient's general health and the purpose of treatment. An overseas surgical plan should explain the proposed procedure, likely inpatient and recovery requirements, and who will manage complications or subsequent treatment after the patient returns home.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are included in the centre's stated treatment profile. Neither is suitable for every cancer. Their use may depend on biomarkers, previous therapies, organ function and the evidence for a particular indication. Patients should distinguish an established treatment recommendation from access through a research study and confirm whether the proposed medicine can be continued at home.

Precision oncology uses features of the tumour, sometimes including molecular testing, to inform treatment selection. It is an approach to decision-making rather than a single treatment. Testing may identify an actionable finding, but it may also yield no suitable option. Ask what testing is proposed, whether existing results can be used and how findings would affect care.

These listed approaches are not a complete treatment inventory. Patients should confirm any additional requirements, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, symptom control or rehabilitation, including where each component would be delivered. A coordinated plan is particularly important if care will be split between Israel and the home country.

The supplied centre profile indicates around 250 active oncology clinical trials and identifies an early-phase trial unit. The figure is indicative: portfolios change, and an active study may be following existing participants rather than recruiting new ones. It should not be interpreted as the number of trials suitable for a particular diagnosis or open to international patients.

Consideration usually begins with clinical records and assessment against a study's eligibility criteria. These may include tumour subtype, biomarkers, previous treatments, general fitness and specific laboratory results. International patients should ask about current recruitment, overseas enrolment policies, screening requirements and the number of in-person visits. Early-phase studies investigate questions such as safety, dose and preliminary activity; benefit is uncertain. Trial participation can also create travel and monitoring obligations, and sponsorship does not necessarily cover all associated costs.

Before committing to travel, obtain a review of the diagnosis, stage and previous treatment history. Ask for the proposed next step, its clinical purpose and whether additional tests must be performed in Tel Aviv. A preliminary opinion may change after pathology review or an in-person examination. Patients needing urgent treatment should discuss with their current team whether an overseas assessment could cause a harmful delay.

Plan the visit around the entire care pathway, not only the first appointment. Clarify accommodation needs, caregiver support, payment arrangements and local management of side effects. Check current entry requirements, travel advice and transport availability before booking. Agree how records and recommendations will reach the home oncology team, and identify who will provide prescriptions, monitoring and emergency care after return.

Contact details below come from the hospital's own published international patient information.

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel

Email: international@tlvmc.gov.il

Phone: +972 3 697 4444

Website: https://www.tasmc.org.il

Languages supported: Hebrew, English, Russian, Arabic

Remote second opinion: Available

Always confirm current contact details on the hospital's own website before sending medical records, and never send documents to an address you have not verified.