Healthcare with Confidence
Cancer immunotherapy in Israel is an innovative treatment approach that helps your own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
For some patients and cancer types, immunotherapy can be used instead of chemotherapy, but very often it is used together with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or surgery—depending on the diagnosis and stage.
Israel’s major oncology centers follow international evidence-based protocols added new cancer medicines and technologies, including therapies using innovative mechanisms such as immunotherapy and biologics.
What is immunotherapy (in simple terms)?
Immunotherapy is a group of treatments that boost or redirect the immune system so it can better find and destroy cancer cells.
The most widely used immunotherapy medicines today are immune checkpoint inhibitors.
They work by blocking “checkpoint” signals that can prevent immune cells (T-cells) from attacking cancer—essentially helping the immune system “take the brakes off.”
How does immunotherapy work—and what makes it unique?
Immunotherapy can help in two main ways:
- Activate immune cells so they respond more strongly to cancer
- Improve targeting, allowing immune cells to better recognize cancer cells
A key advantage is that, in some patients, immunotherapy can lead to longer-lasting responses because the immune system can “remember” cancer cells. However, it does not work for everyone—this is why biomarker testing and expert treatment planning matter.
What types of cancer immunotherapy are available in Israel?
Israel uses the same major immunotherapy categories used internationally. The right option depends on cancer type, stage, and biomarkers.
Checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1 / PD-L1 / CTLA-4)
These are commonly used across many cancers (for example: melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, head & neck cancer, bladder cancer, some GI cancers, and more—depending on approved indications and biomarkers).
Cellular immunotherapy (CAR-T and related therapies)
For certain blood cancers (and in research settings for other diseases), Israel offers advanced cellular therapies such as CAR-T at leading centers. For example, Sheba describes extensive CAR-T experience, including hundreds of treated patients and ongoing development.
Antibody-based immunotherapy and combinations
This includes monoclonal antibodies and immune-based combinations (often paired with chemo/targeted therapy). Your oncologist chooses these based on tumor biology and the latest evidence.
Clinical trials (next-generation immunotherapy)
Israel participates in clinical trials studying new immune approaches (new antibody formats, cell therapies, and combinations). Clinical trials can be especially important when standard options are limited.
Who may benefit most? (Why “personalized” matters)
Immunotherapy is not the same for every patient. Doctors often use biomarkers and tumor profiling to estimate the chance of benefit and to choose the best regimen.
Common tests that can guide immunotherapy decisions include:
- PD-L1 expression (often reported as CPS or TPS)
- MSI/MMR status (mismatch repair)
- Sometimes tumor mutational burden (TMB) and broader genomic profiling (depending on cancer type)
Israel also continues to expand genomic profiling / precision oncology infrastructure. For example, Hadassah has publicly described implementing comprehensive genomic profiling models to support more precise, personalized cancer treatment decisions.
Side effects: what patients should know (realistic + reassuring)
Compared with chemotherapy, immunotherapy side effects are often different, not always “milder.” Many patients feel well, but some develop immune-related inflammation that can affect organs such as:
- Skin (rash, itching)
- Thyroid/hormones (fatigue, weight changes)
- Gut (diarrhea/colitis)
- Liver (hepatitis—sometimes only seen on blood tests)
- Lungs (new cough, shortness of breath)
Important rule: report any new symptoms early. Many immune-related side effects are manageable when treated quickly.
What’s new in Israel (what patients notice in practice)
More modern oncology drugs and technologies enter routine care through national decisions—often including immunotherapy/biologic mechanisms for specific indications.
Growing emphasis on precision oncology (molecular/genomic testing) to better match patients to effective therapies and trials.
Eligibility still depends on exact diagnosis, indication, prior treatments.
How international patients start immunotherapy-focused care in Israel
Many patients begin with an online consultation or second opinion before traveling. A typical plan includes:
- Expert review of pathology + imaging
- Biomarker checklist (what’s already done, what’s missing)
- A clear written treatment strategy (standard options + trial options if relevant)
- Coordination of care at a major center and follow-up planning
What to send for a second opinion
- Pathology report + immunohistochemistry (PD-L1, MSI/MMR, and cancer-specific markers if relevant)
- Imaging reports (CT / PET-CT / MRI) + scan files if available
- Treatment summary (drugs, dates, response, side effects)
- Current symptoms + medication list
Want a clear, personalized plan from an Israeli cancer immunotherapy team?
⇒ Ask an Israeli oncologist (online consultation / second opinion)
⇒ Send your medical files for a treatment strategy
⇒ Cancer experts (oncologists) of Israel
Find immunotherapy information for your case
- Immunotherapy for bladder cancer
- Immunotherapy for colon cancer
- Immunotherapy for breast cancer
- Immunotherapy for esophageal cancer
- Immunotherapy for cervical cancer
- Immunotherapy for brain cancer
- Immunotherapy for lung cancer
- Immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
- Immunotherapy for kidney cancer
- Immunotherapy for leukemia
- Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer
- Immunotherapy for melanoma
- Immunotherapy for multiple myeloma
- Immunotherapy for childhood cancer
- Immunotherapy for prostate cancer
- Immunotherapy for liver cancer
- Immunotherapy for sarcoma
- Immunotherapy for stomach cancer
- Immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer
- Immunotherapy for lymphoma
