First in Israel: Cancer treatments at home

Sheba is now making it easier for cancer patients on immunotherapy by offering treatment at home. A nurse will come straight to a patient's home with all the equipment and medication needed, prepared by Sheba Medical Center’s pharmacy. This service is completely free.

Before treatment, the Ella Institute team, including a doctor and a nurse, checks the patient is feeling well, blood tests are normal, and there are no new side effects. In addition, they remain on standby during the home treatment to handle any issues that may arise.

This experimental treatment program, conducted by the Sheba Beyond Virtual Hospital in partnership with Leumit Health Services, marks the first time oncological care of this kind is being delivered at home in Israel.
 

No waiting in line, no searching for parking

Immunotherapy, which in recent years has become a significant part of treating and curing certain types of cancer, is a treatment that uses the immune system to fight the disease. Until now, this treatment was only available in hospitals and medical centers.

Moving care to the patient’s home comes with plenty of benefits - like saving time on travel, skipping the hassle of finding parking, avoiding long waits, and so much more.
Equally important is the ability to maintain daily routines and stay in a familiar and comforting home environment during treatment. "This helps create a sense of normalcy, showing that life goes on even with the illness," said Dr. Roni Shapira-Fromer, Director of the Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology and Melanoma at Sheba Medical Center.

From pilot to routine option

So far, three patients have joined the home treatment program, with three more taking part in the pilot. Based on what has been learned and the growing interest, Sheba Medical Center will explore making this treatment a regular option for all eligible patients.

Eligibility for treatment is determined based on guidelines from the Ella Institute, the Oncology Institute, and Sheba Beyond. Patients may qualify for home treatment if their doctor confirms they are clinically stable, have been receiving treatment for at least two months without major issues, and live within 40 km of Sheba Medical Center. Treatment is currently available for melanoma patients, but with the service expanding, it will soon be offered to patients on immunotherapy for lung cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, and more.