10 years helping families of children with neuroblastoma get treatment abroad. We recommend only verified doctors.
Doctor selection and support are free of charge for you.You pay the clinic only after you arrive.
Get a personalized selection of leading pediatric oncologists for neuroblastoma treatment
Answer 3 short questions. Our doctor-coordinator will help you compare options and choose a specialist for your treatment.
Get a treatment plan and cost before you travel
Step 1 of 4
We will help you choose a clinic for your caseOur doctor-coordinator will review your medical records, explain the differences between clinics and help you choose the right specialist.
When selecting clinics, our doctor-coordinators consider the specialists' experience in treating neuroblastoma in children, the clinic's capabilities and our experience supporting patients there. We recommend a specific doctor and clinic after reviewing your medical records.
Pediatric hospitalMolecular testing of the tumorImmunotherapy
Why this clinic is considered for neuroblastoma treatment
Pediatric hospital with neuroblastoma expertise
Specialists at Sant Joan de Déu carry out molecular testing of neuroblastoma and use the results to decide whether a child needs intensive therapy or gentler methods are enough. It is also one of the few centers that offer immunotherapy for patients with neuroblastoma.
About the clinic, certification and services+
Sant Joan de Déu is a leading multidisciplinary pediatric hospital in Barcelona, treating more than 200,000 patients under the age of 21 every year. Oncohematology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology and cardiology are among its main specialties. The hospital offers a child-friendly environment, including psychological support and hospital clown programs.
Certificates and accreditations
Universitat de Barcelona
European Reference Networks
Union Europea
European Children's Hospitals Organisatio
The best specialty clinics in the world 2022 according to Newsweek magazine
Additional services:
Transfer from / to the airport · Visa assistance · Personal assistant · Internet · Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets · Translator · Accommodation for accompanying person · Single room
Service terms and the specific branch are confirmed in the treatment plan.
Why this clinic is considered for neuroblastoma treatment
Oncology centers of a large medical group
Acibadem is one of the largest medical groups in Turkey, with specialized centers for oncology and organ transplantation. For a child with neuroblastoma, it is important to choose a specific hospital in the network and a team of pediatric specialists. The coordinator confirms treatment options at the relevant branch before you travel.
About the clinic, certification and services+
Acibadem is a medical group that receives more than 40,000 patients from different countries every year. The network includes 22 university clinics in 5 countries. Specialists and equipment differ between hospitals in the network, so the branch is chosen for each specific case.
Certificates and accreditations
ISO 27001 Information Security Management System
Quality Management System Certification for compliance with ISO 9001 in the German accreditation system DAkkS
Joint Commission International
ISO 15189
The World's Best Hospitals 2019
Additional services:
Transfer from / to the airport · Visa assistance · Personal assistant · Internet · Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets · Translator · Accommodation for accompanying person · Single room
Service terms and the specific branch are confirmed in the treatment plan.
Why this clinic is considered for neuroblastoma treatment
Multidisciplinary hospital with an oncology center
Oncology is one of the clinic's main specialties, and it has a dedicated Oncology Center. A multidisciplinary hospital allows tests and treatment to be carried out in one place. The coordinator agrees on the involvement of pediatric oncologists and the program for the child before you travel.
About the clinic, certification and services+
Memorial Bahcelievler is one of the largest multidisciplinary medical centers in Turkey and part of the Memorial Hospitals Group. The hospital meets international quality standards, confirmed by JCI accreditation and ISO certificates. Its specialized centers are in demand among international patients.
Certificates and accreditations
JCI American Medical Institutions Accreditation
quality certificate ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001
Additional services:
Transfer from / to the airport · Visa assistance · Personal assistant · Internet · Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets · Translator · Accommodation for accompanying person · Single room
Service terms and the specific branch are confirmed in the treatment plan.
The Experts Medical database includes specialists we check for qualifications, relevant experience and reputation. We also assess the clinic, the team and aftercare support.
Our doctor-coordinator reviews your medical records and recommends a specialist experienced in similar cases. When choosing, we consider the clinic's capabilities, your budget and preferences, and our experience supporting patients with this doctor.
Expert in the treatment of neuroblastoma and other solid tumors in children. Scientific Director of the Department of Oncology and Hematology; member of SIOP since 2001.
Experience and achievements+
Scientific Director of the Department of Oncology and Hematology
American Association for Cancer Research (since 1998).
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (since 1998).
International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) (since 2001).
IOZK · immuno-oncology
Stephan Van Gool
Neurooncologist, immunologist
Pediatric hemato-oncologist specializing in immunotherapy for solid tumors in children and adults. Medical Director of Translational Oncology at IOZK; author of 155 international scientific publications.
Experience and achievements+
Pediatric hemato-oncology, certified in Belgium on 31/07/1996
Specialist in Pediatrics, certified in Germany on 09/03/2016
Professional activity
Clinical worker in the Department of Pediatric Oncology from June 1996 to March 2015
Professor at KU Leuven from October 1996 to October 2016
Senior Clinical Investigator at the Research Foundation, Belgium, October 2001 to September 2016
Medical Director of Translational Oncology at IOZK since September 2015
Awards
10 international and 8 Belgian scientific awards
Academic community
European Working Group Coordinator for High Grade Glioma, July 2005 – June 2009
SIOPE Co-Chair of the Brain Tumor Group from July 2014 to June 2017.
Member of the Supreme Court of Health in Belgium from 2008 to 2012
155 international peer-reviewed scientific publications
Experience
Pediatric hemato-oncology with a focus on neuro-oncology
Basic scientific preclinical research in the field of tumor immunology
Translational immuno-oncology in adults and children with solid tumors or brain tumors
Multimodal immunotherapy for adults and children with solid tumors or brain tumors
18years of experience
Pediatric oncology
Prof. Ahmet Demir
Oncohematologist
Professor and pediatric oncologist. Member of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) and the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG).
Experience and achievements+
International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP);
Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG);
Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM);
Turkish Medical Association (TTB).
21years of experience
Pediatric oncology
Prof. Fund Vesile Chorapchoglu
Pediatric oncohematologist
Professor and pediatric oncologist. Member of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine at Kocaeli University and of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology.
Experience and achievements+
Prof. Fund Vesile Chorapchoglu Member of the Board of the Medical Faculty of the University of Kocaeli.
Membership in associations:
International Society of Pediatric Oncology
Turkish Foundation for Cancer and War Research
Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group
Get a second opinion before you travel
Our doctor-coordinator will review your medical records and choose a specialist experienced in treating neuroblastoma in children. We will arrange for the chosen doctor to review your case so you can discuss the treatment plan and its cost before you travel.
How we organize your treatment abroad
01We review your situation
The doctor-coordinator reviews your medical records and clarifies your preferences, budget and travel dates.
02We select a doctor and clinic
We recommend a specialist experienced in similar cases, taking into account the clinic's capabilities and our experience supporting patients there.
03We agree on the plan and cost
We arrange for a specialist doctor to review your case and help you understand the proposed plan, the services included and the cost.
04We organize your trip
We agree on appointment dates and help with tickets, visa, transfers and accommodation.
05We support you during treatment
Your doctor-coordinator stays in touch and helps with practical matters and communication with the clinic.
06We stay with you after you return
We help you get the necessary documents, arrange follow-up consultations and stay in touch with your doctor.
Additional services
Free
Visa assistance
Airport transfers
Personal doctor-coordinator
Accommodation and flight booking
Interpreter
Accommodation for a companion
Private room
More about neuroblastoma and its treatment
More about diagnoses, treatment methods and clinics abroad
The intensity and content of treatment depend on the risk group assigned to the child after testing, based on age, stage and the molecular features of the tumor. Pediatric oncologists decide which methods are needed and in what order.
Surgical removal
the main method in the early stages
A small tumor is removed completely, but if it lies close to vital organs, the surgeon may remove only part of it. Chemotherapy is sometimes given before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Chemotherapy
drug treatment in cycles
Children in the intermediate-risk group receive a standard course of chemotherapy. In the high-risk group, more intensive regimens are used, including high-dose chemotherapy.
In high-risk children, the child's own stem cells collected in advance are given back after intensive chemotherapy. They help restore blood cell production.
It is prescribed for children in the high- and intermediate-risk groups, as well as for inoperable tumors. The radiation field is planned to spare growing tissue as much as possible.
Monoclonal antibodies (protein drugs that recognize tumor cells) are used in combination with cytokines. This treatment aims to reduce the likelihood of relapse and consolidate remission.
The drug accumulates in neuroblastoma cells and irradiates them from within. It is used alone or together with chemotherapy to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Which treatment methods suit your case?
Our doctor-coordinator will review your medical records and find a specialist to assess your treatment options.
COST AND SCOPE OF PROGRAMS
How much does neuroblastoma treatment abroad cost?
The cost depends on the treatment method, the extent of the procedure and the length of stay at the clinic. Our doctor-coordinator will help you compare clinic offers by cost and services included. The clinic will prepare a personalized estimate after reviewing your medical records.
What the program may include
Diagnostics
Prescribed treatment
Hospital stay
Follow-up tests
The doctor decides which stages are needed. The clinic confirms the list of included services and the final cost in a personalized estimate.
Prices are approximate. The final cost depends on your personalized treatment plan and the services included.
How the price is formed and what the budget includes+
What affects the cost
The treatment method and extent, the chosen clinic, the length of hospital stay and the need for additional tests.
Which medical expenses to check
Tests, doctors' fees, inpatient stay, medication and follow-up consultations. What is included depends on the program.
Which travel expenses to plan for
Flights, accommodation outside the clinic, transfers, an interpreter and a companion's stay. The doctor-coordinator will clarify what is included in the offer and what is paid separately.
Get a personalized plan with a price
Doctor selection and support are free of charge for you.
No markups. You pay for treatment directly at the clinic.
Diagnostics before neuroblastoma treatment
Before drawing up a treatment plan, doctors review the tests you have already had and decide whether additional ones are needed. Some records can be assessed before you travel.
Which tests may be needed+
Ultrasound, CT or MRI are used to assess the tumor. MIBG scintigraphy (a scan with a tracer that accumulates in neuroblastoma cells) helps find lesions in different parts of the body. A urine test for catecholamine breakdown products completes the picture.
The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy. The bone marrow is examined if needed. Not every child needs the full list: doctors take into account the results you already have.
Why molecular testing of the tumor matters+
The risk group depends on the molecular features of the tumor, such as changes in the MYCN gene. Based on it, doctors decide whether intensive therapy is needed or gentler methods are enough.
What can be assessed before you travel+
Based on existing scans, reports and biopsy results, a pediatric oncologist can make a preliminary assessment of treatment options and prepare an approximate plan.
The clinic often re-examines the existing biopsy slides and blocks. The final plan is confirmed after the child is examined and the necessary tests are done.
TREATMENT IN DETAIL
Neuroblastoma treatment abroad in detail
Technologies, indications and stages of treatment.
Approaches for treatment of neuroblastoma+
The intensity of therapy and the level of complexity of the complex treatment program are determined by the risk group, which, according to the results of the survey, includes a small patient with a malignant neoplasm. Let’s consider the main methods that have proven effective in the fight against neuroblastoma.
Surgical removal
In the early stages of the disease, the tumor must be surgically removed. The operation may be preceded by a course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the purpose of which is to reduce the size of the node and reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence, and metastasis.
Chemotherapy
Patients in the intermediate-risk group receive a standard course of chemotherapy. In high-risk children, it is reasonable to use high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation, followed by maintenance treatment with cis-retinoid acid.
Radiation therapy
It is prescribed for children from high and medium-risk groups, as well as for patients with an inoperable tumor. Immunotherapy The administration of monoclonal antibodies against malignant neoplasm antigens in combination with cytokines can significantly increase the likelihood of survival and recovery in high-risk patients. It is carried out as the final stage of treatment to reduce the likelihood of relapse and consolidate remission.
Where is the best place to treat neuroblastoma?+
In our country, there are not so many opportunities for the full treatment of cancer patients. Insufficient technical equipment in our clinics and the lack of opportunities for the use of a number of modern methods of treatment are the reasons why parents increasingly prefer foreign medical centers.
In Turkey, where the equipment is updated every 5 years of use, the Memorial Clinic (Ankara) is worthy of attention. Here all conditions are created for the diagnosis of neuroblastoma at the early stages of its development, removal of the tumor node by the most sparing, and at the same time effective methods.
In Israel with the general high development of medicine and the active introduction of modern methods of diagnostics and therapy, we recommend the Ichilov Clinic (Tel Aviv). This medical center employs leading specialists in the field of pediatric oncology and hematology.
In Spain, the leading position is occupied by the Sant Joan de Deu Hospital (Barcelona), whose specialists conduct a molecular study of neuroblastoma in a child and, based on the data obtained, determine whether the patient needs aggressive therapy or can be limited to relatively gentle methods. It is also one of the few centers that offer immunotherapy for patients with neuroblastoma.
Choosing a clinic and organizing a trip are complex tasks, the solution of which often takes the precious time of a small patient. Experts Medical understands this like no other. Therefore, all consultations, assistance to patients, and their accompanying relatives at any stage of the trip will cost you nothing. Do you have any questions? Contact us!
Which method or combination of methods is right for you is decided by a medical board after reviewing your records.
Get a personalized treatment plan and price after an assessment by a pediatric oncologist
Neuroblastoma treatment for children
Neuroblastoma is most often diagnosed in young children, so when choosing a clinic, the pediatric oncologists' experience with this particular tumor matters. Our doctor-coordinator will review the medical records and help you choose a specialized team abroad.
Pediatric oncologists experienced in neuroblastoma
We select a specialist who treats similar cases in children.
Organizing treatment
We help arrange tests, consultations and the treatment program.
Support for the family
We help with travel, accommodation for a companion and communication with the clinic.
We help pay for children's treatment
We help families apply to charitable foundations for financial support for a child's treatment.
Whether help is available and how much depends on the foundation's terms and decision.
How we help after you return home+
We help you get the discharge summary and the clinic's recommendations for further treatment and monitoring.
If needed, we help arrange translation of your medical records.
We arrange follow-up consultations with the clinic's doctors, including online. We confirm the format and cost of the consultation in advance.
We help you get answers from your doctor to questions about the recommendations you received.
Sample day-by-day program
The actual schedule, hospital stay and length of the trip are determined by the doctor.
Tumor removal surgery
Hospitalization
5 days
Trip duration
10 days
Day 1Meeting at the airport, consultation, examination
not required (depending on the patient's condition)
Trip duration
about 18 days
Day 1Meeting at the airport, consultation, examination
Days 2-16Radiation therapy
Day 17Follow-up examination
Day 18Airport transfer
High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant: sample day-by-day program
Hospitalization
45 days
Trip duration
70 days
Day 1Meeting at the airport, hospitalization
Days 1-4Examination, collection of stem cells
Day 5Immunotherapy
Days 7-11High dose chemotherapy
Day 12Autologous bone marrow transplant
Day 45Discharge, hotel check-in
Days 45-69Outpatient control and medical supervision
Day 70Airport transfer
What happens after you contact us
A doctor-coordinator reviews your situation
They will review your medical records, clarify your preferences and help you choose the right specialist.
The doctor you choose reviews your case
The coordinator arranges for your records to be reviewed by a specialist experienced in treating neuroblastoma in children.
You receive a plan and cost
Before you travel, you can review the clinic's offer, the services included and the planned length of stay.
Get an online consultation with a pediatric oncologist abroad
We will help you choose a specialist and arrange an online consultation based on your child's medical records.
You can contact us even without a full set of records.
Reviews of neuroblastoma treatment
Sofia
Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
★★★★★5/5
Thanks to the efforts of the doctors at the Memorial Clinic in Ankara, Sofia has been in complete remission for 2 years
Daniel
20/05/2020 Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
★★★★★5/5
Our son was examined in Russia for several months, but no one could say what happened to the child.
Having finally lost hope, we went to the Israeli San Juan de Deu, where our son was examined and diagnosed in 2 days. Of course, it was difficult to find out that my son had neuroblastoma. Therefore, a month later we returned home after…
Tatyana Orenko
01/03/2019 Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
★★★★★5/5
When neuroblastoma was found in us, it was clear that we had nothing to do in Ukrainian clinics.
Immediately they began to look for options for foreign hospitals where children’s oncology is treated well. We stopped at several hospitals, of which we have already chosen Sant Joan de Deu, where the best oncology department for small…
Alina Pozhar
19/09/2019 Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
★★★★★5/5
When my daughter Mariana was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, our Israeli relatives organized a trip for treatment.
Chemotherapy was scheduled and the prognosis was not the best. But after 2 courses, there was an improvement, it became possible to take the bone marrow for autotransplantation. After 4 courses, the neuroblastoma was removed during the…
The tumor is still inoperable, so we are waiting for 2 more cycles of chemotherapy.
But the most important thing for us is that my child got a chance to survive, fully recover and return to a normal life.
Olga
09/01/2018 Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
★★★★★5/5
My daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of one and a half.
This was terrible news for our family, especially considering that our Russian doctors were not encouraging in terms of prognosis. The foreign clinic was chosen according to information from the net. We chose TOP Assuta. Our daughter was…
Snezhanna
07/02/2019 Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
★★★★★5/5
My son finished treatment for neuroblastoma more than a year ago.
We were in the Israeli clinic Assuta. Now we are only periodically examined in order to be sure that the disease has receded. If we had stayed in Russia for treatment, then most likely my child would no longer be alive. Our doctors said…
Irina
15/07/2020 Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
★★★★☆4/5
The first was chemotherapy.
After that, the tumor was removed and my brother was observed in the clinic for some time. Now my brother and I are back home. I have the best memories of the hospital and staff. We always had a guide who spoke Russian with us. The only…
Reviews describe personal experiences and do not guarantee the same treatment results.
Questions and answers
About choosing a doctor, costs and preparing for treatment.
Can I get a treatment plan and cost before we travel?
Yes. Our doctor-coordinator will review your child's medical records, help you choose a pediatric oncologist and arrange for the case to be reviewed. Based on test and biopsy results, the clinic will prepare a preliminary program and cost estimate. The final plan is confirmed after an examination at the clinic.
What is the prognosis for neuroblastoma?
The prognosis largely depends on the risk group: the child's age, the stage and the molecular features of the tumor. In low-risk cases, treatment may be less intensive, while high-risk cases require a comprehensive program. Only a pediatric oncologist can assess your child's situation after reviewing the records.
How long does treatment abroad take?
It depends on the prescribed treatment. According to the clinics' programs, a trip for tumor removal takes about 10 days, a course of radiation therapy about 18 days, and high-dose chemotherapy with a stem cell transplant about 70 days, including about 45 days in hospital. The clinic will state the timing for your child in a personalized program.
Is surgery always necessary?
No. If the tumor is small, doctors try to remove it completely. If it lies close to vital structures, the surgeon may remove only part of it, or doctors may choose other methods, such as chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy.
What if neuroblastoma comes back?
In case of relapse, doctors consider chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, iodine-131 MIBG therapy and targeted drugs for ALK gene changes. Participation in clinical trials is sometimes offered. Discharge summaries on all previous treatment are important for the assessment.
Which documents are needed to review the case?
Prepare the diagnosis report, CT, MRI or scintigraphy scans with reports, biopsy and molecular test results, blood and urine tests and discharge summaries on previous treatment. If some records are missing, the coordinator will tell you which tests are still needed.
Do medical records need to be translated?
Before ordering a translation yourself, check the requirements with your doctor-coordinator. They will tell you which documents the chosen clinic needs and in what format to send them, and will help arrange a translation if necessary.
Can parents stay with the child?
Yes. Let your doctor-coordinator know who will accompany the child. They will help clarify the conditions for a parent's stay at the clinic and accommodation options nearby. Accommodation rules depend on the clinic and the treatment program.
Is there help with paying for a child's treatment?
We help families apply to charitable foundations for support with a child's treatment. Whether help is available and how much depends on the foundation's terms and decision. Your doctor-coordinator will provide details.
You can also reach out to us right now using the most convenient channel for you:
The information on the epxerts-medical.com website is provided for informational purposes only, is not a guide to action and should not be construed as a medical consultation or recommendations for treatment from the experts-medical.com site. All decisions on the choice of treatment methods and medical care should be made only by a specialised doctor after examining the patient's medical situation.
