TV Personality Einat Erlich Diagnosed With Aggressive Brain Cancer

Israeli television personality Einat Erlich, 57, revealed last week that she has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and malignant brain tumor. Erlich shared the news on her Instagram account, stating, "I am no longer healthy. This week I was diagnosed with GBM, glioblastoma. Brain cancer. Words I never thought I would write about myself."

Dr. Ido Feldor, head of the Brain Tumor Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, explained to N12 that glioblastoma originates from brain cells and is not a metastasis from another part of the body. While it can occur at any age, its incidence increases with age, peaking between 50 and 70. The initial step in diagnosis is a tumor biopsy. Complete surgical removal of the tumor can extend life, but glioblastoma is not curable.

Treatment protocols involve a combination of radiation and chemotherapy for several months following surgery or biopsy, if complete removal is not possible or too risky. Regular follow-up MRIs and patient evaluations determine subsequent treatment. Alternative treatments like tumor-treating fields (TTFields) and intra-tumoral chemotherapy can also prolong life but do not offer a cure. Currently, no specific risk factors for developing glioblastoma are known, and there is no evidence linking smoking, diet, exercise, or mobile phone radiation to an increased risk.

Erlich underwent surgery last week to remove the tumor, describing it as "complex and very successful." She acknowledged experiencing fear, anger, and sadness following the diagnosis but emphasized the overwhelming love and support she has received from her family, friends, and partner. She stated her intention to embark on a journey toward healing, drawing on her lifelong belief in healthy living and the human body's strength, declaring, "I am strong. I am well. I am on my feet. And I will win. There is no other option!"