Comprehensive Treatment Strategies for Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary cancer of the liver, typically develops in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. When diagnosed, patients often look into various treatment options tailored to their health status, age, liver function, and tumor stage. The following are common treatment approaches for liver cancer, offering hope for effective management and improved outcomes.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted medications focus on disrupting cancer cell growth. Sorafenib (Nexavar) is a prominent drug that inhibits blood vessel formation in tumors, effectively limiting their growth and spread.

Surgical Removal

This option involves excising the tumor-affected portion of the liver. It is suitable for candidates who are in good health, have confined tumors, and possess a well-functioning remaining liver.

Liver Transplantation

For early-stage liver cancer patients who are not candidates for surgery, liver transplantation presents a promising alternative. Despite its effectiveness, donor availability remains limited, and transplant surgery carries risks.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation aims to eliminate or reduce liver tumors by targeting cancer cells directly. Patients must stay still during procedures, which may cause side effects like fatigue and skin irritation.

Chemotherapy

In some cases, chemotherapy drugs are administered directly into the liver. However, this method has limited efficacy over time, and its benefits are often temporary.

Ablative Techniques

Therapies like radiofrequency ablation involve guiding a needle into the tumor to heat and destroy cancer cells. Cryoablation uses extreme cold to achieve the same goal, while alcohol injections can also eradicate tumor tissue during surgery or via needle insertion.