Comprehensive Treatment Strategies for Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, specifically Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), is a primary liver malignancy that primarily affects individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. Patients diagnosed with HCC often seek information on available treatment options tailored to their age, overall health, liver function, and tumor stage. The main treatments include targeted therapy, surgical removal, liver transplantation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and minimally invasive ablation techniques.

Targeted therapy

This approach employs drugs designed to attack cancer cells specifically. Sorafenib (Nexavar) is a common targeted medication that inhibits blood vessel formation in tumors, hindering their growth.

Surgical removal

This technique involves excising the tumor-affected part of the liver. It’s most suitable for patients who are fit for surgery, have cancer confined within the liver, and possess good liver function.

Liver transplantation

For early-stage HCC patients unable to undergo surgery, liver transplant offers a promising solution. However, the availability of donor organs is limited, making this option less accessible for some.

Radiation therapy

This method employs high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or reduce tumor size. Precise patient immobilization during treatment is crucial, and side effects such as fatigue and skin irritation can occur.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves injecting potent drugs directly into the liver to kill cancer cells, though its effectiveness for long-term control is limited.

Ablation techniques

Minimally invasive options like radiofrequency ablation use electric currents to heat and destroy tumors, while cryoablation employs extreme cold. Additionally, alcohol injections can be used to eradicate cancer cells directly within the tumor.