Liver Cancer
Specialized care for liver cancer including surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Liver Cancer
Solid Tumors
Overview
Specialized care for liver cancer including surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
When to Consult
Upon diagnosis of liver cancer, abnormal liver function tests, or suspicious liver imaging findings.
What to Bring
CT/MRI scans, liver biopsy reports, AFP blood test results, hepatitis test results, and liver function tests.
Risk Factors
Causes
Treatment Options
Surgical Resection
Partial hepatectomy (removal of part of the liver) for resectable tumors in patients with adequate liver function. Liver has regenerative capacity, allowing removal of up to 70-80% of liver tissue.
Liver Transplantation
Complete liver replacement for selected patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within Milan criteria. Offers potential cure but requires lifelong immunosuppression and careful patient selection.
Ablation Therapy
Localized tumor destruction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, or cryoablation. Minimally invasive procedures suitable for small tumors (<3-5cm) or patients not eligible for surgery.
Transarterial Therapies
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization (TARE) to deliver chemotherapy or radiation directly to liver tumors via hepatic artery. Effective for intermediate-stage HCC and can downstage tumors for surgery.
Targeted Therapy
Systemic treatments including sorafenib, lenvatinib (first-line), regorafenib, cabozantinib (second-line), and ramucirumab for advanced HCC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors that block tumor blood vessel formation and growth signals.
Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (atezolizumab + bevacizumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab) for advanced liver cancer. Particularly effective in combination with anti-angiogenic therapy, offering improved survival outcomes.