Treatment for liver cancer depends on several factors, including the size and location of the liver tumor, whether the cancer has spread to other organs, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of underlying liver disease. The treatment approach can involve surgery, local therapies, systemic treatments, or a combination of these strategies.

1. Surgery

In cases where the tumor is localized and the liver function is still relatively good, surgical resection or liver transplant may be the most effective treatments. Surgical resection involves removing the tumor along with a portion of the surrounding liver tissue. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with a single tumor that hasn’t spread.

Liver transplant is an option for patients with early-stage liver cancer but underlying cirrhosis or liver disease. In this procedure, the entire liver is replaced with a donor liver. Liver transplants are highly effective for patients whose liver function has significantly declined due to cirrhosis.

At Pi Health Cancer Hospital, Dr. Venugopal Arroju, a leading expert in medical oncology, ensures that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their specific condition, especially in complex liver cancer cases.

2. Ablation and Local Therapies

For patients who are not candidates for surgery, local therapies can be an effective treatment option. Ablation therapies destroy tumors without the need for an incision and are commonly used in early-stage liver cancer.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy cancer cells. It’s most often used for tumors that are small and haven’t spread. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done through the skin or with the assistance of imaging technology, like ultrasound or CT scans.

• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)

In transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), a catheter is inserted into the artery that supplies blood to the liver tumor. Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the tumor to destroy the cancer cells. This treatment is often combined with blocking the blood supply to the tumor, which helps prevent its growth.

3. Systemic Treatments

In cases where liver cancer has spread beyond the liver or if surgery and local therapies are not effective, systemic treatments may be recommended. Systemic treatments work by targeting cancer cells throughout the body.

• Chemotherapy

Traditional chemotherapy can sometimes be used for liver cancer, although it is not typically the first line of treatment due to limited effectiveness. However, it may still be an option for patients with advanced disease.

• Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are a newer class of cancer treatments that specifically target the molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. For liver cancer, sorafenib is one of the most commonly used targeted therapies. It works by blocking the signals that promote tumor growth and blood vessel formation.

• Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a revolutionary treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It works by boosting or manipulating immune responses to help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells. Drugs like nivolumab and pembrolizumab are currently used to treat liver cancer, especially when it is diagnosed at an advanced stage. Pi Health Cancer Hospital is involved in clinical trials that test these innovative therapies, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

4. Radiation Therapy

Although radiation therapy is not as commonly used for liver cancer as it is for other types, it can still be beneficial for patients with inoperable tumors or for palliative care. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to shrink or destroy cancer cells.