Many patients have more liver cancer treatment options than they realize
Liver cancer treatment options are numerous and will depend on the type and location of the cancer. The two general categories of treatment are focal treatments and systemic therapy. Focal treatments include options like surgery and radiation, while systemic therapy offers traditional chemotherapy.
The treatment pathway for patients battling liver cancer is complex. As a result, physicians often discuss the viable options for each patient at a multidisciplinary meeting.
Focal liver cancer treatment options
The world of focal liver cancer treatment options is vast. Each type of treatment works for specific types of patients, so doctors work to determine the best option for each person.
Hepatectomy is an option when liver cancer is confined to one part of the liver. In this situation, a specialized liver surgeon may evaluate a patient for a partial resection of the liver (hepatectomy). This treatment is typically for patients with healthy livers.
A liver transplant may help when liver cancer occurs in someone without a healthy liver. Several guidelines help determine when a liver transplant is appropriate. In general, ideal candidates have cancer confined to the liver and only have a few areas of cancer.
Radioembolization is a less invasive treatment for liver cancer. It is a non-surgical outpatient alternative to surgery that can help patients with a single tumor or multiple tumors. An interventional radiologist will position a small tube into the blood supply of the tumor. They will then drip tiny radioactive beads that will flow into the tumor. These beads deliver a lethal dose of radiation while sparing the uninvolved areas of the liver.
Chemoembolization is similar to radioembolization. However, it delivers a mix of chemotherapy and small beads to the liver tumors.
Traditional radiation therapy from a radiation oncologist can also treat liver cancer. A machine called a linear accelerator will generate a beam or focus of lethal radiation to an area of the liver. This treatment generally spares less normal liver than radioembolization.
Ablation of liver cancer is a third alternative to surgery. During an ablation, an interventional radiologist places a needle into the cancer and typically uses heat or ice to kill the tumor cells.
Systemic liver cancer treatment options
Systematic liver cancer treatment options affect cancer cells throughout the body. Doctors often recommend this option for advanced liver cancer or when localized treatments are not an option.
Targeted therapies are drugs that aim to block specific pathways of cancer cell growth or survival. Immunotherapy drugs will directly activate the immune system to target and kill cancer cells. Traditional chemotherapy is less favored for primary liver cancer, but it is often used when cancer elsewhere spreads to the liver.
Will I need a team of doctors during treatment?
If you are considering liver cancer treatment options, you may need an evaluation by a team of specialists, including hepatologists, oncologists, surgeons and interventional radiologists. Contact Summit Interventional Radiology to learn how our team can help you beat liver cancer with innovative and proven treatments.