Is There a Cure for Liver Cancer? What Are the Options?
Surgery:
Tumors discovered at an early stage of liver cancer can often be removed. Patients with early-stage tumors have a higher chance of recovery. Unfortunately, in most cases of liver cancer, surgery may not be possible due to advanced disease progression or the patient’s overall health.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):
This method uses radiofrequency energy to destroy tumors. It is effective in certain cases of liver cancer and helps eliminate cancerous cells.
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE):
This treatment involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels supplying the tumors in the liver, which helps shrink the tumor and improve the patient’s condition.
Liver Transplantation:
Liver transplantation is an option for patients with liver cancer accompanied by liver cirrhosis. Despite the significant risks associated with the procedure, it provides a chance for a cure.
Medications and Supportive Care:
Most patients receive a combination of strong pain relievers, medications to alleviate nausea and bloating, and appetite enhancers. Sorafenib is the first drug that has shown significant improvement in the overall condition of patients with advanced liver cancer, where chemotherapy is not effective.
Treating liver cancer often requires a combination of therapies and measures to support overall health and provide the best chance for recovery.
From the book “100 Questions About the Liver” by Professor Dr. Gamal Shiha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Liver Foundation and Chairman of the Education and Scientific Research Committee in the House of Representatives.