 |
| Photo from healthjade.net |
The liver is the body’s largest internal organ. It is essential in the digestion of meals. Nobody can exist without a liver. Among the liver’s functions are:
- Blood collection and filtration from the intestines
- Processing and storing nutrients taken by the intestines
- converting some nutrients into energy or chemicals required for tissue repair and growth
- Providing some of the body’s blood-clotting factors
- Toxin removal from the body
- Assisting in the maintenance of the body’s normal sugar level
Cancer develops when healthy cells mutate and expand uncontrollably, generating a mass known as a tumor. A tumor might be malignant or noncancerous. A malignant tumor is one that can grow and spread to other regions of the body. A benign tumor is one that can develop but does not spread.
Cancer that began in another part of the body is more likely to spread to the liver. This is referred to as metastatic cancer. Cancer that has spread to the liver from another part of the body is not liver cancer, but rather cancer that has spread to the liver from another area of the body. Pancreatic, colon, stomach, breast, lung, or another type of cancer that has progressed to the liver, for example, is still termed after the organ in which it began. This is significant because liver cancer is handled differently than cancer that begins in another organ and travels to the liver.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PRIMARY LIVER CANCER I ADULTS?
Adults can develop numerous forms of primary liver cancer. They are named after the sort of cell that gives rise to the cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Hepatocellular carcinoma can grow in a variety of ways. Tentacle-like growths spread throughout the liver in some cases. This is the most popular pattern in the United States. Some begin as a solitary tumor and expand to various areas of the liver as the disease progresses. Others form nodules in various locations throughout the liver. Occasionally, a pattern is obscured. Hepatocellular carcinomas account for approximately 75% of all primary liver malignancies in adulthood.
Cholangiocarcinoma, also called bile duct cancer: A cholangiocarcinoma arises from cells in the liver’s bile duct. The bile duct is a narrow tube that connects the liver to the small intestine. The bile duct begins inside the liver as a series of smaller tubes that connect. Cholangiocarcinomas account for 10% to 20% of all primary liver cancers in adulthood.
Angiosarcoma: Angiosarcoma develops rapidly in the blood vessels of the liver. Angiosarcomas account for about 1% of all primary liver cancers in adulthood.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LIVER CANCER?
People with liver cancer may have no symptoms, especially if the tumor is discovered early as part of a screening program. A symptom, such as weariness, nausea, or discomfort, is something that only the person experiencing it can identify and explain. A symptom is something that others can recognize and quantify, such as a fever, rash, or an increased pulse. Signs and symptoms, when combined, can assist describe a medical situation. When liver cancer symptoms or signs do appear, they may include those listed below. Alternatively, the origin of a symptom or sign could be a medical disease other than cancer.
- Pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, near the right shoulder blade, or in the back
- Unknown cause of weight loss
- A hard bump under the ribs on the right side of the body, which could indicate a tumor or an indication that the liver has grown in size.
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes).
When HCC is identified, some people already know they have cirrhosis and are being treated by a doctor. Cirrhosis, rather than the tumor, may be to blame for some of the symptoms reported by persons with HCC. These symptoms include abdomen swelling caused by fluid buildup (ascites) and the need for extra water tablets (diuretics) to manage the fluid accumulation. Hepatic encephalopathy (mental disorientation) and esophageal or stomach hemorrhage, as well as any worsening of the illness, may further indicate malignancy.
Please consult your doctor if you are concerned about any changes you are experiencing. In addition to other questions, your doctor will inquire as to how long and how frequently you have been experiencing the symptom(s). This is done to assist in determining the cause of the condition, which is referred to as a diagnostic.
If liver cancer is discovered, symptom relief is an important element of cancer care and treatment. This is also referred to as “palliative care” or “supporting care.” It is frequently initiated shortly after diagnosis and continues throughout treatment. Make an appointment with your health care provider.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF LIVER CANCER?
Staging describes where the cancer is present, whether or not it has spread, and whether or not it is impacting other sections of the body. Staging a cancer helps assess the disease’s prognosis, or possibility of recovery, as well as the forms of treatment that are most appropriate. Only early-stage liver cancer can be cured in most cases.
Doctors utilize diagnostic tests to determine the stage of cancer, therefore staging may not be complete until all of the tests are completed. Knowing the stage allows the doctor to propose the appropriate treatment and may help predict a patient’s prognosis. Distinct forms of cancer have different stage descriptions.
BCLC system of staging
Doctors frequently utilize the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) method to characterize HCC and offer treatment options, which are detailed under Types of Treatment. HCC is classified by the BCLC system based on tumor features, liver function, performance status, and cancer-related symptoms.
BCLC stage classifications include:
- Very early stage: The tumor is less than 2 millimeters in diameter (cm). There is no increased pressure in the portal vein, which is one of the liver’s main blood veins. Bilirubin levels are normal, which is the chemical that causes jaundice. Surgery is frequently advised.
- Early stage: The tumor is less than 5 cm in diameter. The liver’s function varies. There may be no increase in portal vein pressure, an increase in portal vein pressure with normal bilirubin levels, or an increase in portal vein pressure with elevated bilirubin levels. Early-stage illness patients may be candidates for a liver transplant, surgery, or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
- Intermediate stage: The tumor could be huge or there could be several tumors. Regional therapy, such as transarterial chemoembolization, are typically recommended by doctors.
- Advanced stage: The tumor has infiltrated the portal vein or has migrated to other regions of the body, including the lymph nodes, lungs, and bones. Targeted therapy is frequently recommended by doctors.
HOW IS LIVER CANCER DIAGNOSED?
Many tests are used by doctors to detect or diagnose cancer. They also perform tests to see whether the cancer has spread to another place of the body from where it began. This is referred as as metastasis. Imaging tests, for example, can reveal whether or not the cancer has spread. Images of the inside of the body are produced via imaging tests. Doctors may also conduct tests to determine which treatments are most likely to be effective.
A biopsy is the only definite way for a clinician to know whether a part of the body has cancer in most cases of cancer. During a biopsy, the doctor extracts a small sample of tissue for laboratory testing. If a biopsy is not possible or recommended, the doctor may propose alternative tests to aid in the diagnosis.
There are numerous tests available to diagnose liver cancer. Not all of the tests outlined here will be utilized on every individual. When selecting a diagnostic test, your doctor may take the following variables into account:
- The cancer type suspected
- Your symptoms and signs
- Your age and general well-being
- The outcomes of previous medical test
The following tests may be performed to diagnose HCC. Not all of the tests described below will be administered to every individual.
Physical examination: If a patient has HCC symptoms, the doctor will examine the abdomen for lumps, swelling, or other changes in the liver, spleen, and other adjacent organs. The doctor will also search for signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, as well as an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
Blood tests: In addition to the physical examination, the doctor will most likely perform a blood test to search for a protein known as AFP. In the United States, AFP is identified in increased levels in the blood of approximately 50% to 70% of people with HCC. The doctor will also examine the patient’s blood to discover if hepatitis B or C is present. Other blood tests can reveal how well the liver is functioning.
In addition, various tests are frequently required to identify HCC, determine the location of the tumor in the liver, and determine whether it has migrated to other regions of the body. Following the physical exam and blood testing, the doctor may suggest one or more of the following tests:
Ultrasound: An ultrasound creates a picture of the structures inside the body by using sound waves. The sound waves are reflected by the liver, other organs, and malignancies. Each produces a unique image on a computer monitor.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI produces detailed images of the body by using magnetic fields rather than x-rays. The tumor’s size can be determined via an MRI. To provide a crisper image, a special dye known as a contrast medium is administered before to the scan. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or administered orally as a beverage.
Angiogram: An angiogram is an x-ray picture of the blood arteries. An x-ray is taken after a dye is put into the bloodstream to make the blood vessels of the liver visible.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan: A CT scan uses x-rays gathered from various angles to build a 3-dimensional image of the inside of the body. A computer combines these images to create a thorough cross-sectional view of any anomalies or malignancies. To improve image detail, a specific dye known as a contrast medium is sometimes administered before to the scan. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or administered orally as a beverage. HCC is frequently identified based on cancer-specific characteristics found on a CT scan. This allows people to avoid having a liver biopsy. A CT scan can be performed to determine the size of the tumor.
Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a test that allows the doctor to view within the body using a thin, illuminated, flexible tube known as a laparoscope. As the tube is put through a tiny incision in the abdomen, the patient is anesthetized. Sedation is the use of drugs to make a person relax and asleep. To numb the area, local anesthetic is also administered. Laparoscopy is only performed in rare cases to diagnose liver cancer.
Biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination. The material is next examined by a pathologist (s). A pathologist is a medical professional who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and assessing cells, tissues, and organs to identify disease.
The sort of biopsy used will be determined by the location of the cancer. The biopsy can be performed as part of a laparoscopy, fine-needle aspiration, or core biopsy. Cells are extracted during a fine-needle aspiration utilizing a small needle introduced into the tumor. A thicker needle is used in a core biopsy. A radiologist performs either treatment, using an ultrasound to route the needle to the specific area of the liver harboring the tumor. The actual biopsy technique often takes less than one minute. It is usually not unpleasant, and only a few people experience issues as a result of the surgery.
Before the biopsy, your doctor will check to see if your blood clots normally. This reduces the possibility of post-procedural hemorrhage. If you have cirrhosis, your doctor may do a laparoscopy and biopsy to look at the non-cancerous area of your liver to decide the best treatment options.
A biopsy may not be required if the AFP blood test, CT scan, or MRI strongly suggests HCC and other test results are typical of HCC. Furthermore, if all or part of the liver is being removed, most surgeons will propose that a biopsy be performed as part of the surgery rather than as a separate treatment beforehand.
It’s also worth noting that with improved imaging tools, finding very small masses is easier. However, it is not always easy to determine the nature of a very small lump and if it is cancerous. In some cases, especially when the tumor is 1 centimeter or smaller in size, the doctor may advise “watch and wait.” This is referred to as active surveillance or watchful waiting. This means that the scans must be repeated every 3 to 6 months. If a subsequent scan reveals that the size has not changed, the surveillance strategy is maintained. If it continues to grow, the doctor will do a biopsy.
Biomarker testing of the tumor: Your doctor may advise you to undertake laboratory testing on a tumor sample to discover specific genes, proteins, and other tumor-specific components. This is also known as tumor molecular testing. The results of these tests will help you decide whether you should pursue targeted therapy as a therapeutic option.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR LIVER CANCER?
Different types of specialists frequently collaborate in cancer care to develop a patient’s overall treatment plan, which mixes many sorts of therapy. This is referred to as a multidisciplinary team. Other health care professionals on cancer care teams include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, nutritionists, and others.
Treatment options and recommendations are influenced by various factors, including:
- What proportion of the liver is impacted by cancer?
- Whether or if the cancer has spread.
- Preferences and general health of the patient
- The damage to the liver’s remaining cancer-free area
When a tumor is discovered at an early stage and the patient’s liver is functioning normally, treatment is directed at attempting to eradicate the cancer. Treatment for symptoms and side effects, which is a crucial element of cancer care, may also be included in the care plan. When liver cancer is discovered at a later stage or when the patient’s liver is not functioning well, the patient and doctor should discuss the aims of each therapy plan. At this phase, treatment aims may include decreasing cancer growth and alleviating symptoms to improve quality of life.
Take the time to read about all of your treatment options, and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. Discuss the aims of each treatment with your doctor, as well as what you can expect during treatment. These discussions are known as “shared decision-making.” When you and your doctors collaborate to identify therapies that meet the goals of your care, this is referred to as shared decision-making. Because there are various treatment choices for liver cancer, shared decision-making is very vital.
The various disease-directed treatment options for liver cancer can be classified based on whether they will cure the cancer or increase survival but will most likely not eliminate it. The following are descriptions of the most prevalent treatment choices, both disease-directed and those focused at managing side effects and symptoms.
TREATMENTS THAT TARGET THE DISEASE IN ORDER TO REMOVE AND MAYBE CURE HCC
When a tumor is discovered at an early stage, these treatments are more likely to be prescribed. They may not be advised to treat advanced stages of disease. Surgery, radiofrequency ablation, percutaneous ethanol injection, and radiation therapy are some of the treatments available.
Surgery
During a surgery, the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue are removed. It is expected to be the most effective disease-directed treatment, especially for patients with normal liver function and tumors that may be safely removed from a small area of the liver. If the tumor takes up too much of the liver, the liver is too damaged, the tumor has spread outside the liver, or the patient has other significant conditions, surgery may not be an option.
A surgical oncologist is a specialist who specializes in the surgical treatment of cancer. A hepatobiliary surgeon gets further training in liver and pancreas surgery. These operations are sometimes performed by liver transplant surgeons. Before undergoing surgery, consult with your health care team about the potential adverse effects of the procedure.
HCC is treated with two types of surgery:
- Hepatectomy: A hepatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a piece of the liver. A hepatectomy can only be performed if the malignancy is only in one area of the liver and the liver is otherwise healthy. The remaining part of the liver performs all of the liver’s activities. Within a few weeks, the liver may regain its usual size. Even if the tumor is tiny, a hepatectomy may be impossible if the patient has severe cirrhosis.
Pain, weakness, exhaustion, and transient liver failure are all possible adverse effects of a hepatectomy. The medical team will be on the lookout for signs of bleeding, infection, liver failure, or other conditions that require rapid attention.
- Liver transplantation: A liver transplant is sometimes performed. This treatment is only possible if certain conditions are met, such as having a specified tumor size and number, as well as finding a compatible donor. These criteria typically include having a single tumor that is 5 cm or smaller, or having three or fewer tumors that are all smaller than 3 cm. Because the number of accessible donor livers is extremely low, transplantation is not always a possibility.
Following a transplant, the patient will be constantly monitored for signals that the body is rejecting the new liver or that the tumor has returned. To avoid rejection, the patient must take medicine. These medications may induce negative effects such as facial puffiness, elevated blood pressure, or excessive body hair. The risks of major consequences after a liver transplant are substantial, including death from infection, the body’s rejection of the donor liver, and an increased risk of other associated malignancies.Because liver transplantation eliminates both the tumor and the damaged liver, it is a very successful treatment for those with tiny tumors. However, because there are few donors, persons in need of a liver transplant may have to wait a long period before one becomes available. The condition may worsen at this time. The transplant center will tell you how long the wait will be and what rules are in place to prioritize those on the waiting list.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Both RFA and microwave therapy employ heat to kill cancer cells. They can be administered through the skin, via laparoscopy, or during a surgical procedure while the patient is asleep. Sedation is the administration of drugs in order to become more relaxed, tranquil, or sleepy. This method of treatment is also known as thermal ablation.
Percutaneous ethanol injection
Alcohol is administered directly into the liver tumor to eliminate it via percutaneous ethanol injection. Following the surgery, patients may have fever and soreness. In general, the technique is easy, safe, and especially successful for tumors less than 3 cm in size. If the alcohol escapes from the liver, a person may experience transient but acute discomfort. This option is rarely utilized and has mainly been supplanted by RFA.
Radiation therapy
The use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to eliminate cancer cells is known as radiation therapy. A radiation therapy regimen, or schedule, typically consists of a predetermined number of treatments administered over a predetermined time period. A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer.
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): SBRT refers to a number of techniques for providing high doses of radiation therapy to a tumor while reducing the quantity of radiation delivered to neighboring healthy tissue. This is significant because radiation can harm healthy liver tissue. SBRT is successful in treating cancers that are 5 cm or smaller. However, it is still classified as investigational when compared to RFA because there is little information available about its long-term effectiveness.
SBRT side effects may include stomach and lung damage. These side effects, however, are frequently avoidable. Discuss with your health care team how to avoid and manage potential side effects.
DISEASE SPECIFIC THERAPY THAT HELP PATIENTS LIVE LONGER LIVES
If the doctor believes that the cancer cannot be treated with the treatments indicated above, or if the cancer has progressed, the doctor may propose one of the following choices to decrease the tumor and/or slow tumor growth. While these treatments are unlikely to cure cancer, they have been proved to improve patients’ quality of life.
Chemoembolization and radioembolization for disease confined to the liver
Chemoembolization, like hepatic arterial infusion, is a kind of chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy is the use of medications to eradicate cancer cells, typically by preventing the cancer cells from growing, dividing, and proliferating. During this treatment, medicines are injected into the hepatic artery, and the flow of blood via the artery is temporarily restricted to allow the chemotherapy to remain in the tumor for a longer period of time. Cancer cells are destroyed when the blood supply to the tumor is cut off.
In addition to being used as a main treatment for HCC, chemoembolization may be used to reduce tumor growth in those waiting for a liver transplant.
Radioembolization is similar to chemoembolization, except that a doctor inserts radioactive beads into the artery that delivers blood to the tumor. When the beads become stuck in the tumor’s tiny blood arteries, they administer radiation therapy directly into the tumor.
Systemic therapy for advanced HCC
Medication-based treatments are used to kill cancer cells. Medication may be administered via the bloodstream in order to reach cancer cells throughout the body. When a medicine is administered in this manner, it is referred to as systemic therapy. Medication can also be administered locally, which means that it is applied directly to the malignancy or is retained in a certain portion of the body.
This sort of drug is typically recommended by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in the use of medications to treat cancer. Medications are frequently administered via an intravenous (IV) tube inserted into a vein with a needle, an injection into a muscle or beneath the skin, or as a pill or capsule eaten (orally). If you are given oral drugs, make sure to ask your health care team how to store and manage them securely.
Among the drugs used to treat advanced HCC are:
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
The initial treatment is referred to as first-line treatment. Options for first-line therapy for advanced HCC include:
- Some individuals with advanced HCC may be given a combination of bevacizumab (Avastin) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq).
- People who are unable to receive atezolizumab with bevacizumab may be provided targeted therapy with sorafenib (Nexavar) or lenvatinib (Lenvima).
If the first-line treatment fails, a second-line treatment is administered. Options for second-line therapy for advanced HCC include:
- Sorafenib
- Lenvatinib
- Cabozantinib (Cabometyx; a targeted therapy)
- Regorafenib (Stivarga; a targeted therapy)
- Ramucirumab (Cyramza; a targeted therapy)
- Atezolizumab and bevacizumab in combination
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo), which are immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Speaking with your doctor is frequently the best way to learn about the medications that can be given for you, their purpose, and any potential adverse effects. It is also critical to inform your doctor if you are using any other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal drugs or supplements. Herbs, vitamins, and other pharmaceuticals can interact with cancer therapies, resulting in unpleasant side effects or decreased efficacy.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of medication treatment that targets specific cancer genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This method of treatment inhibits cancer cell growth and spread while limiting damage to healthy cells.
Anti-angiogenesis medicines are the most commonly used type of targeted therapy for HCC. Anti-angiogenesis therapy aims to halt angiogenesis, or the process of forming new blood vessels. Because tumors require the nutrients given by blood vessels to develop and spread, anti-angiogenesis medicines aim to “starve” the tumor. Some anti-angiogenesis medications are reserved for patients with inoperable HCC. Surgery is not an option if the tumor is unresectable.
Among the anti-angiogenesis medicines are:
- Bevacizumab with atezolizumab: In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the combination of bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenesis targeted therapy, and atezolizumab, an immunotherapy drug (see “Immunotherapy” below), for people with unresectable or metastatic HCC who have not previously received cancer treatment with medications. Bevacizumab side effects include elevated blood pressure, back discomfort, headaches, and taste changes. Unlike many anti-angiogenesis medications, bevacizumab is administered intravenously.
- Lenvatinib: The FDA approved another anti-angiogenesis targeted medication, lenvatinib, in 2018. This medication is licensed as a first-line treatment for HCC that cannot be removed surgically. High blood pressure, exhaustion, diarrhea, appetite loss, joint and muscle discomfort, weight loss, abdominal pain, rash, redness, itching, or peeling of the skin on the hands and feet, hoarseness, bleeding, change in thyroid hormone levels, and nausea are the most prevalent adverse effects of this medication.
- Sorafenib: Sorafenib is used to treat advanced HCC that cannot be removed surgically. It is administered in the form of a pill that is swallowed (orally). Sorafenib’s most common side effects include diarrhea, tiredness, and certain skin disorders, among other less prevalent ones.
- Ramucirumab: Ramucirumab is another anti-angiogenesis drug that has been approved for the treatment of HCC with high levels of the tumor marker AFP in patients who have previously undergone sorafenib. Ramucirumab’s most common side effects are fatigue, stomach pain, and nausea.
- Cabozantinib: Cabozantinib was authorized by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of HCC in persons who had previously treated sorafenib. Cabozantinib side effects include diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and nausea.
- Regorafenib: In 2017, the FDA approved the use of regorafenib, another targeted treatment, to treat persons with HCC who had previously been treated with sorafenib. Regorafenib, which likewise suppresses angiogenesis, is already being used to treat colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. It is administered in the form of a pill that is swallowed (orally). Diarrhea and skin problems are among the side effects.
Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of a certain medicine and how to manage them.
According to recent research, not all cancers have the same objectives. Your doctor may order tests to determine the genes, proteins, and other variables in your tumor in order to find the most effective treatment. This enables clinicians to provide the most effective treatment to each patient whenever possible. Furthermore, numerous research projects are currently underway to learn more about specific molecular targets and potential treatments aimed at them.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as biologic therapy, is intended to increase the body’s natural defenses against cancer. It employs components created by the body or in a laboratory to enhance, target, or restore immune system activity. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a frequent kind of immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors function by inhibiting the pathways that allow cancer to hide from the immune system.
Immunotherapies include the following:
- Nivolumab: The FDA authorized nivolumab, an immunotherapy, for the treatment of HCC in 2017. Nivolumab can be used to treat patients who have previously had sorafenib, a kind of targeted therapy.
- Pembrolizumab: The immunotherapy pembrolizumab was licensed by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of HCC patients. Pembrolizumab, like nivolumab, can be used to treat patients who have previously been treated with sorafenib. Pembrolizumab is an inhibitor of immunological checkpoints.
- Nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy): The FDA approved the use of nivolumab in combination with another immunotherapy medicine called ipilimumab (Yervoy) to treat patients with HCC who had previously been treated with sorafenib in 2020. Both nivolumab and ipilimumab are immune checkpoint inhibitors, which means they work to block the pathways that would otherwise allow cancer to hide from the immune system. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab and ipilimumab are both available.
- Atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab: In 2020, the FDA approved the combination of atezolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, and bevacizumab, a targeted therapy drug, for persons with unresectable or metastatic HCC who had not previously had medication-based cancer treatment. Bevacizumab is an anti-angiogenesis treatment, and atezolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Clinical trials for various immunotherapy medicines are also ongoing. Different forms of immunotherapy might result in a variety of adverse effects. Skin rashes, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and weight fluctuations are all common adverse effects. Discuss potential adverse effects of the immunotherapy prescribed for you with your health care team.
Clinical trials
In addition to the therapy choices listed above, your doctor may recommend that you participate in a clinical trial exploring a new therapeutic method for HCC. This is especially crucial for a disease like HCC, where therapy options for advanced disease are limited and research to develop more treatment alternatives is underway.
Metastatic HCC
When HCC spreads to another part of the body, it is referred to as metastatic cancer. People who have received this diagnosis are recommended to consult with doctors who have experience treating this stage of cancer because there may be differing views on the optimal treatment regimen. Learn more about getting a second opinion before beginning treatment so that you are confident in your treatment plan and cancer care team. This debate could include clinical trials looking into new remedies.
Surgery, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and/or other alternatives may be part of your treatment plan. The purpose of treatment at this stage is usually to slow the cancer’s growth. Palliative treatment will also be essential in order to alleviate symptoms and negative effects.
A diagnosis of metastatic cancer is extremely stressful and challenging for the majority of people. You and your family are encouraged to express your feelings to doctors, nurses, social workers, and other members of the health care team. Talking with other patients, such as in a support group or other peer support program, may also be beneficial.
