Our liver is single-handedly responsible for the secretion of some of the essential digestive enzymes. Hence, a slight deviation from its normal function leaves a massive impact on our digestive system. And, when the case is as severe as that of liver cancer, the complications get more real.

The most common liver cancer types are Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer. Sometimes primary liver cancer also occurs when cancer cells in the body began to grow out of control. Liver cancer has always been one of the most challenging diagnoses, and in the past few years, the number of liver cancer patients has been increasing at a fast rate.

The good news is that new treatment has been introduced, helping the patients to access advancedtreatment for liver cancer. These advancements have made lives longer and of better quality.

Here are some of the new approaches known exclusively for helping the patients in winning the battle against liver cancer:

1. Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer

Immunotherapy helps in restoring the body's immune system using the medicines.

Immunotherapy currently uses new medicines, especially for those who cannot undergo surgery or a liver transplant. Earlier, Sorafenib was the only standard drug that was available for the treatment of cancer cells by breaking or killing them. But these were useful only for three months and had severe side effects. Nivolumab has recently received accelerated FDA approval for patients who have advanced liver cancer for their treatment, and Pembrolizumab has been approved for the treatment of Melanoma.

2. Surgery for Patients with Cirrhosis

Most patients who have primary liver cancer suffer from cirrhosis of the liver. In this disease, the scarred tissue in the liver replaces the healthy liver cells, and patients who are having cirrhosis are not able to undergo the conventional surgery because even after the removal of the tumor the liver remains affected with the disease, which further leads to an increased risk of liver failure. Therefore, several preventive measures are taken before the actual surgery. Various combinations of approaches that include food management, medications, and strict patient selection criteria are made before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of liver failure.

3. Radioembolization

This is a process in which tiny glass or resin microspheres are used to fight liver cancer as they contain radioactive material. Radiation is directed at the tumor directly when the spheres are injected into the artery supplying blood to the tumour. This treatment for liver cancer not only helps in curing the patient but also gives them a better quality of life. In most cases, patients go home after a short stay and monitoring. Combining this process with Immunotherapy makes one of the safest ways for the treatment of cancer.

Bottom Line

Recently, the treatment approaches have become less invasive and more precise and localized effective treatments. With the latest radiation nanotechnology and target therapies such as Immunotherapy, you can be easily treated.

All you need is a fighting spirit and qualified oncologists to help you get over liver cancer. Defeat liver cancer with a positive outlook and march towards a healthy life.