Treatment for liver cancer is highly individualized. Unlike many other types of cancer, treatment decisions depend on both the cancer itself and how well the liver is functioning. A person with early-stage cancer but poor liver health may need a different approach than someone with more advanced cancer and healthier liver tissue.
At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, our liver cancer experts build a customized treatment plan around your needs. We consider the type, location and stage of your cancer, as well as your preferences and overall health, to safely and effectively treat your cancer. Your expert team includes oncologists, radiologists and highly skilled support staff.
Before recommending treatment, the care team reviews:
This approach helps the team figure out which treatments are both effective and safe.
Surgery may be an option for some people with liver cancer, especially if the cancer is found in a smaller part of the liver and the liver is functioning well.
Liver resection removes the tumor and some surrounding liver tissue, leaving as much healthy liver tissue as possible. Because the liver can regenerate, this approach can be effective when there is enough healthy liver tissue.
Surgery is most often considered when:
Not everyone can have surgery. Many people with advanced cirrhosis do not qualify.
Some people who cannot have surgery right away may start with other treatments that can shrink tumors and make surgery or transplant possible later.
Liver-directed therapies target tumors in the liver without affecting the rest of the body too much. These treatments are often used if surgery is not an option or to control cancer while evaluating other treatments.
Ablation destroys tumors with heat, cold or other types of energy. It is typically used to treat smaller tumors. It can sometimes be done through the skin, using imaging for guidance.
Embolization delivers treatment directly to the tumor through the blood vessels that supply it. These approaches can slow tumor growth and relieve symptoms.
Embolization can:
Advanced radiation techniques can precisely target liver tumors and minimize harm to nearby tissue. These treatments may be used alone or with other therapies. Radiation may be used if surgery or ablation are not options.
High radiation is delivered directly into the liver tumor.
Systemic therapies travel throughout the body and are used when liver cancer cannot be treated with surgery or liver-directed therapy or in combination with other treatments. These treatments are selected based on cancer stage, liver function and overall health.
Targeted therapies focus on pathways that cancer cells use to grow and survive. These treatments are designed to limit damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy has become an important option for some people with advanced liver cancer.
A light-sensitive chemical is injected into a vein and builds up in fast-growing cancer cells. Laser light is then directed at the tumor, causing a chemical reaction in cancer cells that destroy them.
Histotripsy is an innovative, noninvasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy tumors without incisions, radiation or heat.
Possible advantages of histotripsy include:
Histotripsy may be an option for some people with liver tumors who are not candidates for surgery or other local treatments.
Researchers are studying other treatments in clinical trials as possible options for people who cannot have surgery or ablation.
Liver transplant is a powerful treatment option for some people. Transplant removes both the cancer and the diseased liver, reducing the risk of recurrence (cancer coming back).
Strict criteria are used to identify people who are most likely to benefit from transplant. Oncology, hepatology and transplant teams work together on evaluation.
Transplant eligibility depends on:
Liver cancer is one of the few cancers that may be cured by transplant. Transplant can offer long-term survival and improved quality of life.
Supportive care focuses on comfort, managing symptoms and quality of life. It is an important part of liver cancer treatment at every stage.
Supportive care may include:
Palliative care helps with care coordination, advanced care planning, support for caregivers and spiritual or psychosocial support. It can be provided alongside cancer treatment and does not mean you’re giving up on care.
Living with liver cancer often means you need monitoring, treatment adjustments and support. Your symptoms and needs may change over time.
Education, communication and planning can help you and your family confidently make care decisions.
At Banner MD Anderson, our specialized liver cancer care team brings together expertise across many different medical professions. You can benefit from our:
Our goal is to deliver personalized treatment and to support you and your family every step of the way.
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