Liver Cancer Treatment

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, often developing from hepatitis or cirrhosis, and mainly affects middle-aged and elderly men over 40 years old. Since the disease is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment options are limited. Treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, targeted therapy, cell therapy, ablation, and more. If treatment is delayed, the tumor may spread rapidly, and prognosis worsens significantly.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Immune Reconstitution Cell Therapy

Immune reconstitution cell therapy is a novel treatment approach focusing on regulating and activating the body’s immune system. It has advantages such as strong targeting and low side effects, showing benefits in controlling advanced liver cancer and preventing postoperative recurrence.

① This therapy involves isolating the patient’s immune cells, activating and expanding them in vitro, and reinfusing them to enhance tumor recognition and elimination.

② It is especially suitable for patients with impaired liver function who cannot tolerate surgery or radiotherapy/chemotherapy.

③ It can be combined with other therapies to extend progression-free survival and improve quality of life.

④ Combined with PD-L1 testing and molecular targeted screening, it improves treatment efficiency in personalized medicine.

In actual treatment, patients undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often face immune dysfunction, increased infection risk, and slow recovery. To better support patients through treatment, improve tolerance, and enhance survival quality, phased immune reconstitution programs need to be scientifically developed for different treatment cycles.

● Short-term program: Rapidly enhances immunity through immune cell reinfusion, improving the effects of anti-cancer treatment.

● Mid-term program: Reduces side effects of conventional treatments, promotes recovery, and ensures completion of standardized therapy.

● Long-term program: Comprehensive enhancement of immunity through immune cell reconstruction, intestinal immunity rebuilding, elemental immunity support, and immune nutrition, improving quality of life and extending survival.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Microwave Ablation Therapy

Microwave ablation releases high-frequency energy into tumor tissue, heating and causing coagulative necrosis. It is suitable for lesions smaller than 3–5 cm, with minimal trauma and fast recovery, making it appropriate for patients with poor surgical tolerance or recurrent cases.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation is similar to microwave treatment but uses a different energy source. It is suitable for single or a few small liver tumors, with minimal impact on liver function, and can be precisely guided by imaging.

3. Surgical Resection

Surgical resection remains the first choice for radical liver cancer treatment, applicable to localized tumors with good liver function. Techniques include lobectomy or partial hepatectomy. Postoperative adjuvant therapy is needed to prevent recurrence.

4. Liver Transplantation

For patients with extensive cirrhosis or multiple unresectable tumors, liver transplantation is an ideal option. Patients meeting Milan criteria generally have a better prognosis. However, organ shortage and long waiting times are major challenges.

5. Molecular Targeted Therapy

Targeted drugs for specific gene mutations, such as sorafenib and lenvatinib, have become essential systemic treatments for advanced liver cancer. They are suitable for patients with unresectable or progressive disease, guided by genetic testing.

6. TACE (Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization)

TACE is a common palliative treatment for locally advanced liver cancer. It involves delivering chemotherapy drugs into the hepatic artery via a catheter and embolizing it to block blood supply, thereby suppressing tumor growth.

7. Radiotherapy

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and proton therapy have shown effectiveness in controlling localized tumors. They are suitable for non-surgical or recurrent cases, with caution to avoid radiation damage to surrounding tissues.

8. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Adjunct Therapy

TCM plays a supportive role in alleviating symptoms, improving immune function, and controlling tumor progression. It is widely used in postoperative recovery and advanced patients.

9. Nutritional Support and Psychological Intervention

Liver cancer patients often suffer from reduced appetite and weight loss. Proper nutrition is crucial to boost immunity and treatment tolerance. Meanwhile, psychological interventions help improve adherence and quality of life.

Conclusion

Liver cancer treatment requires multidisciplinary collaboration, with treatment strategies tailored to tumor stage, liver function, and patient condition. Experts from United Life International Medical Center emphasize that advances in cell therapy and minimally invasive techniques provide patients with longer survival and better quality of life. Future treatments should be more precise and comprehensive.