New Methods in Liver Cancer Treatment: What Has Changed?

Liver cancer is considered one of the most lethal types of cancer worldwide. Factors like chronic liver diseases such as Hepatitis B and C, alcohol addiction, and obesity contribute to the development of liver cancer. Early diagnosis and the application of appropriate treatment methods can improve patients' quality of life and increase their survival rates. However, significant innovations have emerged in liver cancer treatment in recent years. This article will explore the new approaches, evolving treatment methods, and ongoing research in the field of liver cancer therapy.

Traditional Methods in Liver Cancer Treatment

Traditional approaches to liver cancer treatment are generally limited to methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Surgically, a portion of the liver can be removed, or a liver transplant can be performed in localized stages of the cancer. However, not all patients are suitable for surgery, and treatment options are especially limited for patients with advanced-stage cancer.

Chemotherapy is typically used in the metastatic stages of liver cancer. However, this treatment method is not always effective and can cause serious side effects in patients. Similarly, radiotherapy is used to treat tumors in specific areas when the cancer has not spread.

While these traditional methods can be life-saving for some patients, the challenges of liver cancer have necessitated the development of new treatment methods. In recent years, advancements in this field have offered more effective and less invasive treatment options.

New Methods in Liver Cancer Treatment

1. Immunotherapy (Immune System Therapy) Immunotherapy stands out as a significant development in cancer treatment in recent years. This therapy encourages the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The use of immunotherapy in liver cancer treatment holds great promise, especially for advanced-stage cancers.

   Immunotherapy helps tumors be recognized more effectively by the immune system and works to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Inhibiting programmed cell death (PD-1) can increase the immune response, leading to the destruction of cancer cells.

   Certain immunotherapy drugs, particularly PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and CTLA-4 inhibitors, are being used successfully in liver cancer treatment. These treatment methods can slow the progression of cancer and extend a patient's lifespan.

2. Targeted Therapy Targeted therapy aims to treat cancer cells by targeting specific genetic changes. Liver cancer cells have various genetic mutations and abnormalities. Targeted therapy can personalize the treatment process by focusing on these genetic changes.

   Specifically developed targeted therapy drugs for liver cancer can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. For example, drugs like sorafenib and lenvatinib are targeted therapy agents used in liver cancer treatment. These drugs inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and offer a more effective approach to therapy.

   Targeted therapy can yield better results when combined with traditional treatment methods. Additionally, targeted therapies are generally administered with fewer side effects.

3. Ablation Therapies Ablation therapies are a method used to destroy a cancerous area without requiring surgical intervention. In liver cancer, ablation therapies are generally preferred in stages where the cancer is small and localized. These methods act directly on the cancerous tissue, ensuring the destruction of cancer cells.

   • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): This treatment uses high-frequency electrical currents to heat and destroy cancer cells.

   • Microwave ablation (MWA): It uses microwave energy to heat and destroy tumor tissue.

   • Ethanol injection: Ethanol (alcohol) is injected into the cancerous area to shrink the tumors.

   Ablation therapies are less invasive than surgery and are generally well-tolerated by patients.

4. Liver Transplant A liver transplant is one of the most effective options in the treatment of liver cancer, but the patient's health and the cancer stage determine this treatment choice. In cases of early-stage liver cancer, a liver transplant may be considered instead of removing a portion of the liver. This allows a healthy liver to replace the cancerous one, enabling the patient to continue living.

   A liver transplant is the preferred treatment method when the cancer has not spread and liver function is impaired. This treatment can restore all liver functions and accelerate the patient's recovery process.

5. High-Dose Radiotherapy and Stereotactic Radiotherapy High-dose radiotherapy uses powerful beams to destroy cancer. Stereotactic radiotherapy is performed with radiation beams directed to the cancerous tissue with high precision. This is a highly successful method used in the local treatment of liver cancer.

   Stereotactic radiotherapy is an effective alternative for patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention in liver cancer treatment. Furthermore, this treatment method targets the cancerous area without harming surrounding healthy tissues.

6. Genetic and Molecular-Based Research Genetic and molecular research holds a significant place in liver cancer treatment. The genetic structure and molecular-level changes of cancer are of great importance in guiding treatment. Molecular biology is enabling the development of new therapeutic agents for liver cancer treatment.

   Recent research provides new information about different subtypes and molecular characteristics of liver cancer. This allows for the personalization of treatment options and the development of more effective treatment methods.

Conclusion

Innovations in liver cancer treatment have helped take significant steps forward in curing the disease. New treatment options such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, ablation therapies, liver transplant, and high-dose radiotherapy offer more effective and personalized treatment opportunities. Early diagnosis and the right treatment approaches can increase patients' lifespan and make the treatment process more successful.

These advancements in liver cancer treatment are being pushed even further with scientific research and clinical trials. New treatment methods and personalized approaches are expected to play a crucial role in the fight against liver cancer.