Liver Cancer Treatment: Resection, Transplantation, and Ablative Therapies Including TACE and Radiofrequency Ablation

Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), presents a significant challenge in clinical practice due to its high mortality and complexity in treatment. Therapeutic options for HCC vary depending on the stage of the disease and the underlying liver function of the patient. In this context, hepatectomy, liver transplantation, and radiofrequency ablation are considered potentially curative treatments in the early stages of the disease.

Diving Deeper into Liver Cancer Treatment

Hepatectomy is a viable option for patients with solitary tumors and adequate liver function. However, recurrence of HCC after resection is common, with recurrence rates reaching up to 54% in some studies. Factors such as the time from primary resection to recurrence and the size of the recurrent tumor are key determinants in patient prognosis [2].

Liver transplantation offers a definitive solution by replacing the affected liver, but it is limited by organ availability and strict selection criteria. Additionally, the use of systemic therapies as a bridging or tumor reduction strategy prior to transplantation has shown to be safe in the short term, although more studies are needed to evaluate their long-term effectiveness [3].

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive technique that destroys tumor tissue through heat. It is particularly useful for patients who are not candidates for surgery or transplantation. However, its effectiveness may be limited by the size and location of the tumor [4].

Conclusions

Management of liver cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers the individual characteristics of the tumor and the patient. Resection, liver transplantation, and radiofrequency ablation are fundamental options in the treatment of HCC in early stages, but the choice of treatment must be personalized. Ongoing research and advancements in systemic therapies and immunotherapies offer new hopes for improving outcomes in patients with advanced HCC [5].

Referencias

• [1] Atezolizumab and bevacizumab for hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanism, pharmacokinetics and future treatment strategies
• [2] Recurrence of hepatocellular cancer after resection: patterns, treatments, and prognosis
• [3] Neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic therapy in HCC: Current status and the future
• [4] Goals and targets for personalized therapy for HCC
• [5] The New Era of Systemic Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From the First Line to the Optimal Sequence

Created 6/1/2025