Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, including in India. Treatment for liver cancer in India is multifaceted and typically depends on various factors, including the stage of cancer, the patient's liver function, overall health, and the presence of any underlying liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. India has made significant progress in cancer treatment over the past decade, offering advanced therapies and specialized care for liver cancer. Best Lung Cancer Treatment Hospital In India.

1. Surgical Treatment

Surgery is often the preferred treatment for patients with localized liver cancer, where the cancer is confined to a specific part of the liver. Two common surgical options are:

• Liver Resection (Hepatectomy): This involves the surgical removal of the tumor along with the surrounding healthy tissue. It is only possible if the tumor is confined to one part of the liver and the patient’s liver function is sufficiently good.

• Liver Transplantation: In cases where liver cancer is not confined to a single region of the liver, or if the patient has underlying cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be recommended. A transplant removes the diseased liver along with the tumor and replaces it with a healthy donor liver. Blood Cancer Treatment in India.

India has several top hospitals and specialized centers like Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), AIIMS (Delhi), and the Cancer Institute (Chennai), where liver transplantation surgeries are performed with high success rates. The availability of organ donors and advancements in immunosuppressive therapies have significantly improved the prognosis of liver transplant patients.

2. Locoregional Therapies

In cases where surgery is not an option, locoregional treatments may be used. These therapies aim to treat the tumor without removing it.

• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): This technique involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the artery that supplies the tumor while simultaneously blocking the blood supply to the tumor. This is an effective palliative treatment for patients with intermediate-stage liver cancer.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA): These techniques use heat to destroy the tumor cells. They are often used for small tumors or for patients who are not candidates for surgery.

• Percutaneous Ethanol Injection (PEI): This procedure involves injecting ethanol (alcohol) directly into the tumor to kill cancer cells.

Many hospitals in India, including Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (Mumbai) and the Fortis Hospitals network, offer these advanced procedures.

3. Systemic Treatments

Systemic therapies involve the use of drugs that target cancer cells throughout the body. For advanced liver cancer or when the cancer has spread beyond the liver, systemic treatments are often used.

• Chemotherapy: Traditional chemotherapy is generally less effective for liver cancer compared to other cancers but can still be used in some cases.

• Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs like Sorafenib and Lenvatinib are commonly used for advanced liver cancer. These drugs work by blocking the pathways that allow the tumor to grow.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, is an emerging treatment for liver cancer. Drugs like Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab have shown promising results in clinical trials.

4. Palliative Care

For patients with advanced liver cancer where curative treatments are not possible, palliative care aims to improve the quality of life by alleviating symptoms such as pain, nausea, and jaundice. Supportive treatments, including pain management, nutritional support, and psychological counseling, are integral to managing liver cancer in its later stages. Best Medical Tourism Company in India.

Conclusion

India offers a wide range of liver cancer treatments, including surgery, locoregional therapies, systemic treatments, and palliative care, all of which are administered in state-of-the-art medical centers with advanced technologies. Early detection, regular monitoring, and a multidisciplinary approach to care are crucial for improving survival rates and quality of life for liver cancer patients. The country continues to evolve as a hub for medical tourism, with patients traveling from around the world for high-quality cancer treatments at relatively lower costs.