Prognosis
The prognosis for liver cancer is weak. Only 5% to 15% of patients are eligible for surgical removal, suitable only for early-stage patients. Due to reduced hepatic regenerative capacity, right hepatectomy typically without cirrhosiscarries a higher risk for postoperative complications than left hepatectomy.
Treatment options for more advanced stages include the following:
(a) Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which leads to a 23% improvement in the 2 -year survival compared to conservative therapy for intermediate stage HCC patients.
(b) Oral dosing with sorafenib, a kinase inhibitor and the most accepted option for late-stage cases. However, fewer than one-third of patients benefit from the treatment, and drug resistance is evident within six months of initiating the therapy.
References
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