Liver Cancer Incidence is on the Rise in the United States 05/24/2010
From 2001 to 2006, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increased significantly with an average increase of 3.5% annually. This analysis was recently reported in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.[1] The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible ...

Combination Chemotherapy Improves Survival with Biliary Tract Cancer 05/17/2010
According to the results of a Phase III clinical trial, treatment of locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer with a combination of Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and cisplatin results in better survival and a lower risk of cancer progression than treatment with Gemzar alone. Biliary tract cancer includes cancers ...

Liver Cancer Often Linked to Diabetes 05/04/2010
Diabetes increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and may account for a greater number of HCC cases in the United States than any other single HCC risk factor. These results were presented at the 101st annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the ...

Women with Hypothyroidism at Increased Risk of Liver Cancer 06/22/2009
Women with Hypothyroidism at Increased Risk of Liver Cancer Long-term hypothyroidism in women significantly increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), according to the results of a study published in Hepatology.[1] The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, ...

Avastin® plus Tarceva® Shows Promise in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma 02/03/2009
According to the results of a Phase II clinical trial, the combination of two targeted therapies—Avastin® (bevacizumab) and Tarceva® (erlotinib)—has anticancer activity in patients with advanced hepatocellular (liver) cancer and warrants further study. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type ...

Nexavar® Effective for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Asians 01/21/2009
Researchers from 23 medical centers in Asia have reported that Nexavar® (sorafenib) is effective in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). The results of this study were published in Lancet Oncology.The liver is the largest organ inside of the body. It is located on the right side of ...

Invasive Measures May Improve Outcome for Patients with Liver Cancer 04/16/2008
A recent study reveals that a combination of chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation is more effective than either treatment alone for patients with larger liver tumors. These findings were published in Journal of the American Medical Association.Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver. Although many forms of cancer ...

Sutent® Active in Liver Cancer 04/16/2008
Sutent® (sunitinib) reduces the risk of cancer spread and the rate of cancer growth among patients with a form of liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. These results were presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ...

Differences in IMRT Radiation Doses May Complicate Study Results in Liver Cancer 04/04/2008
Differences between the prescribed dose of radiation in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and the dose that's actually delivered may make comparison studies in liver cancer difficult to interpret. These findings were reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.Radiation therapy is often used in the treatment of ...

Liver Cancer Screening in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B and C Improves Survival 04/03/2008
Researchers in Hong Kong have reported that screening patients with chronic hepatitis for liver cancer improves liver cancer survival rates and may improve chances for cure. The details of the study were published in the Annals for Surgery.Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver. Although many forms ...

Nexavar® Added to Treatment Guidelines for Liver Cancer 03/17/2008
The drug Nexavar® (sorafenib) has been added to the list of treatment options for patients with liver cancer who are not eligible for a liver transplant. This was reported in a recent presentation at the annual conference of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.Liver cancer begins in the cells of ...

Increased Risk of Liver Cancer for Patients with Cirrhosis Who Overexpress EGF 01/03/2008
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients with cirrhosis of the liver who overexpress epithelial growth factor (EGF) in the liver have a significantly increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Patients who overexpress EGF may benefit from enhanced screening ...

Meat Linked to Various Cancers 12/13/2007
According to an article recently published in the Public Library of Science Medicine journal, increased consumption of beef, pork, lamb, or processed meats such as bacon, sausage, or ham significantly increases the risk of developing several types of cancers.Cancer is diagnosed in more than 10 million people around the ...

Updates on the Management of Advanced Hepato-pancreato-biliary Malignancies 10/21/2007
Introduction The 14th European Cancer Conference of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) was held in Barcelona, Spain, September 23-27, 2007. The small size and very limited selection of abstracts for oral presentation allowed for detailed discussion of the proofread papers. In the Gastrointestinal Tract (Non-colorectal) session, new ...

Hispanics in the U.S. Have Higher Rates of Liver Cancer 10/09/2007
According to results recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Hispanics living in the United States have a high rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. These rates have increased among this population since the 1990s.The liver is the largest organ in the ...

Addition of Nexavar® to Adriamycin® Improves Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma 10/01/2007
According to results recently presented at the 2007 European Cancer Organization (ECCO 14), the addition of the targeted agent Nexavar® (sorafenib) to the chemotherapy agent Adriamycin® (doxorubicin) improves survival as initial therapy among patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer.The liver is the largest organ ...

Further Evidence that Nexavar® Improves Liver Cancer Survival Among Different Ethnic Groups 08/29/2007
A Phase III clinical trial (phase prior to FDA review) comparing Nexavar® (sorafenib) to placebo has provided further evidence that Nexavar improves survival in patients of different ethnicity with advanced liver cancer.The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions. These include ...

Test May Help Identify Liver Cancer 08/15/2007
According to the results of a study conducted in China, testing for specific changes to proteins in the blood may help to identify liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis of the liver. These results were published in the journal Hepatology.The liver is the largest organ in the ...

Further Data Indicating Coffee Reduces Risk of Liver Cancer 08/02/2007
According to an article recently published in the journal Hepatology, drinking coffee reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for more than 500 functions. These include the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins, and fats; the production of ...

Nexavar® Improves Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma 06/06/2007
According to results from a late-breaking session presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the targeted agent Nexavar® (sorafenib) improves survival as initial therapy among patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer.The liver is the largest organ in ...

Interferon Following Surgery May Improve Survival in Advanced Liver Cancer 05/31/2007
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Surgery, administration of the immune stimulating agent interferon following surgery may improve survival among patients with advanced hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for more than 500 functions. These ...

Study Reviews Chemotherapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer 04/04/2007
According to the results of a combined analysis of previously published studies, chemotherapy with a combination of Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and a platinum compound may produce the best outcomes among patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. These results were published in the British Journal of Cancer.Biliary tract cancer includes cancers ...

Nexavar® Improves Survival in Liver Cancer 02/12/2007
According to a press release from Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Nexavar® (sorafenib) appears to improve overall survival among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have not received prior therapy.The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions. These include the secretion of glucose, proteins, ...

Higher Hospital Volume Linked with Better Survival After Gastrointestinal Surgery 11/08/2006
According to the results of a study conducted in Taiwan, patients with stomach, liver, colorectal, or esophageal cancers have better survival after surgery if the surgery is performed in a hospital that handles a greater number of these surgeries. These results were published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.The ...

High Vegetable Consumption Reduces Death from Liver Cancer 10/18/2006
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Cancer, high vegetable consumption can reduce the risk of death from liver cancer. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions. These include the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins, and fats; ...

Colchicine May Reduce Risk of Liver Cancer in Patients with Hepatitis-related Cirrhosis 09/13/2006
According to a study published in the journal Cancer, colchicine may reduce the risk of hepatocellular (liver) cancer in patients with hepatitis-related liver cirrhosis. Several other studies, however, have failed to find a link between colchicine and survival in patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a condition ...

Nexavar® Provides Activity in Some Patients with Liver Cancer 09/12/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the targeted agent Nexavar® (sorafenib) may provide anticancer activity in some patients with liver cancer and is extremely well tolerated. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions. These include ...

Sustained Response to TACE Linked with Lower Recurrence Risk after Liver Transplantation 08/10/2006
Among liver cancer patients who are potential candidates for liver transplantation, those who experience a sustained response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) appear to have a lower risk of cancer recurrence after liver transplantation. These results were published in the journal Liver Transplantation. The liver is the largest organ in the ...

DDT Exposure Linked to Increased Rates of Liver Cancer 07/24/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the pesticide known as DDT (1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane) appears to significantly increase the risk of developing cancers that originate in the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 ...

Arterial Embolization Effective in Patients with Liver Cancer Recurrence 06/26/2006
In selected patients who have a cancer recurrence following surgical removal of liver cancer, arterial embolization (blocking the arteries that supply blood to a tumor) appears to produce good survival results. These results were published in the journal Cancer. The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is ...

Gemzar®/Eloxatin®/Avastin® Promising for Advanced Liver Cancer 04/20/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the treatment combination consisting of Gemzar® (gemcitabine), Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin), and Avastin® (bevacizumab) provides promising activity in patients with advanced liver cancer. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions. These ...

Ablation Does Not Compromise Survival Compared to Surgery in Liver Cancer 04/05/2006
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Surgery, percutaneous local ablative therapy (PLAT) does not compromise survival compared to surgery in the treatment of a single, small site of liver cancer. PLAT is also associated with fewer complications and reduced hospital stay. The liver is the largest ...

Addition of Zadaxin® to TACE Improves Survival in Liver Cancer 03/28/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 Shanghai-Hong Kong International Liver Congress, the addition of the immune-stimulating agent Zadaxin® (thymalfasin) to trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) improves survival over TACE alone in the treatment of liver cancer. The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is characterized by cancer ...

Occult Hepatitis B Infection Linked with Liver Cancer 03/14/2006
According to a study published in the journal Cancer, the presence of occult hepatitis B infection increases the risk of liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis. Occult hepatitis B infection refers to an infection in which there is evidence of the virus in the patient's liver, but the ...

Early Recurrence Associated with Poorer Prognosis in Patients with Liver Cancer Who Undergo Surgery 02/21/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, patients who experience a cancer recurrence within one year of surgery have significantly shorter survival than those who remain cancer free during that time period. The majority of patients who experienced an early recurrence ...

Good Results After Liver Transplantation for Childhood Liver Cancer 02/07/2006
According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, children who undergo liver transplantation for the treatment of inoperable liver cancer have good long-term survival.[1] The two main types of liver cancer in children are hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatoblastoma generally develops ...

Percutaneous Ethanol Injection Results in Favorable Outcomes for Liver Cancer 02/06/2006
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Hepatology, percutaneous ethanol injection may provide an effective treatment option for patients with small hepatocellular cancers, particularly for those who are not eligible for surgery or ablation techniques.  The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ...

Anti-Viral Epivir® Prevents Inflammation of the Liver Due to Reactivation of Hepatitis B in Liver Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy 02/03/2006
According to a recent article published in the journal Hepatology, the anti-viral agent Epivir® (lamivudine) prevents inflammation of the liver in patients with hepatocellular (liver) cancer who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B and are undergoing chemotherapy. The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, is characterized by cancer ...

Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Linked with Serum Levels of Hepatitis B Virus DNA 01/09/2006
Among patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) increases with increasing serum levels of hepatitis B virus DNA. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is spread ...

Photodynamic Therapy Improves Survival with Bile Duct Cancer 10/19/2005
According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, treatment of nonresectable bile duct cancer with photodynamic therapy results in improved patient survival. The bile ducts connect the liver and the gallbladder to the small intestine. Roughly two-thirds of patients with bile duct cancer have cancer that cannot ...

Tarceva® Produces Anticancer Activity in Advanced Liver Cancer 09/19/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, treatment with single-agent Tarceva® (erlotinib) provides anticancer activity in patients with advanced liver cancer. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions. These include the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins, ...

Better Outcomes with Liver Transplant for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Patients 09/14/2005
For patients with localized, node-negative hilar cholangiocarcinoma, liver transplantation preceded by radiation and chemotherapy may be an alternative to surgical resection, according to a study published in the Annals of Surgery. The liver is a large organ located in the upper abdomen that aids in digestion and removes waste products ...

Better Survival but More Complications After Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Small Liver Cancers 08/30/2005
According to an article in the journal Gut, treatment of small liver cancers with radiofrequency thermal ablation resulted in fewer recurrences and longer survival, but also more complications, than treatment with ethanol or acetic acid injections. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over ...

Patients with Cirrhosis at Increased Risk for Several Cancers 08/17/2005
According to results recently published in the Annals of Oncology, individuals with cirrhosis of the liver have a significantly increased risk of developing cancers originating in the liver, oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus. Patients with cirrhosis should discuss screening procedures for these types of cancers with their physician. Cirrhosis of ...

Habitual Coffee Drinking Reduces Risk of Liver Cancer in Japanese 02/18/2005
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Japanese researchers have reported that liver cancer was less frequent in coffee drinkers than in abstainers and this reduction included patients at high and low risk for developing liver cancer. Liver cancer is one ...

Patients with Hepatitis C with Long-Term Responses to Interferon Have Low Rate of Liver Cancer 10/26/2004
According to results recently published in the journal Gut, patients with hepatitis C who have long-term responses to treatment with interferon have rates of liver cancer comparable to that of the general public. Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. However, since its ...

Lamivudine Decreases Risk of Liver Cancer in Patients with Hepatitis B 10/20/2004
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, treatment with the anti-viral agent lamivudine (Epir HBV®) reduces the risk of developing hepatocellular cancer in patients infected with hepatitis B. The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, is characterized by cancer that starts in ...

Vitamin K May Help Prevent Liver Cancer in Women with Cirrhosis 07/26/2004
According to results recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, daily supplementation with vitamin K2 appears to significantly reduce the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in women with viral cirrhosis of the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over ...

Repeat Surgery for Recurrent Liver Cancer Provides Long-Term Survival in Subset of Patients 10/30/2003
According to results recently published in the Annals of Surgery, repeat surgery for recurrent liver cancer provides long-term survival in a subset of patients. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins and fats; ...

Adefovir dipivoxil Improved Liver Abnormalities in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B 03/17/2003
According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, treatment of serum hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAG)–negative chronic hepatitis patients with adefovir dipivoxil may reduce injury to the liver. HBeAg-negative chronic hepatits B is usually a progressive disease causing hepatic injury that can result in cirrhosis and ...

Risk Factors Predict for the Development of Liver Cancer in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis 03/04/2003
According to a recent article published in the journal Hepatology, four separate variables may help predict which patients with cirrhosis of the liver are at a higher risk for developing liver cancer. Primary liver cancer, sometimes called hepatocellular cancer (HCC), is characterized by cancer that starts in ...

Carboplatin/Epinephrine Injections Directly into Cancer Effective for Liver Cancer 02/28/2003
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, injections of carboplatin and epinephrine directed by ultrasound or computed tomography directly into areas of cancer in the liver appears effective and well tolerated for liver cancers that are inoperable. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer ...

Insulin-Like Growth Factor I: Effective Indicator of Development of Liver Cancer 01/09/2003
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, high levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) may prove to be a valuable indicator of the risk of development of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis C. Primary liver cancer, sometimes called hepatocellular cancer (HCC), is ...

Radiofrequency Ablation Reduces Local Recurrences Compared to Cryosurgery for Treatment of Inoperable Liver Cancer or Metastasis to the Liver 01/09/2003
According to a recent article published in the Archives of Surgery, radiofrequency ablation appears to be superior to cryosurgery for the treatment of inoperable liver cancer or metastasis to the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including ...

Peginterferon Alfa-2a (Pegasys®) Approved for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C 10/21/2002
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved peginterferon alfa-2a for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C who have not received prior interferon-based therapy 1. This may be an important component to reducing the risk of developing liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Persons with chronic hepatitis ...

Doxil® Produces Anti-Cancer Responses in Advanced Cancers of the Liver and Bile Duct 10/14/2002
According to results presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Doxil® produces anti-cancer responses in patients with advanced cancers of the liver (hepatocellular) and bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of the liver. The liver is the largest ...

Hepatitis B e Antigen Appears to Predict Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma 07/23/2002
According to a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) appears to predict for a significantly increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Primary liver cancer, the most common type referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma, is characterized by ...

Chemoembolization Appears to Improve Survival in Inoperable Liver Cancer 05/23/2002
According to results recently published in The Lancet, chemoembolization appears to improve survival in inoperable liver cancer compared to embolization or treatment of symptoms. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 ...

Liver Transplantation May Be Effective for Hepatocellular Cancers Larger Than Five Centimeters 05/10/2002
According to a recent article published in the Annals of Surgery, multi-modality treatment may improve the feasibility of liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular cancer larger than five centimeters. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including the secretion ...

Herbal Product, Sho-Saiko-To, May Reduce Risk for Liver Cancer in Persons with Cirrhosis 02/14/2002
A Chinese herbal product, called sho-saiko-to, may be of use in delaying or preventing the onset of liver cancer in some persons who have cirrhosis of the liver, according to a recent report by Japanese researchers. Primary cancer of the liver is characterized by cancer cells that begin to ...

TACE Plus PEI Reduces Recurrences in Patients with Early-Stage Hepatocellular Cancer 02/14/2002
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, the combination of transcatheter chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) therapy is superior to PEI alone for the treatment of patients with small hepatocellular carcinomas. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of the liver. Approximately 85% of all ...

Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C May Decrease Risk of Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
Persons with chronic hepatitis C (a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver) are at an increased risk for developing liver cancer. Recent efforts have evaluated the use of antiviral therapy to slow progression of viral damage to the liver and perhaps delay or prevent the development ...

Early Hepatitis B Vaccination May Prevent Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
It is estimated that 100,000 to 150,000 people acquire the hepatitis B virus every year in the United States. Once a person is infected with the virus, they have an increased risk of developing a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. In fact, up to 80% of ...

Hepatitis C and Alcohol Intake Increased the Risk of Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
Persons with chronic hepatitis C (a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver) combined with a heavy alcohol intake are at an increased chance for developing liver cancer. Primary liver cancer, sometimes called hepatocellular cancer, is characterized by cancer that starts in cells of the liver and can ...

Interferon Therapy Prevents Recurrences Following Surgery for Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
Interferon-alfa may help to prevent cancer recurrences following surgery in patients with hepatitis C-related liver cancer, according to a recent article published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Primary cancer of the liver is characterized by cancer cells that begin to grow in the liver, the largest organ in the ...

Pre-Operative Chemotherapy Appears to Improve Treatment for Childhood Hepatoblastoma 02/14/2002
Hepatoblastoma is a rare childhood cancer of the liver. Through complete surgical removal of the cancer, high cure rates may be achieved in patients with this disease. A recent report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that chemotherapy prior to surgery may enhance the chance of ...

Angio-CT Radiofrequency Therapy Proves Promising for Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
A novel treatment combination involving radiofrequency enhances the sensitivity of detecting cancer cells in the liver, according to a recent study published in the journal Cancer. Enhanced detection allows for the destruction of cancer cells that may be responsible for cancer recurrences. The liver is the largest organ in ...

Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy Improves Survival of Patients with Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
Arterial administration of chemotherapy prior to surgery may improve survival for liver cancer patients, according to a recent article published in the journal Cancer. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins and fats; ...

Image-Guided Chemotherapy Proves Valuable for Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
A new therapy utilizing imaging techniques facilitates precise placement of chemotherapy directly into liver cancer cells, as reported at the 85th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including the secretion ...

Radiofrequency Ablation May Hold Promise for Treatment of Small Liver Cancers 02/14/2002
A liver transplantation procedure may offer hope for persons who have early-stage cancer of the bile ducts (in the liver) that cannot be removed by surgery. When preceded by a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, a liver transplant may afford some persons with this disease a chance ...

Specific Genetic Mutation may Help Determine Treatment Options in Liver Cancer Patients 02/14/2002
The detection of a specific genetic mutation may help identify liver cancer patients who are at a higher risk of experiencing a cancer recurrence following surgery, according to a recent article published in the Archives of Surgery. Patients with this mutation may benefit from additional and/or more aggressive ...

Researchers Report Risk Factors to Help Predict Which Patients with Liver Cancer Will and Will Not Respond to Chemoembolization 02/14/2002
For persons who have liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery, nonsurgical treatments are used to help relieve symptoms and prolong survival time. A relatively new therapeutic approach, called chemoembolization, is an effective option for some individuals, but not for all. Now, researchers from Spain have identified ...

Surgery Feasible to Remove Smaller Size Liver Cancers in Persons with Cirrhosis 02/14/2002
The surgical removal of cancer is a feasible first-line therapy for persons who have relatively small sized hepatocellular carcinoma of the liver in addition to hepatitis-associated cirrhosis of the liver, according to Chinese researchers. This finding is an important one in the treatment of persons who have both ...

Magnetic Carriers Deliver Local Chemotherapy in Persons with Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
Researchers from UCLA reported localized delivery of chemotherapy through the guidance of external magnets for the treatment of liver cancer. When doxorubicin, a chemotherapy agent, is mixed with tiny particles containing Iron, a magnet placed on the outside of the patient’s body can be used to guide the ...

Surgery to Remove Liver Cancer Is Safe in Many, but Risk for Recurrence Remains 02/14/2002
Surgery to remove some liver cancers can be performed safely in persons who are otherwise in good health; however, the risk for cancer recurrence remains high after such a procedure. According to a recent study by Italian researchers, an aggressive approach to preventing such recurrences may be warranted. Primary ...

Doxorubicin and Gemzar® Produces Anti-Cancer Responses in Advanced Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
The chemotherapy combination consisting of doxorubicin and Gemzar® appears to be effective at producing anti-cancer responses for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, according to recent results presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The liver is the largest organ in the ...

FDA Approves New Treatment for Inoperable Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved radiofrequency ablation, a new treatment strategy for patients with inoperable liver cancer. This new treatment has shown to improve survival rates and quality of life in selected patients with liver cancer who are unable to undergo surgical removal of the ...

Radiation Therapy, Combined with Chemoembolization, Appears Effective in Some Persons with Inoperable Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
The use of radiation therapy can be effective in prolonging the survival time for some persons with inoperable liver cancer, according to a recent report from researchers in Taiwan. These investigators also noted that the combination of radiation therapy and chemoembolization may offer an added benefit in the ...

Intra-Arterial Cisplatin and Injected Interferon-Alfa Combo Yields Benefit for Persons with Advanced Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
A combination of chemotherapy (cisplatin) and biologic therapy (interferon-alfa) appears to result in a prolonged survival time over the use of cisplatin alone in some persons with advanced liver cancer. This cisplatin (administered through an artery) and interferon-alfa (delivered by injection under the skin) regimen was effective against ...

131-Lipitiol Shows Activity in Persons with Unresectable Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
Patients with inoperable liver cancer rely on treatments outside of surgery for cure or control of symptoms of their disease. Many new and innovative therapies are being studied in hopes of improving survival rates or survival time for patients whose cancer is too advanced to consider surgery a ...

Surgery may be Improve Long Term Survival in Selected Patients with Large Hepatocellular Carcinomas of the Liver 02/14/2002
Patients with cancers of the liver larger than 2 inches are usually considered incurable by surgery. The exclusion of patients with large cancers for consideration of surgical resection (removal) has been questioned and more recent research suggests that patients with large hepatocellular carcinomas of the liver may benefit ...

Conformal Radiation Therapy Appears Safe in Persons with Inoperable Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
A new approach to radiation therapy, called 3D conformal radiation therapy, may be effective and safer than the standard radiation therapy methods for persons with inoperable liver cancer. Researchers from Taiwan recently reported that 3D conformal radiation therapy appears to kill cancer cells while reducing the number of ...

Complete Surgical Resection in Selected Patients with Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma (Liver Cancer) May Offer Long Term Survival 02/14/2002
Complete surgical resection (removal) of cancer in selected patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma (a type of liver cancer) may offer long-term survival and improve the quality of life, report researchers from France. Primary liver cancer starts in cells of the liver and can spread, through blood or lymph vessels, ...

I-131-Lipidiol Reduce Recurrences in Persons Who Have Surgery for Liver Cancer 02/14/2002
Researchers in Hong Kong recently reported that a new therapy, called I-131-lipidiol, appears to reduce cancer recurrences and increase the chance for survival in persons who have undergone surgery for liver cancer. In fact, the benefits were significant enough that the researchers closed this study early. Primary cancer of ...

Surgical Removal of Cancer, Instead of Transplant, Appears Effective for Some Persons with Liver Cancer and Cirrhosis 02/14/2002
Some persons who have liver cancer and cirrhosis, but good liver function, may be effectively treated by the surgical removal of the cancer rather than by a liver transplant, according to a recent report by Japanese and U.S. researchers. This finding is important because there is a shortage ...