Liver Cancer Treatment

Question: What is the best treatment for liver cancer (in its advanced stage)? My uncle's got it and hes in a really bad condition . . .we are in india and we need to know which is the best hospital (even if its abroad) for cancer treatment. Please do provide any info if u got any

Answer: The truth is that if your uncle has advanced stage liver cancer then he is probably going to die quite soon, regardless of what hospital he is being treated in. I suggest that you value your time with him, try to make his passing easy and quit worrying about trying to find him treatment in the US. Even baseball superstar Mickey Mantle could not get additional treatment in US hospitals once his liver cancer had reached an advanced stage. http://www.hospicenet.org/html/preparing_for.html

Question: Has anyone traveled outside the country for Liver Cancer treatment?

Answer: If you live in the US why would you want to go outside the country to get treatment for liver cancer? It is easy to speculate that if diagnosed with a deadly cancer that you would want to travel to far away well known hospitals for treatment or get second opinions from Drs located across the country but the truth is that for many people this means going way outside of their comfort zone and is often very difficult to tolerate when you are ill. I traveled quite a ways to seek treatment from a specialist for a rare cancer and it was a royal pain to stay for long periods of time in a hotel far from home and then travel back and forth from home during treatment intervals. You soon get sick of eating restaurant food and not sleeping in your own bed when at the same time that you feel terrible both physically and mentally. I was so glad when I could go back to having my care directed by my local oncologist and could get back to sleeping in my own bed. Long story short - for most people it is a major pain in the butt to travel anywhere beyond about 25 miles away from home for cancer treatment so going outside the country would probably be a nightmare unless you were not a US resident and you were returning for treatment in the country where you were born.

Question: What alternative treatment for liver cancer stadium 2? How long do they normally live? He is only 55 years old, but has diabetis. The cancer is only in the liver and has already blocked his right portal vein. The left one is almost blocked. So, even the chemo might not even treat it ...

Answer: Homeopathic Treatment for LIver Cancer :- 1.SULFUR 30C 2.BRYONIA 30C 3.CARDUUS MARIANUS in Q (Mother Tincture) 4.CHELIDONIUM MAJUS in Q (Mother Tincture) 5.LYCOPODIUM 1M(1000) Take remedy 1 and 2 thrice a day half hour before meals followed by 20 drops each of 3 and 4 half hour after meals together in a half a cup of hot water and take 5 after a week of taking the above regularly just one dose a week. Avoid Chocolates, Coffee, Mints and Red Meat while taking Homeopathic Medicines and avoid all foodstuffs, which gives you constipation at all costs. If there is any ambiguity about the dosage or the potency of the medicine please ask me before doing anything. And keep me posted about your progress at least every three days. Take Care and God Bless you!

Question: Which hospital in India provides SIR-SPHERES treatment for liver cancer? My dad was diagnosed with unresectable liver cancer in october 2007. Ever since, he has undergone 3 cycles of chemoembolization. Doctors now say that any more chemoembolization cycles will have a negative effect, and consider my dad's case as a lost cause. I read on the internet about SIR SPHERES, a new anti cancer drug marketed in india by ranbaxy. wanted to know which hospitals in India offer this treatment.

Answer: Aarex India 30 Tamarind Lane, Mumbai, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aditya Care Hospital Chandrasekharpur, Bhubhaneshwar, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aga Khan Maternal and Child Care Centre India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All India Institute of Medical Sciences Main Hospital Ansari Nagar, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All Smiles Dental Care Near Consulate of Japan, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital Kerala, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apollo Gleneagles Hospital Kolkata, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apollo Hospitals Chennai Tamil Nadu, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVSS Hospitals Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Question: if i don't take the hep c treatment will i for sure get liver cancer? I have found out i have hep c . I've known it since march 08 and i think i've had it for many, many years. My friend has it too, and she took the treatment years ago. Now she found out she has liver cancer, this is after taking good care of herself. So if she got liver cancer even after the treatment. Why should i do the treatment ? I've heard it was very difficult to do the treatment.

Answer: You should really discuss all of this with your doctor. It is not for sure that you will have liver cancer, or any complications. Some hep c drugs work for some people, while for others they don't. Treatment is difficult, but there are new drugs coming out that have less side effects. The good thing about treatment is that it can lengthen your life. Look into different types of therapy, like holistic and experimental treatment. But definitely discuss all these options with a good doctor (a specialist) and don't make a hasty decision about your health. Stay well!

Question: Anybody know about liver cancer treatment clinic/specialist in Irvine?

Answer: Liver cancer and pancreatic cancer are EXTREMELY SERIOUS GO TO NIH - National Institute of Health on the web and read !!!!!! Call the NIH cancer clinic and ask their recommendation. DON'T EVEN WAIT ONE DAY.

Question: does interferon treatment make liver cancer likely in the future? i just heard this, i am not sure if it is true.

Answer: a rare but possible side effect of Interferon is Liver damage. Monitoring the liver (blood test) early in the treatment usually catches it. All drugs has possible rare side effects. Interferon has been used for almost 30 years to treat serious illness. As noted already it has had some success in treating melanoma. It also is about the only treatment for Hepatitis C.

Question: What are the top leading drug products in the treatment of liver cancer?

Answer: Try these links: http://www.onyx-pharm.com/wt/page/index http://www.liverfoundation.org/

Question: liver cancer treatment? i just found out today from my mother that my father was diagnosed and they found out that he has liver cancer,my father is an old guy he turned 83 in February, and since then i felt like a part of my world has crashed, i am living abroad and my parents are in the Philippines, so my question now is what are the chances of winning against liver cancer? what is his chances from 100%? if things dont work out how long will he have to live? i would really appreciate honesty about your answers, it really gets me so down, but i keep my hopes up and pray to God for better days to come.

Answer: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary cancer of the liver and occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. The cell of origin is believed to be the hepatic stem cells, although this remains the subject of investigation.1 Tumors progress with local expansion, intrahepatic spread, and distant metastases. In general, the tumors are discovered either during routine screening or when symptomatic because of their size or location. Tumors may present as a single mass lesion or as diffuse growth, which can be difficult to differentiate from the surrounding cirrhotic liver tissue and the regenerating liver nodules on imaging studies. The presentation may be caused in part by mass effect that can lead to obstruction of the biliary system or anywhere affecting the liver vasculature. Without aggressive surgical resection, ablative therapy, or liver transplantation, hepatocellular carcinoma results in liver failure and death. Despite optimal treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma continues to have a high recurrence rate. Hepatocellular carcinoma recurs in 50-80% of patients following resection, the majority of which occur within 2 years.59 Careful follow-up in the postoperative period is mandatory. Early recurrence after resection is associated with a dismal prognosis, reducing 5-year survival rates from 70% to 30%.59 Factors that increase the likelihood of recurrence include the presence of multiple foci of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver capsule invasion, and tumor size (>5 cm). Vascular invasion, both microscopic and macroscopic, also correlates with a higher risk of recurrence. Among patients undergoing liver transplantation, the rate of recurrence is dependant upon the characteristics of the tumor in the explanted liver. Overall recurrence in patients transplanted within the Milan criteria is 4-10%.46 The majority of these recurrences occur early (8-14 mo); however, up to 30% of recurrences may occur late.60 In these patients, 23% develop intrahepatic-only recurrence, 39% develop both intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence, and 39% develop extrahepatic–only recurrence. Common extrahepatic sites of metastatic disease include lung, bone, CNS, and adrenal glands. Resection in the posttransplant population can be accomplished in up to one third of patients. In those patients who undergo successful resection, 4-year survival rates increase from 14% to 57%, justifying an aggressive approach.64 Unfortunately, no established guidelines exist regarding the frequency of imaging procedures in the postoperative period. In general, a CT scan at 1 month postresection should be obtained to ensure complete tumor clearance. Following this initial scan, serum alpha-fetoprotein measurements and repeat imaging studies (eg, ultrasound, CT, MRI) should be obtained every 3-6 months depending on the likelihood of recurrence. After 2-3 years, it appears safe to increase the follow-up interval.

Question: treatment for liver and lung cancer? My mother(aged 53) has been diognised with liver cancer, which has spread to her lungs too . I am extremely disturbed and dont know what to do . Pl let me know of all the possible approaches for her treatment.......... Pl help.

Answer: you need to rush her to a cancer hospital for treatment before it goes out of control. hurry up i wish her a speedy recovery.

Question: GLUCERNA SHAKE is required for liver cancer treatment. Pls. let me know where can be available in Mumbai,India

Answer: It is made and distributed in India by: India Abbott Laboratories (India) Ltd. 17R Kamani Marg Mumbai Bombay 400 001, India Main # 91-22-267-2159 Fax # 91-22-265-8313

Question: liver cancer - has anyone successfully used a treatment called enhanced zeolite? I have read so much about alternative treatments and really need to know if anyone has tried successfully to reduce large tumours? What a poor first answer, no need for the thick sarcasm or 'smart' remarks,..I don't need a biology lesson, I simply asked for anyone who had used this treatment, fortunately you don't need to ask such questions.

Answer: RF ablation has been known to reduce tumor mass in the liver. Read up on S. Nahum Goldberg, M.D.at BIDMC, he is the most published on the technique. Radiofrequency, Chemotherapy Prove Effective Duo in Destroying Tumors Released: June 19, 2003 At A Glance Rats survived three times longer when their cancer tumors were treated with combined chemotherapy and radio-frequency ablation (RFA). Doctors have seen a 25 percent increase in liver tumor destruction among 25 patients treated with combined RFA/chemotherapy at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Media Contacts: Maureen Morley (630) 590-7754 mmorley@rsna.org Heather Babiar (630) 590-7738 hbabiar@rsna.org NEW YORK - Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with chemotherapy is currently being used to treat malignant liver tumors at a Boston hospital on the basis of results from a new study appearing in the July issue of the journal Radiology. The minimally invasive, outpatient procedure is performed on primary liver cancer or colon cancer tumors that have spread to the liver of patients at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "It's exciting that a simple, image-guided technique, along with chemotherapy, can enhance the area of tumor killed," said Jonathan B. Kruskal, M.D., Ph.D., section chief of abdominal imaging at Beth Israel Deaconess and associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "Our research shows that we are now able to treat larger tumors with this combined therapy." RFA uses heat to destroy malignant tumors. After sedating the patient, radiologists locate the tumor with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. A four- to 10-inch-long electrode, similar to a biopsy needle, is guided into the center of a tumor via imaging. The electrode delivers radiofrequency current to heat and destroy the tumor tissue. Dr. Kruskal co-authored the Radiology study, which indicated that with the addition of chemotherapy, tumors larger than five centimeters can be treated with RFA and that partially destroying tumors with RFA slows tumor growth and improves survival. "Large tumors are typically not considered amenable to RFA treatment. Our results suggest that they may well be," he said. The research, performed by Guiseppe D'Ippolito, M.D., and colleagues under the direction of S. Nahum Goldberg, M.D., the senior author of the study, was the first randomized controlled study on combined RFA and chemotherapy treatments in animals. Dr. Kruskal presented it today during a Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) media briefing on image-guided therapies. Liposomal doxorubicin (a chemotherapeutic agent) and RFA were used to treat breast tumors implanted into 49 rats and grown from 10 days to two weeks. The animals were divided into four treatment groups: RFA only, doxorubicin only, RFA combined with doxorubicin, and a control group receiving no treatment. Doxorubicin is dispensed in fat droplets, which circulate through the body and find the tumor, helping to destroy it. When doxorubicin was combined with RFA, results showed a reduction in tumor growth rates and a tripling in the average survival rate compared with the group receiving no treatment. "The survival of animals increased from nine days in the control group to 27 days with the combined therapy," Dr. Kruskal said. "This study opens up the possibilities of using other drug cocktails with RFA to kill tumors and to treat tumors outside of the liver." RFA is a good option for treating liver tumors. Many people with liver tumors are not appropriate candidates for surgery because their tumors are too widespread or inaccessible or because of their poor physical health. They also may not be candidates for a liver transplant. A liver tumor can be ablated with radiofrequency in about 30 to 60 minutes, without affecting the liver's normal tissue. RFA is a one- to three-hour outpatient procedure that can be used to treat recurrent liver tumors. It is less risky than surgery, can be performed without general anesthesia and causes minimal discomfort. Patients can most often go home the same day. Risks associated with RFA include bleeding and injury to other organs and "post-ablation" syndrome, which includes flu-like symptoms. Beth Israel Deaconess is currently the only hospital providing combined RFA and liposomal chemotherapy, according to Dr. Kruskal. Approximately 25 patients have been treated with the combined therapy by Dr. Goldberg, director of the tumor ablation program at Beth Israel Deaconess, and they are seeing a 25 percent increase in the volume of tumor destruction. Based on these results, Drs. Goldberg and Kruskal are planning further studies, including a large clinical study comparing RFA alone to RFA combined with liposomal chemotherapy. "RFA has been used worldwide for the last five or six years to treat tumors up to five centimeters," Dr. Kruskal said. "With the new combined therapy, where patients are given doxorubicin intravenously prior to the start of RFA, physicians will be able to treat larger tumors, up to eight centimeters." The purpose of this study, partly funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health, was to determine whether combined intravenous liposomal doxorubicin and RFA decreased tumor growth and increased endpoint survival - that is, from the start of treatment until the tumor reached three centimeters. Following treatment, tumors were measured every two to three days until they reached three centimeters. The rats that received RFA and doxorubicin had a mean endpoint survival of 27 days. Rats receiving either RFA or injections of doxorubicin had an endpoint survival of 16 days. The control group, with no treatment, reached endpoint survival at 10 days. Radiology is a monthly scientific journal devoted to clinical radiology and allied sciences. The journal is edited by Anthony V. Proto, M.D., School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. Radiology is owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America Inc. (http://radiology.rsnajnls.org) The RSNA is an association of more than 33,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists and related scientists committed to promoting excellence through education and by fostering research, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care. The Society's headquarters are located at 820 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, Ill. 60523-2251. (http://www.rsna.org) For information on radiology procedures and therapies, visit www.RadiologyInfo.org. # # # "Percutaneous Tumor Ablation: Reduced Tumor Growth with Combined Radio-Frequency Ablation and Liposomal Doxorubicin in a Rat Breast Tumor Model." Collaborating with Dr. Kruskal on this study were Nahum Goldberg, M.D.; Giuseppe D'Ippolito, M.D.; Muneeb Ahmed, M.D.; Geoffrey D. Girnun, Ph.D.; Keith E. Stuart, M.D.; and Elkan F. Halpern, Ph.D.

Question: do you know any method to do treatment fot liver or lung cancer? do you know any new kind of medication treatment fot lung or liver cancer?

Answer: best to see a doctor. After following the doctor's prescribed treatment, pray.

Question: What is the small cell cancer treatment for someone who has had a liver transplant? I'm asking because I'm curious about what my husband is going to have to endure. Thank you!

Answer: Is it small cell of the lung? Treatment ideally would start with surgery from there it depends on the stage.

Question: what is the best treatment for liver cancer? the metastasic liver cancer from the small intestine

Answer: You are not clear on if this is a primary liver cancer or these are 'metastatic cells' from the small intestine . . there is a difference. There is also treatment depending on what you are dealing with. You need to seek out a designated comprehensive cancer center that deals with this type of cancer frequently. Usually these centers are better than your local hospital because they deal with these diseases more. You can establish a treatment protocol and than take it back to your home hospital. National Cancer Institute: Cancer Centers List by state http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/cancer-centers-list.html You can also join an online listserv of the type of cancer you are dealing with to find out the latest about treatments and recommendations for where to go for treatment. http://www.acor.org/mailing.html There are several ways to treat metastatic cancer that has gone to the liver . . but success depends on many factors including how many mets or tumors, type, etc . . I do know a young man who had his mets within the liver 'ablated' and it worked for him.

Question: My friend has an inflammed liver from radiation treatment for cancer? Has that ever happened to anyone and willit resolve itself or is destruction to the liver.

Answer: The liver is fantastic and can reproduce its own tissue, with just a tiny bit left. Right now it just needs an anti-inflammatory med to help that. Ask doc for script, and then give it time. :)