Metastatic liver cancer treatment with tumor board approach
Do you know that advanced treatment options can help you live longer with metastatic liver cancer?
Metastatic liver cancer can be very fatal. The survival rate is also low. In the metastatic stage, cancer has spread to other organs in the body and cannot be removed by surgery.
But thanks to modern medical oncology treatment
Targeted therapy and a combination of various therapies can help you live a better and longer life without pain. A dedicated tumor board with reputed medical oncologists can assist you in choosing the right treatment. Although your cancer is not resectable, still the tumor can shrink to a considerable extent and you may have a better chance of survival.
Let us know how Francis lived better with metastatic liver cancer.
Francis was living a happy retired life with his family in Nigeria.
One day he saw that he was having dark-colored stool and dark-colored urine. In the beginning, he did not pay much attention, but gradually he started suffering from jaundice and he was losing weight very fast.
He went to a local doctor who referred him to an oncologist. The oncologist suggested a CT scan of the liver, which turned out to be positive for liver cancer.
A biopsy revealed he had stage IV liver cancer and his lymph nodes are also affected.
Francis was deeply shocked as he could not accept that he had few months to live more.
His friend John told him to contact MedicoExperts in India which had a dedicated tumor board.
The tumor board consisted of eminent medical oncologists and radiotherapists.
Francis came to India with his son Robin. Francis consulted the best oncologists in India with assistance from the MedicoExperts’ tumor board.
The doctor prescribed a powerful therapy for Francis which stopped the progression of his cancer.
He is still surviving even after 6 years of cancer detection.
The family thanked MedicoExperts.
What is metastatic liver cancer?
Metastatic liver cancer is a type of liver cancer that spreads to other organs like colon, pancreas, lungs, and bones. It is a stage IV cancer and spreads through the blood or the lymphatic system.
What are the symptoms of metastatic liver cancer?
Symptoms of metastatic liver cancer are the following
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Dark stool
- Nausea
- Blood in vomiting
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
How is metastatic liver cancer diagnosed?
The metastatic liver is diagnosed in the following way
a. Imaging tests:
These tests provide detailed images of the liver and other organs, helping to identify tumors and assess the extent of cancer spread. Common imaging techniques include:
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
- PET (positron emission tomography) scan
- Ultrasound
b. Biopsy:
A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from the liver or suspected tumor for examination under a microscope. This procedure helps confirm the presence of cancer cells in the liver and can often determine the primary cancer source. There are different types of liver biopsies, including:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the liver to obtain a small sample of tissue.
- Core needle biopsy: A larger needle is used to obtain a slightly larger tissue sample.
- Surgical biopsy: A biopsy may be done during surgery, especially if the tumor is difficult to reach by other methods.
c. Endoscopy:
If a primary cancer source is not yet identified, endoscopic procedures may be used to examine the gastrointestinal tract or other organs where cancer may have originated.
d. Laparoscopy:
In some cases, a laparoscopy may be performed to directly visualize the liver and surrounding organs and obtain tissue samples for biopsy.
Chemotherapy is given through oral tablets or infusion therapy on specific dates in a week.
Chemotherapy cycles continue for months and can help in preventing the further spread of secondary liver cancer.
Targeted therapy can destroy specific cancer cells without harming the normal liver cells in the body.
Targeted therapy can be monoclonal antibodies which are designed to bind to the cancer antigens on the cancer cells and destroy them.
The typical immunotherapy drug blocks the interaction of a specific molecule of T cell with the cancer cell.
The drug prevents a specific mechanism of cancer cells to escape from an immune attack.
In this type of therapy, radiation is either given through the bloodstream or as external beam radiation.
In this type of therapy, the cancer cells are killed by passing an electric current.
Palliative care is given to metastatic liver cancer patients who have a very less chance of survival and is mainly intended to reduce the symptoms like pain, anxiety, nausea, weight loss, vomiting
A combination of the different therapies mentioned above can help you live a better life with a prolonged chance of painless survival.
What is the life expectancy of metastatic liver cancer?
The average survival rate is 4-11 months in case of metastatic liver cancer. The five-year survival rate is only 11%.
However, depending on the general health and the type of treatment, life expectancy can improve dramatically.
Advances in cancer research and therapies have improved outcomes for some patients, and new treatments are continually being developed to extend survival and improve quality of life.
In the context of treating metastatic liver cancer, a tumor board plays a crucial role in providing the best possible care and outcomes for the patient.
The tumor board’s collaborative approach ensures that the patient receives personalized, evidence-based care, maximizing the potential for better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Where is the best treatment for metastatic liver cancer done?
MedicoExperts tumor board has well-renowned medical oncologists, Surgical oncologists, Radiologists, Pathologists and Palliative care specialists who can treat patients with utmost care and can do their very best to increase the survival chance of the patient.
This collaborative approach ensures that the patient benefits from the collective knowledge and experience of the entire team. The treatment plan developed by the tumor board takes into account the patient’s medical history, test results, preferences, and the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Benefits of getting treated through MedicoExperts Tumor Board Approach
- Provide a more accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, as different perspectives are considered.
- Review and discuss various treatment options, tailoring the approach to each patient’s specific situation.
- Prevent unnecessary or ineffective treatments by making well-informed decisions.
- Optimize the sequencing of therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Monitor treatment progress and adjust the plan as needed based on the patient’s response and any changes in their condition.
Conclusion:
Metastatic liver cancer is life-threatening and cannot be surgically removed.
With modern treatment like targeted therapy and immunotherapy, along with palliative care, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of cancer and live a painless life for more than 5 years after detection.
However, a regular check-ups by the doctor and continued therapy are very essential.
A dedicated team of medical oncologists on the tumor board can help in taking the right decision and offering the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:
Q1. What is the survival rate of metastatic liver cancer?
Five-year Survival Rate of metastatic liver cancer is only 11%. However, many people live longer lives through advanced treatment
Q2. Can metastatic liver cancer be cured?
Metastatic cancer may not be curable, but life expectancy can be improved through advanced treatment. With a tumor board consisting of specialists, it is possible to do the right treatment with the right doses of medicine.
Best hospital for metastatic liver cancer treatment in India
The best hospitals for metastatic liver cancer treatment in India are equipped with cutting-edge technology, skills, experience, and the latest protocols to provide the best cancer care and outcome. Here is a list of the best metastatic liver cancer treatment hospitals in India:
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Anthony, 58 yrs. old after undergoing radiotherapy and hormone therapy, shares his experience of getting prostate cancer treatment in India.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Anthony Igwe, and I am 58 years old and I am from Ghana. I was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer in Jan 2010. I had all the symptoms, uncontrollable frequent urination, blood in the urine, and a lot of pain and discomfort. My local doctors said I should get a surgery done to remove it, but I was not sure. I wanted to seek second opinion, someone who could help me better.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I stayed positive and began looking for second opinion from my local doctors, but I was still worried about getting good treatment in my own country. A relative suggested I visit the MedicoExperts Connect Centre in Ghana. When I went there with my reports, they reconfirmed what the reports suggested, but said that they could get me in touch with a doctor in India who can help me evaluate my situation better. After speaking to the Surgeon from India, I was informed that it was not necessary I undergo surgery as it could do more damage than good, getting radiotherapy along with hormone therapy was a more logical option. They recommended sessions of radiotherapy. They asked me if I was willing to travel to India for my treatment. I had heard a lot of good things about the facilities in India and their doctors, and I felt I should get my treatment done in India. The team was kind enough to help me make a choice according to my preference.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
MedicoExperts team was really empathetic and caring throughout my treatment in India. They would check up on me and help me if I needed anything in particular. The team of doctors and attendants that I had too were very understanding and proactive. They genuinely cared about my well-being which also helped me stay positive and get better. Thank you team MedicoExperts.
Mr Daniel Banda never knew much about prostate cancer before his diagnosis. Now, after radical prostatectomy in India, he is surviving the odds and also spreading awareness.
Tell us about yourself
Hi, I am Daniel Banda, 49 years old from Nigeria. I decided to get a general check-up done, which included PSA test. When my results came, the PSA levels were surprisingly high and I was asked for further evaluation which included biopsy. After my results, I was told I had localized prostate cancer and could get a surgery done. I always believed that prostate cancer was the disease of an old man before my diagnosis.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I found out about MedicoExperts through a Facebook ad about prostate cancer. I dropped an inquiry and they got back to me pretty quickly. I discussed with them about my symptoms and conditions, and after sharing reports, they told me I could undergo radical prostatectomy. However, I had to travel to India for getting this treatment. I was a bit worried about travelling so far for surgery. MedicoExperts team got me to consult with the surgeon directly, which helped me build trust.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
After the initial doubting phase, I was able to make my decision to travel to India. I must say the MedicoExperts team is very thorough. They urged me to ask and clear all my doubts with the uro-onclogist in India before my travel plans. I discussed all the possibilities of side-effects and how long will I take to get back to my normal routine. This helped me prepare for the surgery better and also mentally be prepared for the side-effects. My overall experience was good and I would definitely recommend MedicoExperts for any treatment.
Oana was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the early age of 29, in February 2017.
Tell us about yourself
I am Oana, and now I am 32. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2017. Two years ago, I felt a lump on my right breast, the first time I suspected something was wrong. An ultrasound was instructed by my gynaecologist, but the test findings were normal. A year later, I still felt the lump, but this time I had other symptoms as well, my areola had a dark spot, my nipple had crustiness and discharge, and I also had sharp pain in my chest. I asked for something other than an ultrasound to be tested and she ordered an MRI, a test that was more probable to be covered by my insurance than a mammogram and disclose any cancer in my breasts. After my MRI, I was asked to get a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy done urgently and on priority, as they found something suspicious in my scans. The results revealed I had HER2-positive breast cancer. I was terrified and almost lost, but my family helped me cope with it all. We started discussing the possible treatment options I had and the best place to get them done.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
My father’s colleague suggested MedicoExperts, as she too had breast cancer and MedicoExperts assisted her for her treatment, and is doing really well today. My dad started to find them online and got in touch with them on my behalf initially. Later, I spoke with them, shared my reports and received consultation from their doctor as well. The breast onco-surgeon has good experience and was also very renowned. However, I had to travel for my double mastectomy surgery in India. Since, we already had a reference, we were not too scared to make the decision.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
Everyone was very supportive and caring through my surgery, and treatment afterwards. After the surgery I received chemotherapy and radiation. I was also suggested on what to eat and how to manage my side-effects of treatment. I must say, they really know how to handle sensitive cases as well and also ensure there is lot of positivity and care. I am glad we chose to travel to India and chose MedicoExperts to be our guide and aid.
