New Therapy Improves Intermediate Liver Cancer Cure Rate by 55 Percent

Liver cancer is a serious condition. sixth most common The world has more than 900,000. Each year there are new cases of cancer. It also has the third highest death rate among all cancers. Recently, the Li Ka Shing faculty of medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) released the world’s first comprehensive treatment plan for intermediate liver cancer, called the “Reduce and Remove” program.

Clinical studies show that almost 50 percent of patients who have intermediate liver cancer can be treated with a comprehensive treatment program. “Reduce and Remove.” The research results Published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology Dec. 2022 Edition.

Liver cancer ranks among the top 10 most deadly cancers worldwide. According to According to the Hong Kong Cancer Database there are almost 1,800 cases of liver cancer every year in Hong Kong. Only 30% of these cases can be treated with curative surgery and the rest are unable to receive non-curative treatment. tumor Size or vascular invasion

From March 2019 to January 20, 2021, 33 patients suffering from liver cancer were recruited by the HKU Faculty of Medicine. This was done in order increase the chance of their being cured and improve patient survival rates. The tumors measured between 5 and 17.5 cm (about 2-7 in) in diameter. 64 percent of patients had tumors that were too large to be removed by surgery. The new technique was used to treat the 33 patients. “Reduce and Remove” tri-modality therapy (START-FIT).

The patient was treated with transarterial Chemoembolisation the first day to treat the tumor. Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy was then used on day 28 to combat the tumor head on. The PD-L1 immunotherapy Avelumab treatment was given 14 days later—then once every 2 weeks to continue striking the cancer cells and shrink the tumor to a size appropriate for surgical removal, thereby eradicating the cancer.

After receiving tri-modality therapy, 18 patients (around 55 percent) were deemed suitable for surgery. Four patients (about 12%) underwent curative surgery while 14 patients (42%) were chosen for close monitoring by imaging. The tumor cells had become completely necrotic. After the tri-modality therapy, a two-and a half-year follow-up revealed a survival rate greater than 90 percent in two years.

The study reported the treatment’s approach is “minimally invasive with short hospital stay and a relatively high safety profile,” The most common side effects include “temporary liver function derangement after TACE,” With some patients developing a “mild immune reaction.”

The “Reduce and Remove” Patients with liver cancer that are not suitable to undergo surgery have the option of therapy. The full-term treatment costs are around HK$200,000—about U.S.$25,600. Chan Chi-yan, a clinical instructor at the Department of Surgery School of Clinical Medicine said: “This treatment strategy provides a definite treatment schedule. Most patients could have an idea of the treatment effect within 6 months after the start of treatment and be able to have better planning for themselves and their families.”

Chan added: “Now the team is looking forward to expanding the treatment coverage to more patients, especially those with poor liver function, to help downstaging the tumor status and hence, increase the chance of fitting into the criteria for liver transplantation in the future. We are also seeking ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, from a single agent to double agents, to deliver a more enhanced and solid treatment result.”

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