Liver cancer is not curable, but it can be treated to slow down its progression and ease symptoms. The success of treatment depends on the stage, or how far the cancer has spread, which is determined by a system doctors call staging. Staging describes how big a tumor is, and whether it has grown into nearby blood vessels or the liver itself. It also describes whether a cancer has spread to distant locations, such as the lungs or bones.
A diagnosis of stage 4 liver cancer is a difficult time for patients, their families, and friends. Getting as much information as possible about the disease and its treatments is key to making informed decisions. However, it is important to remember that statistics should be taken as generalizations and not used to make predictions about your individual health.
Symptoms of stage 4 liver cancer are similar to those associated with advanced chronic liver disease, including abdominal pain and discomfort, fatigue, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), loss of appetite, and diarrhea. In some cases, a person may develop ascites, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, or encephalopathy, changes in mental status, or severe watery diarrhea. Often, doctors find this type of cancer through regular physical exams and blood tests that check for liver function, bile flow, and alpha-fetoprotein, which is a tumor marker commonly found in patients with this disease.
The most common treatment for stage 4 liver cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be given orally, intravenously, or by a combination of both. It is usually given once or twice a day for about four to six weeks.
Other treatment options for stage 4 liver cancer include radiation, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. Immunotherapy, which uses your body’s own immune system to fight the cancer, is usually given in combination with other treatments. It can be given through an IV infusion every two or three weeks. The drugs Opdivo and Yervoy are both types of immunotherapy that can be used to treat stage 4 liver cancer.
The prognosis for stage 4 liver cancer is poor. The five-year survival rate is only about 3%, but it can vary depending on where new tumors form. New tumors are most likely to form in the liver, but they can occur in other organs as well, such as the lungs or bones. Some people with metastatic liver cancer develop bone fractures as the cancer cells invade their bones. It is also important to seek palliative care and hospice care for advanced stages of liver cancer. These services can help with pain control, managing other symptoms, and helping patients and their families cope. This includes emotional support and connection with other patients and caregivers who have had a similar experience. Patients, their families, and friends can find support from in-person or online groups, and patient advocacy groups. Many people also find comfort in their faith and spirituality at this time.
