Author: Medical Editor Jason
Advantages and latest developments in treating liver cancer in the USA
Leading Hospitals and Experts in the USA for Liver Cancer Treatment
Liver CancerPain Points for International Patients
Cases of International Liver Cancer Patients with Remote Video Consultations with U.S. Experts
Medebound HEALTH: Connecting You to Global Top Medical Resources
What is liver cancer, and how high is its mortality rate?
Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a malignant tumor originating in the liver. Liver cancer is often closely related to factors such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and long-term alcohol abuse. Due to its unobvious early symptoms, liver cancer is often discovered at an advanced stage, which makes it one of the cancers with a high mortality rate worldwide.
According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), liver cancer causes a significant health burden worldwide. In 2020, about 910,000 people were newly diagnosed with liver cancer globally, and about 830,000 people died from it. Liver cancer ranks fourth in global cancer mortality, accounting for 7.8% of all cancer deaths. Furthermore, the incidence of liver cancer is particularly high in regions such as Asia and Africa, where it is a leading cause of cancer death.
How is liver cancer treated?
1. Surgical Treatment
Liver Resection: For localized liver cancer, surgical removal of the affected part is the most common treatment method. Some patients can achieve long-term cancer-free survival after surgery.
Liver Transplant: For some patients with advanced liver cancer, especially those whose liver function is already severely impaired, a liver transplant may be the only cure.
2. Local Treatment
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Causes tumor tissue to degenerate and become necrotic through high-frequency currents, suitable for liver cancer patients who cannot undergo surgical resection.
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): Delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor site, then blocks the tumor's blood supply through embolization to achieve the treatment goal.
3. Whole Body Treatment
Targeted Therapy: Precisely treats specific molecular targets on liver cancer cells. Common targeted drugs include Sorafenib, Lenvatinib, etc.
Immunotherapy: Utilizes the power of the immune system to attack cancer cells. Some patients have achieved significant treatment results through immunotherapy.
4. Radiotherapy
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): A non-invasive radiotherapy method suitable for liver cancer patients who are not candidates for surgery, capable of accurately targeting and destroying tumor cells.
5. Emerging Treatments
Gene Therapy: Treatment strategies targeting liver cancer gene mutations, such as CRISPR technology, are currently in clinical trials.
Cell Therapy: For example, T-cell immunotherapy, which enhances the patient's immune cells to better attack cancer cells.
Histotripsy: A new non-invasive treatment technology that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to precisely fragment liver cancer tumor tissue.
Can liver cancer be cured?
The effectiveness of liver cancer treatment varies depending on the pathological stage of the patient, liver function, and the choice of treatment method. Patients with early-stage liver cancer have a higher cure rate when treated with surgical resection or local therapy. However, treating advanced liver cancer is more challenging; although modern treatments (such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy) have made some progress, these treatments usually only extend the patients' survival time rather than fully cure them.
For patients with advanced liver cancer, if surgical resection is not possible, other treatments (such as TACE, targeted therapy, immunetherapy) can significantly improve symptoms, slow disease progression, and enhance quality of life.
Advantages and Latest Developments in Liver Cancer Treatment in the USA
The USA has the following major advantages in the field of liver cancer treatment:
Advanced Treatment Technologies: The liver cancer treatment technologies in the USA are constantly updated, especially in targeted drugs, immunotherapy, and the formulation of personalized treatment plans, which are at the forefront globally.
Top Liver Cancer Experts: US hospitals have many world-class liver cancer treatment experts who have extensive experience in early screening, precise treatment, and new drug development for liver cancer.
Latest Developments:
In recent years, as research into liver cancer treatment has deepened, many innovative therapies have provided more options for patients. These methods not only improve treatment efficacy but also help those patients who cannot be cured by traditional therapies. Here are some of the latest treatment advancements:
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies)Immune checkpoint inhibitors are one of the most significant breakthroughs in liver cancer treatment in recent years. By lifting the "brake" mechanism of the immune system, immune checkpoint inhibitors (such as PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies) can activate T cells, helping the body recognize and attack tumor cells.
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab) are two common PD-1 inhibitors that have shown good efficacy in multiple clinical trials. Especially for patients with advanced liver cancer, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have been proven to significantly extend survival.
Recently,combineation therapies have become a new trend in liver cancer treatment. For example, the combination of Opdivo with Yervoy (ipilimumab) has improved efficacy in some patients, especially in dealing with liver cancer patients resistant to immunotherapy.
Liver Cancer VaccineThe liver cancer vaccine is another innovative therapy that stimulates the immune system to specifically recognize and attack liver cancer cells. In recent years, several liver cancer vaccines have entered clinical trial stages and achieved positive results.
Glypican-3 (GPC3) Vaccine: GPC3 is a glycoprotein highly expressed on the surface of liver cancer cells, becoming a key target for the development of liver cancer immunovaccine. Multiple research institutions and companies are working on the development of vaccines targeting GPC3, aiming to prevent liver cancer recurrence or treat advanced liver cancer by enhancing immune response.
Immunovaccine + Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Combination Therapy: Research shows that combining liver cancer vaccines with immune checkpoint inhibitors (such as PD-1 inhibitors) can significantly enhance treatment effects by increasing the activity of the immune system, thereby improving liver cancer treatment efficacy.
Liver Cancer Cell Immunotherapy (CAR-T Cell Therapy)CAR-T cell therapy involves genetically modifying the patient's immune cells (T cells) to specifically recognize and attack liver cancer cells. This technology has already achieved significant results in blood cancers like leukemia and is now gradually being applied to liver cancer treatment.
Currently, several CAR-T cell therapies targeting liver cancer are undergoing clinical trials. Particularly in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, preliminary results indicate that CAR-T cell therapy can effectively control tumor growth and reduce recurrence.
Localized Treatment Techniques
Histotripsy: is a non-invasive, high-precision treatment method, which focuse high-frequency ultrasound energy on the tumor area, causing tumor cells to be fractured or destroyed in a short time without the need for surgical removal or insertion of any instruments. Histotripsy can achieve high-precision targeted treatment of tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissue. As an emerging minimally invasive treatment method, it offers more treatment options for liver cancer patients, especially for those who cannot undergo traditional surgery.The technology is currently undergoing clinical trials in liver cancer treatment, showing promising prospects, especially suitable for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Leading Hospitals and Experts in the US for Glioma Treatment
In the US, the following experts and hospitals are at the forefront of liver cancer treatment and deserve patients' attention:
1. MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Milind Javle, liver cancer expert MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the leading cancer treatment institutions worldwide. Professor Milind Javle has extensive experience in liver cancer treatment, especially in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced liver cancer. As a renowned expert in liver cancer and gastrointestinal tumors at the center, Dr. Milind Javle has accumulated numerous successful cases in clinical treatment and participated in many liver cancer clinical trials, providing new hope for patients.
2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)
Dr. David Paul Kelsen, liver cancer treatment expert MSKCC is one of the world's most renowned oncology treatment centers. Dr. David Paul Kelsen has profound expertise in liver cancer treatment. He focuses on comprehensive treatment of liver cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and the application of emerging immunotherapy. Dr. Kelsen has outstanding performance in clinical research and patient treatment and is one of the authorities in the field.
These two doctors and their hospitals are at the forefront of liver cancer treatment, with numerous successful treatment cases. Patients can obtain advice and guidance from top experts through remote video consultations. If you wish to learn more or are interested in an international consultation, MEDEBOUND HEALTH can provide relevant assistance and arrangements.
Cost of Liver Cancer Treatment in the United States
The cost of liver cancer treatment in the United States varies depending on the patient's treatment plan, complexity of the condition, medical institution, and duration of treatment. Here are estimated costs for some common treatments:
Surgical Treatment:
The cost of liver resection generally ranges from $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's health condition.
The cost of a liver transplant can be as high as $300,000 to $500,000, which includes surgical costs, treatment during hospitalization, and post-operative immunosuppressive therapy, among others.
Local Treatment:
The cost of local treatments such as Microwave Ablation (MWA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) usually ranges between $10,000 to $50,000 , depending on the technique, number of treatments, and the medical institution.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is also a form of local treatment,with costs around $20,000 to $40,000.
Targeted Drugs and Immunotherapy:
The cost of targeted drugs like Sorafenib (Sorafenib) and Lenvatinib is typically between $15,000 to $30,000 per month.
Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) often costs between $20,000 to $30,000 per month.
Chemotherapy and Other Supportive Treatments:
If the patient undergoes chemotherapy, the cost per chemotherapy cycle is usually around $10,000 to $20,000.
Hospitalization costs during treatment, postoperative care, and other supportive treatments may further increase the expenses.
For international patients, treatment costs may be 15%-40% higher. However, some medical institutions, like Medebound HEALTH, can apply for hospital fee discounts for patients, sometimes reaching 15%-50%.
Pain Points for International Liver Cancer Patients
Difficulty in Treatment Choices: International patients often have limited knowledge of treatment methods in the US and cannot make quick treatment decisions.
High Costs: The cost of liver cancer treatment is usually high, especially for patients requiring long-term treatment, creating financial pressure.
Language and Cultural Barriers: When seeking treatment abroad, language and cultural differences can affect the treatment experience and outcome.
Long-term Treatment Requirements: Liver cancer treatment may require multiple stages, and international patients have to face long stays or frequent travel between countries.
Asian Liver Cancer Patient Remote Video Consultation with American Specialist Case
This 59-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital in 2021 due to chest pain, and a nodule was found in the right lobe of the liver after examination. With further imaging, the MRI report in December 2021 indicated that the right lobe of the liver might be small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
After a detailed assessment, the patient underwent partial right hepatectomy in March 2022. During the operation, moderate liver cirrhosis and nodular cirrhosis were found. The postoperative pathology confirmed the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, but fortunately, no cancer invasion was seen at the liver resection margin.
However, on September 26, 2024, an MRI scan showed a new lesion about 1.1 cm in segment 7 of the liver, suspected of being a tumor recurrence. Given the limited extent of the lesion, the patient decided to seek further consultation and treatment options.
In such a situation, the patient and their family contacted MEDEBOUND HEALTH—a cross-border medical service agency with 9 years of overseas medical service experience and a patient satisfaction rate of 95%.
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Video Consultation and Preliminary Diagnosis
MEDEBOUND HEALTH arranged a video consultation with experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center, where detailed medical record discussion and imaging analysis were conducted.
During the video consultation, professor Milind Javle and the team carefully reviewed the patient's latest imaging reports, understood the patient's previous treatment history and current disease progression. Based on the patient's liver cirrhosis condition and local features of tumor recurrence, Professor Javle recommended that the patient first undergo a biopsy of the liver lesion to confirm the nature of the lesion, and consider using minimally invasive treatment methods, Such as ultrasound tissue fragmentation (Histotripsy) for tumor treatment
The professor emphasized that due to the patient's cirrhosis, traditional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is not suitable, and as long as the liver function can withstand it, ultrasound tissue fragmentation would be a more appropriate choice. The minimally invasive nature of this method can avoid damage to the surrounding healthy liver and is also more beneficial for the patient's recovery period.
Decision for Treatment in the USA
After receiving treatment recommendations from experts at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the patient decided to go to the USA for more specialized treatment. With the assistance of MEDEBOUND International Medical Services, the patient successfully arranged the treatment trip to the USA and arrived at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in October 2024.
Treatment Process
After arriving in the United States, the patient first underwent necessary imaging reviews and liver biopsy under the guidance of Professor Milind Javle's team. The biopsy confirmed the recurrence of the tumor and further determined the nature of the lesions.
Subsequently, the patient underwent histotripsy under the precise planning of the professor's team. This technique uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to fragment tumor tissue. During the treatment, the patient remained conscious, and the progress of tumor fragmentation was monitored in real-time through ultrasound. The entire treatment process went smoothly, the tumor tissue was successfully removed, while the surrounding healthy tissue was not damaged.
Treatment Effect and Follow-up
After treatment, the patient was observed at MD Anderson for several days. Since histotripsy is a minimally invasive surgery, the patient recovered quite quickly. In the first week after treatment, the patient was able to eat and be active, and liver function tests showed no abnormalities. In the second week after surgery, the patient's liver was recovering well, and no significant complications appeared.
The patient also followed MD Anderson's follow-up schedule and underwent regular remote reviews. The latest imaging examination showed that the lesion had completely disappeared, and liver function had returned to normal. Currently, the patient continues to maintain remote communication with the MD Anderson expert team and undergoes regular examinations and monitoring.
Conclusion
Through the preliminary consultation via video, the patient received professional treatment advice from MD Anderson Cancer Center and successfully traveled to the U.S. for Histotripsy (ultrasound tissue fragmentation) treatment. The treatment process went smoothly, the patient recovered well, and the tumor was completely eradicated. Today, the patient's liver function has been effectively restored, and they continue to maintain close contact with the expert team.
If you are facing similar health issues or would like to learn more about liver cancer treatment options, MEDEBOUND HEALTH can offer comprehensive consultation and assistance. We will arrange the most suitable treatment plan based on your specific condition, ensuring that you receive support from world-class experts.
We hope today’s content has been helpful to you. If you have any questions during your decision-making process or need further assistance, MEDEBOUND HEALTH is always here to support you.
Medebound HEALTH How can we serve you
Contact Medebound HEA
1. First Consultation: Contact us to understand your needs. Our care team will succinctly explain all treatment options, helping you understand the various choices without confusion or pressure.
2. Talking to the Doctor: We will arrange a remote video consultation with top experts from leading U.S. hospitals. Don’t worry about language barriers; we provide professional translation services to ensure you can communicate clearly and comfortably with the doctor about your condition and recovery expectations.
3. Creating Your Treatment Plan: After speaking with the doctor, we will help you develop a treatment plan. We will clearly explain which treatment options may be beneficial for you, the duration of treatment, the associated costs, and the expected results.
4. Travel Assistance: If you need to travel to the U.S. for treatment, we will simplify the entire process. We handle visa applications, book flights, find comfortable accommodations near the hospital, arrange airport transfers, and take care of all travel arrangements for your family.
5. Arrival at the Hospital: Once you arrive at the U.S. hospital, our team will be by your side every step of the way. We assist with communication with the doctors, explain the treatment plan, support your family, and use our long-term collaboration with U.S. hospitals to help secure maximum discounts, sometimes ranging from 15% to 50%. These discounts can be much higher than what individual patients could negotiate on their own when seeking treatment in the U.S.
6. Post-Treatment Support: Even after you return home, our care continues. We will assist you with rehabilitation exercises, monitor your recovery progress, arrange consultations with doctors when necessary, and support your recovery journey until you reach your goals and fully recover.
Medebound HEALTH: Connecting You to World-Class Medical Resources
If you or your family are seeking top-tier treatment for complex conditions, Medebound HEALTH is your best choice. Through our collaboration with leading medical institutions in the U.S., we provide full support for both remote video consultations and treatment in the U.S.
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