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What medications are used in systemic chemotherapy to treat liver cancer?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Chemotherapy is treatment used to treat various cancers, the drugs destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. Chemotherapy can also be administered directly into the liver artery and is called intra-arterial chemotherapy. Liver tumors derive their blood supply from the hepatic artery, and intra-arterial administration will expose the tumor to very high doses of chemotherapy (100 - 400 times higher values than systemic infusion).This increased drug exposure achieves tumor shrinkage in 50 - 70% of patients. The two most commonly used drugs are 5 FU and FUDR. Administering combinations of drugs can improve the chance of tumor shrinkage.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoChemotherapy is never used to treat cirrhosis of the liver, which is usually caused by alcohol or extreme obesity.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoSystemic chemotherapy can also be used to treat liver cancer. The medications usually used are 5-fluorouracil (Adrucil, Efudex) or methotrexate (MTX, Mexate).
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoTo understand the options available and the likely outcome, you need to go and talk to your doctor.
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What impact does chemotherapy have on metastatic cancer of the liver?
Some patients with metastatic cancer of the liver can have their lives prolonged for a few months by chemotherapy, although cure is not possible.
Is Liver cancer treatable?
The treatability of liver cancer depends on various factors, including the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed, the overall health of the patient, and the available treatment options. Treatment approaches for liver cancer can include surgery, liver transplantation, ablation therapies, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies. Surgery: Surgical options for liver cancer may include the removal of the tumor or, in some cases, a portion of the liver (partial hepatectomy). However, surgery is often considered when the cancer is in its early stages and has not spread extensively. Liver Transplantation: Liver transplantation may be an option for some patients with small tumors or early-stage liver cancer. This involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor. Ablation Therapies: Ablation therapies, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation, use heat to destroy cancer cells. These approaches are suitable for small tumors and may be considered in patients who are not candidates for surgery. Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation therapy or internal radiation (brachytherapy) may be used to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often employed to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Systemic Therapies: Systemic therapies include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments are administered to the entire body and are often used for advanced or metastatic liver cancer. Chemoembolization: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels supplying the tumor, followed by blocking the blood supply to the tumor. This is commonly used for intermediate-stage liver cancer. Targeted Therapies: Targeted therapies aim to inhibit specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are examples of targeted therapies approved for the treatment of advanced liver cancer.
What is the best chemotherapy method for stage 4 metastatic breast cancer to the liver and bones?
Partly on whether the cancer is estrogen-sensitive and whether it is HER-2 positive.
What is the amount of blood flow through the svc in 1 min?
Liver cancer is treated the same way most other cancers are treated, which usually includes radiation and/or chemotherapy. Sometimes prescription medications can help alleviate symptoms or discomfort.
How does the infusion pump facilitate chemotherapy for the liver?
The pump allows much higher concentrations of the cancer drug to be carried to the tumor than is possible with chemotherapy carried through the bloodstream.
Does hepatitis b have cure?
Yes, Chronic hepatitis B may eventually cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, a fatal disease with very poor response to current chemotherapy. The infection is preventable by vaccination.
Liver metastases?
DefinitionLiver metastases are cancerous tumors that have spread to the liver from somewhere else in the body.See also: Hepatocellular carcinomaAlternative NamesMetastases to the liver; Metastatic liver cancer; Liver cancer - metastaticCauses, incidence, and risk factorsCancers that may spread to the liver include:Breast cancerColorectal cancerEsophageal cancerLung cancerMelanomaPancreatic cancerStomach cancerThe risk of cancer spreading to the liver depends on the site of the original cancer. A liver metastasis may be present when the original (primary) cancer is diagnosed, or it may occur months or years after the primary tumor is removed.SymptomsIn some cases, there are no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:AnorexiaConfusionFeversJaundice(yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)NauseaPain, usually in the upper right part of the abdomenSweatsWeight lossSigns and testsTests that may be done to diagnose liver metastases include:CT scan of the abdomenLiver function testsMRI of the abdomenPET scanUltrasound of the liverTreatmentTreatment depends on:The primary cancer siteHow many liver tumors you haveWhether it has spread to other organs besides the liverYour overall healthWhen the cancer has spread to the liver and other organs, whole-body (systemic) chemotherapy is usually used.When the spread is limited to the liver, systemic chemotherapy may still be used. However, other treatment methods may be effective. When the tumor is only in one or a few areas of the liver, the cancer may be removed with surgery.The use of radiofrequency waves or injection of toxic substances may also be used to kill tumors. When larger areas of the liver are involved, treatment may involve giving chemotherapy directly into the liver, or a procedure called embolization, which blocks blood flow to parts of the liver to "starve" the tumor cells.Expectations (prognosis)How well you do depends on the location of the original cancer and how much it has spread to the liver. In a small number of cases, surgery to remove the liver tumors may lead to a cure. This is usually only possible in patients with certain tumor types (for example, colorectal cancer), and when there are a limited number of tumors in the liver.In most cases, cancer that has spread to the liver is not curable. Patients with liver metastases usually die of their disease eventually. However, treatments may help shrink tumors, improve life expectancy, and relieve symptoms.ComplicationsComplications are generally the result of tumors spreading to a large area of the liver.They can include:Blockage of the flow of bileDecreased appetiteFeverLiver failure (usually only in the late stages of disease)PainWeight lossCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have cancer and suspect that it has spread to the liver. Anyone who has had a type of cancer that can spread to the liver should be aware of the signs and symptoms listed above, and call a physician if any of these develop.PreventionEarly detection of some types of cancer may prevent the spread of these cancers to the liver.ReferencesLewis RL. Liver and biliary tract tumors. In Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 206.
Can breast cancer metastasize to the liver?
Yes, breast cancer can metastasize to the liver. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. In the case of breast cancer, the liver is one of the common sites where metastasis may occur. When breast cancer metastasizes to the liver, it means that cancer cells from the breast have traveled through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and formed secondary tumors in the liver. Liver metastasis may affect the functioning of the liver and can lead to various symptoms such as: Abdominal pain or discomfort: Due to the enlargement of the liver. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by liver dysfunction. Unexplained weight loss: Resulting from the impact on overall health. Fatigue: Due to the strain on the liver and the body. It's important for individuals with breast cancer to undergo regular monitoring and screenings to detect any signs of metastasis. Early detection allows for more effective management and treatment strategies. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer involving the liver often involves a combination of systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. The specific treatment plan will depend on the characteristics of the breast cancer, the extent of metastasis, and individual factors.
What metabolizes chemotherapy drugs?
B. kidneys and liver
How do you deal with liver cancer in a dog?
perhaps chemotherapy could be an option if you love the critter enough.
What is Hodgkins Lymphoma and can it be treated?
Hodgkins lymphoma, also known as Hodgkins Desease is a cancer of the tissue in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites. It can be treated by various types of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Is hepatitis c a liver cancer yes or no?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. While chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver complications, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer, it's important to note that not everyone with hepatitis C will develop liver cancer. Hepatitis C is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Chronic inflammation and liver damage caused by the hepatitis C virus over many years can contribute to the development of liver cancer. Regular monitoring, early detection, and appropriate medical management of hepatitis C are crucial in preventing or managing complications, including liver cancer. Advances in antiviral medications have made it possible to cure many cases of hepatitis C, reducing the risk of liver-related complications.
