A class of cancers known as hepatobiliary cancers affects the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts—organs essential to metabolism and digestion. These cancers are frequently aggressive and might not show any symptoms until they have progressed to a more advanced stage. However, prompt intervention can have a major impact on outcomes and quality of life thanks to advancements in diagnostic methods and treatment options.
This group includes:
Because of their close anatomical and functional ties, these cancers are collectively referred to as hepatobiliary malignancies.
Numerous chronic illnesses and environmental exposures have an impact on hepatobiliary cancers. Among the main risk factors are:
Many hepatobiliary cancers don't show any symptoms until they've spread.
Nonetheless, some indicators ought to trigger a medical assessment:
Liver tumors can occasionally be unintentionally discovered while imaging for another illness. Regular surveillance is recommended for patients with known liver disease in order to identify cancer early.
Blood tests, imaging, and tissue sampling are all used in the diagnosis process:
When choosing a treatment plan, staging the cancer is essential because it establishes whether surgery is practical or if systemic therapy is required.
The type, size, location, liver function, and spread of the cancer all influence treatment approaches. Hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons are frequently involved in a multidisciplinary approach, which is essential.
The best chance of recovery for eligible patients is surgical resection, particularly for early-stage cancers of the liver, gallbladder, or bile duct. Liver transplantation may be an option in certain hepatocellular carcinoma cases.
Without requiring extensive surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation can be used to kill cancer cells in small liver tumors.
These minimally invasive techniques, which are particularly helpful in intermediate-stage HCC, directly administer chemotherapy or radiation to the liver tumor through its blood supply.
For cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer that is advanced or incurable, systemic chemotherapy is frequently the standard treatment. Commonly used medications include cisplatin and gemcitabine.
For advanced liver cancer, therapies like sorafenib, lenvatinib, and atezolizumab with bevacizumab have become commonplace in recent years. Tumor molecular testing can assist in determining a patient's eligibility for immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted agents.
Patients need to be closely monitored with routine imaging, liver function tests, and symptom checks after treatment. Supportive care, including pain management, nutrition, and emotional health, is just as vital.
In order to manage underlying illnesses like cirrhosis or hepatitis, patients with liver disease may also require continuous care. Long-term follow-up is crucial for patients undergoing major surgery or transplantation.
Although some hepatobiliary cancers cannot be avoided, there are a number of ways to lower the risk:
It is crucial to seek advice from experts who have experience treating hepatobiliary cancers due to their complexity. Decisions regarding systemic therapy, clinical trials, or palliative care when necessary can be guided by the early involvement of a medical oncologist.
Hepatobiliary cancers are treated holistically by medical oncologist Dr. Amit Badola. As part of a team-based, evidence-based approach to cancer care, he treats liver, bile duct, and gallbladder cancers with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
