Can liver cancer be cured with chemotherapy?

As an oncologist with extensive experience in treating various types of cancers, I can provide you with an informed perspective on the use of chemotherapy for liver cancer. Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many types of cancer, including liver cancer. It involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. However, the effectiveness of chemotherapy in treating liver cancer can vary significantly. Liver cancer is often resistant to chemotherapy due to the unique characteristics of the liver and the way it processes chemicals. Many chemotherapy drugs are metabolized by the liver, which can limit the dosage that can be safely given without causing severe damage to the liver itself. Additionally, liver cancer cells may develop mechanisms to evade the effects of chemotherapy, making it less effective. While chemotherapy can sometimes help to shrink tumors, the response is often limited and may not be long-lasting. Moreover, even with the use of multiple drugs in combination, systemic chemotherapy has not been shown to significantly prolong survival in most studies of liver cancer patients. It's important to note that each case of liver cancer is unique, and the decision to use chemotherapy should be made on an individual basis after considering the patient's overall health, the stage of the cancer, and the potential benefits and risks. In summary, while chemotherapy can be a part of the treatment plan for some patients with liver cancer, it is not a guaranteed cure and its effectiveness can be limited.

Chemotherapy for Liver Cancer. Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells. ... But even these drugs shrink only a small portion of tumors, and the responses often do not last long. Even with combinations of drugs, in most studies systemic chemo has not helped patients live longer.