Liver cancer is a condition in which cancerous growth begins in the cells of your liver. The commonly occurring liver cancer is known as the hepatocellular carcinoma. Other types of liver cancers are hepatoblastoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
What Is Hepatocellular Carcinoma Or Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer happens when the DNA of the cells mutate and the normal cell growth changes in the liver. This leads to abnormal growth of cells, forming tumours or cancerous cells. The cause of cancer growth in the liver is not always known. The major reasons for liver cancer development are fatty liver, virus infections from hepatitis, cirrhosis and autoimmune deficiency.
But there can be other reasons for cancerous growth in the liver. Most of the causes remain hidden and do not have any clear explanation.
You can learn more about the causes of liver cancer by browsing search engines as ‘show me more information on liver cancer’. You can get to read the reputed healthcare blogs and research articles.
Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Not all liver cancer patients get similar symptoms or noticeable symptoms all the time. Liver cancer does not show noticeable signs. People get symptoms mostly when the disease starts spreading to other organs.
The symptoms that may hint towards liver cancer are:
- Sudden weight loss.
- Nausea and loss of appetite.
- Abdominal pain in the upper region.
- Vomiting and aversion to eating.
- Continuous fatigue and abdominal swelling.
Why Immunotherapy For Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer patients require a combination of various treatments to stop cancer from spreading further. And immunotherapy is a part of the combination therapy. But most patients with advanced-stage liver cancer are recommended for this treatment.
Immunotherapy targets the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This therapy interferes with the protein production of the cancer cells and that in turn, enhances the body’s capability to interrupt the spread of cancer.
The two immune checkpoint inhibitors that are used for liver cancer treatment are nivolumab and the pembrolizumab. These drugs are used, along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to work better.
Another drug named Tecentriq is used that targets the protein of the cancer cells. This drug can also shrink some tumours or even slow down the growth.
Benefits Of Immunotherapy For Liver Cancer
- Immunotherapy drugs take the shape of antibodies, vaccines or other agents that effectively weakens the cancer cells.
- The checkpoints inhibitors are molecular pathways that ensure prevention of T-cells from turning against healthy tissues.
- This treatment method gives long-lasting results as the cancer cells adapt to the therapy.
- This is a viable treatment option for cancer patients who are not suitable for chemotherapy.
Also Read: Anal cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Side-effects Associated With Immunotherapy For Liver Cancer
Immunotherapy is a very successful treatment method for cancer. But some patients may experience certain effects while under treatment. Most of these effects resolve after the therapy is over.
Some of the common changes patients can notice while under immunotherapy are:
- Skin rashes.
- Change in metabolism.
- The lower function of the thyroid.
- Diarrhoea.
- Musculoskeletal pain.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
One must remember to consult the doctor as soon as they start to see any major side-effects. The oncologist is the best person to suggest the right instruction to tackle side-effects or complications. For this, find the best hospital for liver cancer.
To learn more about immunotherapy treatment methods, its pros and cons and other necessary information, consult with your oncologist. Be sure to get all your doubts cleared and discuss immunotherapy freely.