Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Israel

A New Chance for Recovery - Harmless Chemotherapy!

Effective Cancer Treatment Developed in Israel

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Rapid and Effective Treatment

Specialists at the Top Ichilov clinic successfully apply and develop the latest advancements in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using biologics. Their mechanism of action is based on blocking a process called angiogenesis, where the cancer tumor utilizes microscopic blood vessels for its growth. As is known, liver cancer is one of the types of cancer that is most dependent on the circulatory system.

The same principle of blocking the blood vessels of the cancer tumor underlies the action of chemoembolization (TACE). After liver cancer is diagnosed, the blood vessels are blocked using a special gel, foam, or even special metallic clips, depriving the tumor of blood supply and localizing the action of the chemical agents injected into the tumor.

Another similar treatment method, expertly utilized by the doctors at the Top Ichilov clinic for treating hepatocellular carcinoma and other types of liver cancer, is the most modern: SIRT – selective internal radiotherapy or radioembolization. Several million microspheres, treated with the radioactive agent yttrium, are introduced via catheter into the small blood vessels of the liver, blocking them while simultaneously emitting hard beta radiation, thereby precisely destroying tumor tissue without damaging healthy tissues.

Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma is the primary method. For small tumors, partial liver resection may be performed; however, in many cases, liver transplantation is much more effective:

• Resection is contraindicated for patients with liver cirrhosis
• Transplantation prevents the highly probable recurrence of liver cancer for several years

However, the use of liver transplantation is limited by the relatively small number of donors.

Additionally, hepatocellular carcinoma can be treated using other methods, such as:

• chemotherapy
• chemoembolization
• ablation
• proton beam therapy

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Accurate Diagnosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer. This disease often develops in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, with hepatitis B patients at risk of developing liver cancer at 30-40 years, while those suffering from hepatitis C develop it only at 60-70 years. Men are more frequently affected by hepatocellular carcinoma than women, particularly those who have long abused alcohol.

Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, is not diagnosed through standard blood tests or liver function tests. Therefore, much depends on the physician's experience, as well as tests for the presence of tumor markers and radiological examinations. A blood test for elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is also frequently used, indicating one of the following conditions:

• Liver cancer
• ovarian cancer
• metastases of cancer in the liver when the focus is in other organs

The effectiveness of this examination is approximately 60%. However, a steady increase in AFP in the patient's blood clearly indicates developing liver cancer, meaning that the AFP test can serve as a marker for liver cancer or indicate the effectiveness of the treatment being applied.

There are other markers, less reliable and used in conjunction with AFP, such as the test for des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin.

To determine the localization, size, and spread of hepatocellular carcinoma, radiological tests are used:

• Ultrasound
• CT (computed tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Angiography
• PET (positron emission tomography)
• Biopsy with histological analysis – an examination that generally helps to establish a definitive diagnosis. However, in cases of significant bleeding risk, a similar examination is recommended:
• Fine-needle aspiration

In principle, in many cases, there is no need to conduct all types of diagnostics, especially in light of the constant development of ultrasound, CT, and MRI technologies.