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Digestive Disease Interventions 2017; 01(02): 138-144
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603563
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA

Management of Advanced and Terminal Hepatocellular Carcinoma: When and How to Treat, and When not to Treat?

Sarah B. White
1   Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
,
William S. Rilling
1   Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

13 February 2017

25 April 2017

Publication Date:
05 June 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer worldwide according to the National Cancer Institute. If treated with liver directed therapy, patients' median overall survival is significantly improved at 20.1 versus 4.3 months without treatment. The purpose of this article is to give an overview on when and how to treat, and when not to treat patients with advanced or terminal HCC. Treatment of patients with advanced HCC can be challenging, as patients are often already debilitated due to their chronic underlying liver disease. Performance status, hepatic function, tumor characteristics, and the patient's desire to maintain their quality of life should be at the forefront of deciding when and how to treat this patient population. If patients are found to be outside treatment criteria, referral to palliative care can be beneficial.

Keywords

hepatocellular carcinoma - liver directed therapy
 

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