Palliative treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Has it made any difference.
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Date
2009-07
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health problem, the fifth most common cancer
in the world.. HCC occurs in a histologically abnormal liver due to underlying chronic liver
disease resulting as a sequele of the chronic viral infections, hepatitis B and C. Since these
two viral infections are endemic in Asia and Africa, more than 80% of cases are encountered
in these regions. In India, a large proportion of the population is “at risk” for developing
chronic liver disease and, therefore, HCC. Due to the lack of screening programmes in the
country, the majority of HCC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease,
and thus treatment remains a challenge. Palliative therapy forms the mainstay of treatment
for this group of patients. The current era provides a plethora of options for the palliative
management of HCC. This review concisely summarises the historical perspective and the
current status of palliative treatment in advanced HCC.
Description
Keywords
hepatocellular carcinoma, transarterial chemoembolisation, oral chemotherapy and targeted molecular therapy
Citation
Paul Shashi B, Manjunatha Y C, Acharya Subrat K. Palliative treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Has it made any difference. Tropical Gastroenterology. 2009 Jul-Sept; 30(3): 125-134.