Is Cancer of the Liver Curable?

Dr.Saurabh Singhal, 4 mins read

Whenever someone hears the word “cancer,” it can feel as though the world stops for a moment. One of the most serious forms of this disease is liver cancer. Because the liver plays such a vital role, helping with digestion, energy storage, and detoxification, a diagnosis can sound frightening. The first question that comes to mind is, “Is liver cancer curable?”

The answer to that question depends on several factors, including how early it is detected, the type of liver cancer, and the overall health of the patient.

In this article, we explain the stages of liver cancer and the available treatment options.

Overview

The liver is located on the right side of your abdomen, just below the ribs. Liver cancer can either start in the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or spread to the liver from another part of the body (secondary or metastatic liver cancer).  The most common liver cancer is referred as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It usually develops in people who already have liver damage from conditions such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver due to long-term alcohol use or fatty liver disease).

However, hepatitis B can also cause HCC even without cirrhosis, and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is an increasingly important cause worldwide.

Can Liver Cancer Be Cured?

Liver cancer can be cured in some cases, particularly when it is found early and treated appropriately. However, it becomes much more difficult to cure once it spreads or when the liver is severely damaged. Here’s how treatment and the possibility of a cure vary across different stages:

1. Early Stage

If liver cancer is detected early and the liver is still functioning well, several treatment options can completely remove or destroy the tumor:

• Surgery (Partial Hepatectomy): If the tumor is small and confined to one area of the liver, surgical removal can potentially cure the cancer.
• Liver Transplant: For selected patients whose tumors meet specific criteria—such as a single tumor ≤5 cm or up to three tumors each ≤3 cm, with no major vessel invasion or spread outside the liver, a liver transplant offers the best chance of a cure. Transplantation not only removes the tumor but also treats the underlying liver disease.
• Ablation Therapy: Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) can destroy small tumors without major surgery.

2. Intermediate or Advanced Stage

Once the cancer has spread within the liver or to nearby blood vessels, surgery or transplant is often not feasible, though down-staging with treatments like TACE (transarterial chemoembolization), TARE (radioembolization/Y-90), or ablation can sometimes make curative options possible.

Treatment at this stage focuses on controlling the disease, slowing tumor progression, and improving quality of life. Modern options include:

Immunotherapy-Based Combinations: Today, first-line treatment for advanced HCC often involves immunotherapy combinations, such as PD-L1 inhibitors with anti-VEGF therapy or dual immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have shown superior outcomes compared to older therapies.

Targeted Therapy (TKIs): Drugs like sorafenib and lenvatinib are now mainly used in specific cases or when immunotherapy is not suitable or after disease progression.

Artery-Directed Therapies: Treatments such as TACE and TARE (Y-90 radioembolization) deliver therapy through the liver’s blood supply, targeting the tumor while sparing much of the surrounding healthy tissue.

These approaches may not completely cure the cancer but can help shrink tumors, slow growth, and extend survival.

3. Late Stage

When liver cancer has spread widely or the liver has failed, the goal of treatment shifts from cure to palliative care, focusing on managing pain and symptoms, and maintaining comfort and dignity. Even in these stages, ongoing advances in medicine continue to extend survival and improve quality of life.

Can Liver Cancer Be Prevented?

• Yes, in many cases, prevention plays a vital role. Steps to reduce the risk include:
• Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B
  
• Treating hepatitis C early if diagnosed
  
• Avoiding excessive alcohol intake
  
• Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding fatty liver
  
• Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly
  

High-risk patients such as those with cirrhosis of any cause or chronic hepatitis B with defined risk profiles should undergo ultrasound screening every 6 months, with or without AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) testing.

Conclusion

So, is liver cancer curable?  The honest answer is yes, in certain cases, mainly when it is detected early and the liver is still healthy enough for surgery or transplantation. Early detection provides the best chance for a cure, which is why regular check-ups and screening are crucial, especially for people with chronic liver disease.  With rapid advances in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and interventional radiology, modern medicine continues to bring hope to patients and families facing liver cancer.

If you have concerns regarding your liver health or if someone in your family has liver-related issues, you can meet our liver specialist at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, for comprehensive evaluation and expert care.