Prevention
Around the world, the majority liver cancer associated with chronic hepatitis B
virus infection. Now, however, all newborns vaccinated against hepatitis B in
China and other Asian countries. Therefore, the frequency of chronic hepatitis
B virus in future generations will be reduced.
Finally, perhaps in three or
four generations, hepatitis B virus will be eradicated completely, thereby
eliminating the most common risk factor for liver cancer.Several retrospective studies (looking backward in time) suggest that patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon is less likely to develop liver cancer than patients who are not treated. Interestingly, in these studies, interferon treatment seemed to provide this benefit, even in patients who have less than an optimal antiviral response to interferon. Still, still to be seen whether the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer was significantly reduced in patients followed prospectively who respond to interferon.
A Japanese study has reported that a retinoid derivative (a compound related to vitamin A) is effective in the prevention of liver cancer recurrence after surgical removal of liver cancer (resection of the liver). Currently, these compounds are not available in America. That would be great interest to study the use of these compounds in relation to the therapy that relieves / alleviate other liver cancers.
Care
Unfortunately,
there has been no new developments are significant in the treatment of liver cancer. Medical therapy still is a
disappointment. Scientists are working hard, however, to point to this issue.
For example, the compounds of anti-angiogenesis, which hinders the formation of
blood vessels, may hold promise in the treatment
of liver cancer because these tumors depends on a lot of blood provision.
Also, different ways to deliver / send the drugs or treatments on tumors is
being investigated. This includes attaching radioactive material to antibodies
directed at specific targets in liver cancer cells (immunotherapy).
