Proton Therapy for Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer Statistics

• In 2021, approximately 42,230 new cases of liver cancer are expected to be diagnosed and approximately 30,230 people are expected to die from liver cancer in the United States.
• In Texas, 4,146 people are expected to be diagnosed with liver cancer and an estimated 2,782 will die from the disease in 2021. 
• Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, accounting for more than 700,000 deaths annually.
• Liver cancer incidence and death rates are on the rise, with the incidence more than tripling since 1980.

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Liver Cancer Risk Factors

• Cirrhosis and Alcohol: Many people who develop liver cancer show signs of cirrhosis, a disease that scars the liver. Liver cells that are damaged from cirrhosis demonstrate a greater risk of developing liver cancer. Heavy alcohol use is a leading cause of cirrhosis.
• Obesity: Being very overweight increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Long-Term Hepatitis Infections: Hepatitis B and C virus infections left untreated over an extended period of time can lead to cirrhosis. These strains of hepatitis spread through unprotected sex, used needles, tattooing, and childbirth.
• Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes, especially those who consume high amounts of alcohol or have viral hepatitis, face an increased risk for liver cancer.
• Exposure: People who are exposed to Thorotrast, vinyl chloride, anabolic steroids, and aflatoxins have an increased risk of liver cancer.
• Tobacco Use: Liver cancer risk is higher in current smokers than former smokers, but both have elevated risk.
• Gender: Liver cancer is more common in men.
• Inherited Diseases: Hereditary hemochromatosis, tyrosinemia, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, porphyria cutanea tarda, glycogen storage diseases, and Wilson disease increase risk of liver cancer.

Liver Cancer Symptoms and Signs 

Liver Cancer Prevention

Limiting certain risk factors and taking proactive measures can decrease the incidence of liver cancer. To reduce the risk of the disease, men and women should limit alcohol and tobacco use, maintain a healthy weight, treat cirrhosis and other diseases that increase risk in the early stages, and avoid exposure to certain chemicals and toxins. It is also important to prevent contact with the hepatitis B and C virus. The hepatitis B virus vaccination is recommended for all infants, children, and high-risk adults.

Liver Cancer Treatment

Treatment options vary, depending on the liver’s condition, the age and overall health of the patient, and the size, location, and stage of the cancerous tumor. Treatment for liver cancer may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, cryosurgery, proton therapy, radio frequency ablation, tumor embolization or palliative therapy. In rare cases, a liver transplant may be appropriate.