Proton Therapy for Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer Statistics

• In 2024, approximately 41,630 new cases of liver cancer are expected to be diagnosed and approximately 29,840 people are expected to die from liver cancer in the United States.
• In Texas, 4,210 people are expected to be diagnosed with liver cancer and an estimated 2,960 will die from the disease in 2024.
• Globally, liver cancer accounts for more than 700,000 deaths each year and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
• 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. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a subtype of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with overweight and obesity as well as other factors, can develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Long-Term Hepatitis Infections: Hepatitis B and C viral infections, if left untreated over an extended period of time, can lead to cirrhosis. These strains of hepatitis can spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy.
• Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes, especially those who also consume high amounts of alcohol or have viral hepatitis, face an increased risk for fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
• Exposure: People who are exposed to certain chemicals or eat food contaminated with 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 

Prevention

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

Treatment Options

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, radiofrequency ablation, tumor embolization, or palliative medicine. In rare cases, a liver transplant may be appropriate.