61-Year-Old Patient Successfully Manages Liver Cancer Through Targeted and Immunotherapy Treatments
Summary: Persistent abdominal pain should never be ignored, as it could be a sign of liver cancer. A 61-year-old male patient initially experienced mild abdominal discomfort and only received basic medication without further investigation. Six months later, a large tumor was discovered, but fortunately, no distant metastasis was found. After undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan including interventional, targeted, and immunotherapy, the patient's condition improved significantly, with reduced tumor activity and controlled disease progression.
Case Overview:
- Patient: Male, 61 years old
- Diagnosis: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Hospital: Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University
- Treatment Period: August 2021
- Therapy: Lenvatinib mesylate capsules (targeted therapy) + Nivolumab injection (PD-1 inhibitor)
- Treatment Duration: Five sessions
- Outcome: Effective tumor blood supply control and reduced risk of metastasis
Initial Presentation:
The patient, referred to as “Mr. Feng,” reported persistent right upper quadrant discomfort. Due to a busy work schedule, he delayed medical evaluation. Upon visiting a local hospital, a CT scan revealed a large hepatic mass. Concerned about a possible misdiagnosis, he sought a second opinion at our facility. Following a comprehensive assessment—including hepatitis B screening, liver function tests, MRI, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing—it was determined that his AFP level was over 60,000, and he had a massive 15cm tumor involving major blood vessels. The initial diagnosis was primary massive hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis. Further tests confirmed no distant metastasis.
Medical History and Delayed Diagnosis:
During consultation, it was revealed that Mr. Feng had experienced mild abdominal pain six months earlier. He visited a local clinic and received intravenous treatment for what was thought to be cholecystitis. No further diagnostic tests were performed at the time. Unfortunately, he was unaware of his hepatitis B history, which likely contributed to the development of liver cancer. If diagnosed earlier, he might have been eligible for curative treatment. The delay meant that surgical removal was no longer an option, and the focus shifted to controlling tumor growth and preventing metastasis.
Treatment Plan and Intervention:
Given the tumor's size and vascular involvement, surgical resection was not feasible. A multimodal treatment approach was initiated, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to reduce blood supply to the tumor, combined with systemic therapies. Mr. Feng received Lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, and Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. This combination aimed to control tumor progression and enhance immune response against cancer cells.
Positive Treatment Response:
After five treatment sessions, there was a significant reduction in tumor vascularity and disease activity. No signs of metastasis were detected, and the patient's prognosis improved. This marked a crucial milestone in his treatment journey. If the tumor continues to shrink, surgical resection may become a viable option, potentially offering long-term survival benefits.
Post-Treatment Care and Recommendations:
While the treatment has been successful so far, ongoing management is essential. Mr. Feng should follow these guidelines to support his recovery and overall health:
1. Maintain a balanced diet based on digestive tolerance—easily digestible meals if needed.
2. Stay emotionally positive and avoid stress or negative emotions.
3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular sleep patterns, no smoking, no alcohol, and limited physical exertion.
4. Follow medical advice for regular checkups and medication adherence to prevent liver damage.
Key Takeaways:
This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention. Many individuals dismiss early symptoms or delay medical care due to busy schedules or self-diagnosis. However, early detection through regular screening—especially for those aged 30–40—can significantly improve outcomes. Even in advanced cancer cases, modern treatment options such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy can extend survival and improve quality of life. Patients are encouraged to seek treatment at reputable medical institutions and avoid unverified alternative remedies.