When Is Interventional Therapy Suitable for Primary Liver Cancer?

Primary liver cancer can be a challenging condition to treat, and interventional therapy has become an important option in specific scenarios. This minimally invasive approach offers benefits such as reduced trauma and fewer side effects, making it a favorable choice for certain patients. Below are the main clinical indications for interventional therapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer:

Large Tumor Size Makes Surgery Difficult

When the tumor is too large to be surgically removed—typically larger than 5–10 cm—interventional therapy becomes a viable alternative. In such cases, traditional surgery may not be safe or effective, and targeted interventional methods can help manage the disease.

Patients with Poor General Health or Comorbidities

Some patients are not suitable candidates for surgery due to poor overall health or the presence of other medical conditions. For example, elderly patients or those suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or a history of stroke may not tolerate surgery well. In these situations, interventional therapy offers a safer and less invasive treatment option.

Preoperative Treatment for Selected Patients

For certain individuals, interventional therapy can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor and improve the chances of successful surgical removal. This neoadjuvant approach can be especially helpful in cases where the tumor is initially unresectable.

Recurrence After Surgical Treatment

If the cancer returns after initial surgical treatment, interventional therapy can be an effective way to target the recurrent tumor. It allows for localized treatment with minimal impact on the patient's overall health.

Interventional therapy typically involves techniques such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), where chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to the tumor site followed by embolization to cut off its blood supply. This targeted method helps reduce systemic side effects and improves treatment outcomes.

In summary, interventional therapy plays a crucial role in the management of primary liver cancer, particularly when surgery is not an option or when additional treatment is needed after surgery. It offers a balance between effectiveness and patient safety, making it a valuable tool in modern oncology.