Liver Cancer Research
Doctors are working to understand more about liver cancer, including how to avoid it, how to treat it, and how to care for patients with liver cancer. Clinical trials may provide new alternatives for patients in the following research areas. Always consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment choices for you.
Vaccines against cancer
Cancer vaccines are drugs that can aid the immune system in recognizing and attacking HCC cells. An immune system stimulant, such as sargramostim, is sometimes added to the vaccine (Leukine, Prokine).
Taking multiple systemic cancer drugs simultaneously
Different medications work in different ways to kill cancer cells. Combining medications can improve the destruction of more cancer cells. Frequently, one medicine will aid the effectiveness of another.
The use of many therapies
Researchers are investigating if combining therapies like RFA and chemoembolization is more beneficial than doing it separately.
Anti-angiogenesis drugs
They are medications that inhibit the growth of new blood vessels. Several different anti-angiogenic medications are also under research in clinical trials, in addition to sorafenib and regorafenib.
Transplantation of the liver
Researchers are investigating increasing the criteria for liver transplantation for HCC. More patients would be eligible for the surgery as a result of this.
Gene therapy
It is a type of genetic therapy that involves fighting cancer; this new medicine alters a gene. Even though gene therapy is still in its early phases of development, certain clinical trials have already begun. In one case, the new gene improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy. A gene can be directly delivered into the tumour in this treatment. The doctor then administers an inactive medicine to the patient, and the new gene aids in activating the drug in the tumour. This strategy can also be in conjunction with the other aforementioned medicines.
Supportive care/palliative care
Clinical trials are currently under research to find better ways to reduce the symptoms and side effects of current HCC treatments to improve patient comfort and quality of life.
