The Competition

Surgery / Transplant

Surgically remove tumor only if it is small and caught early followed by radiation or chemotherapy. Only 10-20% of tumors can be removed. Transplant with a new liver from a donor requires lifetime medication with side effects of bone loss, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Diabetes. 5 yr. survival rate is approximately 72%

Radiation

• The medical use of ionizing radiation.
• Side effects include fatigue, vomiting, nausea, hair loss and skin irritation.

Chemotherapy

• Chemical compounds used to destroy cancer cells, also kills many normal cells.
• Only used in post-surgery patients.
• Used as palliative treatment in liver cancer patients.

Targeted Drug Therapy

• Nexavar - Targets new blood vessel formation to prevent tumorigenesis
• Used for patients who have tumors that cannot be surgically removed.
• Side effects similar to radiation therapy.
• Extends life by approx. 3 months in only 53% of patients tested.