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FAQ – Liver Tumors and Liver Metastases

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FAQ – Liver Tumors and Liver Metastases

General Questions

What are liver metastases?

Liver metastases are tumor deposits from other types of cancer, such as colorectal, breast, pancreatic, lung, or stomach cancer. They are significantly more common than primary liver cancer.

Primary liver cancer originates directly in the liver, most commonly as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or bile duct carcinoma (cholangiocarcinoma). Liver metastases, on the other hand, originate from a tumor in another organ.

In some cases, yes. If there are only a few metastases and they can be completely removed or treated locally, long-term freedom from the tumor is possible. Even if a cure is not possible, modern therapies can often control tumor growth and improve quality of life.

Many patients do not experience any symptoms at first. Possible symptoms include:

  • A feeling of pressure or pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Fatigue
  • Weight Loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Jaundice
  • Nausea
  • Elevated liver enzyme levels

Diagnostics

What tests are needed?
  • CT
  • MRI
  • PET/CT (for certain types of tumors)
  • Ultrasound
  • Blood tests
  • Tumor markers
  • Biopsy (if necessary)

Not always. In cases with typical imaging findings—particularly for hepatocellular carcinoma—a biopsy is often not necessary. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

Treatment Options

What treatments are available?

Depending on the type of tumor and the individual’s specific situation, the following options may be considered:

  • Operation
  • Histotripsy
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
  • Microwave Ablation (MWA)
  • Cryoablation
  • Irreversible Electroporation (IRE)
  • TACE
  • SIRT (Y-90)
  • Regional chemotherapy
  • Systemic Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted Therapies


Combination of Various Methods

Surgery may be an option if all tumor lesions can be completely removed and sufficient healthy liver tissue is preserved.

Histotripsy is a modern, noninvasive ultrasound procedure that destroys tumor tissue without surgery. It is currently offered at select specialized centers.

  • No cuts
  • No needles
  • No radiation exposure
  • Usually a short recovery period
  • Repeatable
  • Can be combined with other therapies

In transarterial chemoembolization, a chemotherapeutic agent is delivered directly into the tumor’s blood supply while simultaneously reducing that blood supply.

Selective internal radiation therapy involves injecting tiny radioactive microspheres directly into the hepatic arteries to deliver targeted radiation to tumor tissue from within.

In this procedure, chemotherapy drugs are administered directly into the tumor’s blood supply. The goal is to achieve high local efficacy with as little systemic impact as possible.

Yes. Local therapies are often combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs.

For which patients are local therapies appropriate?

Who is a good candidate for histotripsy?

That depends, among other things, on:

  • Tumor size
  • Number of tumors
  • Location in the liver
  • Type of tumor
  • Liver function

General Health Status

Depending on the procedure, these may include, among other things:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors
  • Melanoma
  • Renal Cell Carcinoma
  • Lung cancer
  • Primary liver cancer

Treatment at IASO

Why should my case be discussed at a tumor board meeting?

Every tumor is different. Our international tumor board collaboratively reviews all findings and develops a personalized treatment recommendation.

Yes. Our specialists will review your records and provide an independent assessment of possible treatment options.

  • CT or MRI
  • PET/CT (if available)
  • Radiological Findings
  • Pathology Report
  • Current Blood Test Results
  • Medical Reports
  • List of Medications

Once the complete documentation has been received, the initial technical assessment is often completed within a few business days.

Yes. Among other things, we can assist you with:

  • Choosing the Right Clinic
  • Scheduling
  • Travel Planning
  • Translations
  • Communication with the treating physicians
  • Support Before, During, and After Treatment

Yes. IASO cares for patients from many countries and supports them throughout the entire treatment process.

Yes. The initial consultation is intended to help us understand your situation and discuss possible treatment options.

Simply send us your existing medical records. After reviewing them, we’ll discuss the next steps and possible treatment options together.