Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an established treatment option for selected patients whose liver cancer is confined to the liver and meets appropriate transplant criteria. Unlike treatments that target only the tumor, a liver transplant removes the diseased liver and replaces it with a healthy donor liver, addressing both the cancer and underlying liver disease when clinically appropriate.
Who May Be Considered for Liver Transplant?
Liver transplantation may be considered when HCC is within accepted transplant criteria, the cancer has not spread outside the liver, and the patient is medically fit for major surgery. Doctors evaluate factors such as tumor size and number, liver function, blood tests, imaging findings, overall health, and response to previous treatments. In some cases, therapies such as TACE, ablation, or other locoregional treatments may be used to control the disease while transplant suitability is assessed.
Treatment and Recovery
Before transplantation, patients undergo detailed evaluation and preparation. The procedure is performed by a multidisciplinary liver transplant team involving transplant surgeons, hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. After surgery, close monitoring and lifelong follow-up are required. Patients generally need immunosuppressive medicines to reduce the risk of organ rejection and regular imaging and laboratory tests to monitor liver function and cancer recurrence.