Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Liver Cancer

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Liver Cancer

Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver.

Insight:

• The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the main type of liver cell (hepatocyte).
• Some of the symptoms include weight loss, appetite loss, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, general weakness, abdominal swelling, white and chalky stool.
• Risk factors include chronic infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, cirrhosis, inherited liver diseases, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and alcohol consumption.
• Diagnosis includes blood test, imaging tests, and removing a sample of the liver for biopsy.
• Treatment includes surgery, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care.
• Some of the chemotherapy drugs include gemcitabine (Gemzar), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), cisplatin, doxorubicin (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine (Xeloda), and mitoxantrone (Novantrone).
• Sources:

Liver cancer - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

Chemotherapy for Liver Cancer