Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
09:02
Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver
Published on: July 31, 2016
Palliative Therapy for Liver and Biliary Neoplasms.
Bridget N Fahy1, Matthew C Hernandez2
1Division of Surgical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Department of Surgery, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Managing symptoms from liver and biliary tumors, including pain, jaundice, and ascites, requires integrated palliative strategies. These advanced treatments aim to significantly improve patients' quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Liver and biliary tumors present significant symptom burden.
- Common symptoms include pain, jaundice, pruritus, hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding, and ascites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and integrate state-of-the-art palliative strategies for liver and biliary tumors.
- To improve the quality of life for patients with these malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Multimodal pain management (procedural and pharmacologic).
- Biliary drainage and medications for jaundice and pruritus.
- Ammonia reduction for hepatic encephalopathy (lactulose, shunt modification).
- Endoscopic and embolization procedures for bleeding.
- Distinguishing causes of ascites for targeted interventions.
Main Results:
- Effective management of pain, jaundice, pruritus, encephalopathy, bleeding, and ascites is achievable.
- Integration of these strategies leads to improved patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive palliative care is essential for liver and biliary tumors.
- State-of-the-art interventions significantly enhance patient quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment: