Hepatic metastases develop when cancer cells from a primary tumour in another part of the body, such as the colon, pancreas or lungs, spread and lodge in the liver. Since the liver acts as a filter for blood from the digestive system, it is especially vulnerable to this spread.
This type of metastasis represents one of the most complex challenges in oncology. However, thanks to medical and technological advances, there are now multiple strategies that not only prolong life, but also significantly improve the quality of life of patients.
Treatment options for liver metastases
Liver surgery or surgical resection
When metastases are limited in number and size, and the patient maintains good liver function, surgical resection may be an option. This procedure consists of removing the affected areas of the liver with safety margins.
The surgery offers great benefits in selected patients, and can even lead to prolonged remission or potentially a cure in certain cases.
At IVOQA we have hepatobiliary surgeons who are experts in robotic and laparoscopic liver surgery.
Radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation
For patients who are not surgical candidates or for patients for whom this option is chosen in order to minimise surgical aggression, there are minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, which destroys tumours using heat, or cryoablation, which uses extreme cold.
These techniques are carried out using image-guided needles and are effective on small lesions, with fewer side effects and shorter recovery times than conventional surgery.
Systemic chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is still one of the fundamental pillars of treatment. It acts not only on liver metastases, but also on the primary tumour and other possible disseminations.
Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE)
Chemoembolisation, also known as transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), is a procedure that combines the administration of chemotherapy with embolisation to treat tumours, mainly in the liver and liver metastases.
Chemoembolisation focuses a large dose of chemotherapy directly on a tumour, reducing the blood supply to the tumour and causing it to shrink.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy
Targeted therapies block specific molecules necessary for tumour cell growth. Examples include EGFR inhibitors and antiangiogenics such as bevacizumab.
Immunotherapy, on the other hand, stimulates the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. Drugs such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab have been shown to be effective in certain types of metastatic cancer, including liver cancer.
Innovative advances in the treatment of liver metastases
In recent years, new technologies have emerged that are revolutionising treatment. One of them is stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), capable of treating metastases with great precision and minimal damage to healthy tissue.
In addition, clinical trials and experimental therapies are underway, offering new hope through cell therapies, therapeutic vaccines and innovative drug combinations.
Constant research is key to further expanding the options and personalising the treatment for each patient.
Factors influencing the choice of treatment
The ideal treatment varies according to multiple factors, including:
- The size, number and location of the metastases.
- The state of the liver and the general health of the patient.
- The type of primary cancer and its response to specific therapies.
For this reason, it is essential to have a multidisciplinary evaluation, in which oncologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists and other specialists participate in order to design a personalised strategy.
Prognosis and quality of life
Thanks to improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, patients with liver metastases are living longer and better. Today, even those who are not candidates for surgery can access effective and less invasive treatments.
In addition to the clinical approach, it is vital to accompany the patient from an emotional and psychological point of view, promoting a comprehensive approach to well-being.
The role of IVOQA in the treatment of liver metastases
IVOQA has a multidisciplinary team made up of general surgeons with advanced training in surgical oncology, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and organ transplantation, as well as interventional radiologists.
We offer advanced treatments such as chemoembolisation, tumour ablation, robotic surgery, immunotherapy, cryoablation and cutting-edge clinical trials.
Liver metastases, although a major challenge in oncology, can now be treated effectively thanks to multiple medical strategies and technological advances. The key lies in an accurate diagnosis, a personalised approach and a specialised team like IVOQA’s, always focused on improving the quality of life of each patient.
