Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer: treatments, trials & survival

Liver cancer treatment has advanced with immunotherapy combinations. Explore treatment options, clinical trials, and resources for hepatocellular carcinoma.

New Cases (2024)
41,630
5-Yr Survival
22.6%
Annual Deaths
29,840
Trend
Stabilizing
See active trials

About Liver Cancer

Liver cancer treatment has advanced with immunotherapy combinations. Explore treatment options, clinical trials, and resources for hepatocellular carcinoma.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database, an estimated 41,630 new cases of liver cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, with approximately 29,840 deaths. The overall 5-year relative survival rate is 22.6%.

Source: NCI SEER Data: 1975–2022

Treatment options

Current treatment approaches for liver cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. The most common options include:

1
Surgery (Hepatectomy)
2
Liver Transplant
3
Ablation (RFA, MWA)
4
TACE/TARE (Embolization)
5
Immunotherapy (Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab)
6
Targeted Therapy (Sorafenib, Lenvatinib)

Treatment recommendations should always be discussed with a qualified oncologist. The options listed above are based on current clinical guidelines and may vary case by case.

Stages

Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body and is crucial for planning the most appropriate treatment:

Very Early Stage (BCLC 0) Early Stage (BCLC A) Intermediate Stage (BCLC B) Advanced Stage (BCLC C) End Stage (BCLC D)

Known risk factors

Understanding risk factors can support prevention and early detection. Known risk factors for this cancer include:

Hepatitis B or C
Cirrhosis
Heavy alcohol use
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Aflatoxin exposure
Obesity

Not sure where to start?

A patient navigator familiar with liver cancer can help you understand your options and connect you with top US hospitals. Free & confidential.

Active clinical trials

Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. The trials below are sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov:

Frequently asked questions

The 5-year relative survival rate for liver cancer is 22.6%. Early-stage liver cancer detected through screening has significantly better outcomes with curative treatments available.
The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (immunotherapy + anti-angiogenic) is the current standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, showing superior survival compared to sorafenib.
Patients with early-stage liver cancer within the Milan criteria (single tumor ≤5cm or up to 3 tumors each ≤3cm) may be eligible. Transplant offers the best chance of cure as it treats both the cancer and underlying liver disease.
Key prevention strategies include hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis C treatment, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular screening for people with chronic liver disease.
You’re not alone

Looking for liver cancer treatment options?

A patient navigator can help you explore treatment pathways, find clinical trials near you, and connect with specialists who see liver cancer every day. Free, confidential consultation.

Send a message
Free callback

Talk to a navigator

Leave your details and we’ll call you at your preferred time.