The following is used as the «killer» component introduced into the tumor by a special needle under ultrasound control:
- liquid nitrogen — the process is called «cryodestruction»;
- high frequency currents — radio frequency ablation (RFA);
- a beam of radiation energy — stereotactic irradiation.
Yttrium isotopes enclosed in microscopic capsules or chemotherapy drugs in fat emulsion are also led to the cancer conglomerate, but not directly into a tumor, but through a catheter inserted into a large artery feeding the cancer. This process is called transarterial radioembolization (TARE) or chemoembolization (TACE).
With any local exposure, a good end result may require several manipulations.
The clinic widely uses local methods of treating primary hepatocellular cancer, in each case an individual therapeutic strategy is developed, sometimes with a combination of several local methods, but in all situations it is optimal for the patient.
When can a local exposure be used without an operation?
All local techniques can be applied completely independently with a primary cancer of less than 3 cm, when the patient is unable to undergo volumetric surgery for health reasons, and with a relapse after resection and hepatic metastases, stage IV. Clinical studies have shown their good tolerability and long-term results with a decent quality of the patient’s life.
The listed interventions are not among widely used ones because, in addition to expensive equipment, they require unique exceptionally dexterous experts with an excellent professional education. In our clinic you will surely be consulted by a master of the highest surgical level wielding a unique technique of local surgical treatment.

The possibilities of chemotherapy, a treatment with drugs, are limited for liver cancer, however, they may also be required. The liver performs a lot of functions, its disease disrupts the normal biochemistry of all life processes, therefore, without regular rehabilitation support and symptomatic therapy, it is impossible to go through a serious antitumor treatment without loss.
The material was prepared by Alexei Nikolaevich Severtsev, chemotherapist, Doctor of Medicine, Professor.
In our clinic, each patient will be offered an individual program of accompanying therapy, facilitating antitumor treatment and aimed at improving life quality and maximum expectancy.
Reference list:
- Schukina O. E. Ultrasound Diagnostics of Liver Cancer (In Russian) // Saratov Journal of Medical Scientific Research. 2014. No. 1.
- Podymova S. D. Liver diseases (In Russian) // Moscow, Medicine Publ., 2006; 554 pp.
- Ternovoy S. K., Vasilyev А. Yu., Sinitsyn V. Е., Shekhter А. I. Radiological diagnostics and therapy (In Russian) // Moscow,
- Medicine Publ., 2008.
Merabishvili V. М., Merabishvili E. N., Chepik О. F. Epidemiology of liver cancer (In Russian) // Russian Journal of Oncology. 2014. No. 4.