Revolutionizing Liver Cancer Treatment: Star Hospitals' Innovative Approach Offers Hope

In a groundbreaking development, doctors at Star Hospitals have pioneered a novel approach to treating liver cancer, boosting survival rates from a mere 0% to an impressive 60-80%. This remarkable achievement brings a glimmer of hope to patients battling this relentless disease, particularly those afflicted with Cancer Cirrhotic Liver.

Doctors in Star Hospitals, Hyderabad have successfully performed a complex liver transplant procedure on a 55-year-old patient who was suffering from cancer in cirrhotic liver. The patient's journey, which involved a series of innovative treatments and interventions, has given new hope to individuals facing similar challenges.

The patient, who had been battling liver cirrhosis caused by Hepatitis C for an extended period, was unfortunately diagnosed with liver cancer as well. The tumour had grown significantly in size and extended into portal vein, presenting a complex and often insurmountable obstacle for traditional liver transplant procedures.

Under the guidance of the medical oncology team at Star hospitals, the patient received a series of immunotherapy cycles as a downstaging modality with an intention to achieve eligibility for liver transplantation, which is the only curative treatment. To the astonishment of the medicaloncology and liver transplant team, the immunotherapy yielded remarkable results, as evidenced by a repeat PET-CT scan and normalization of the alpha feto protein levels in the blood. Encouraged by this outcome, the decision was made to consider for liver transplant. After six cycles of immunotherapy, the tumour had significantly diminished, rendering the patient eligible for a liver transplant - a prospect that was once deemed unfeasible due to the tumour’s extent. However, the medical journey was far from over. The medical team exercised caution, closely monitoring the patient's liver condition for three months before deeming it suitable for the transplant procedure.

Collaboration between the oncologyteam and the liver transplant surgeon led to a meticulously designed plan. Rather than rush into immediate action, the patient was granted a "cool period" to observe any potential cancer progression. This cautious approach involved a three-month waiting period during which various tests were conducted to ascertain the absence of cancer progression. Blood samples and liver analyses played a pivotal role in this evaluation as an adjunct SBRT was given to the tumour thrombus to render it sterile from tumour cells while the patient was waiting for liver transplant.

Following the conclusion of the immunotherapy cycles, the medical team made the critical decision to proceed with the liver transplant. The procedure, however, was anything but critical. The patient's liver was compromised by damaged blood vessels, leading to a condition known as portal biliopathy. To address this challenge, the medical team implemented an ingenious solution. A long vascular graft, harvested from a brain-dead donor and preserved at -20 degrees Celsius, was utilized to reconstruct the patient's damaged portal vein.

Dr. Raghavendra Babu Y
Chief Liver Transplant & Hepatobiliary Surgeon

Patient underwent a successful liver transplant and the donor was patient’s own 22-year-old daughter who donated 65% of her liver to save her father.

To ensure the patient's ongoing health, the medical team has developed a comprehensive post-transplant care that involves consistent screening through PET-CT scans and regular monitoring of Alpha-fetoprotein levels. Liver transplant performed after downstaging therapies especially with immunotherapy is a novel approach and the recurrence of cancer after transplant is less than 20% which is widely accepted across the world.

Dr. Santosh Kumar Chellapuram
Consultant Medical Oncologist and BMT Specialist,

This case stands as a testament to the remarkable strides being made in the field of medicine. The successful utilization of immunotherapy, the innovative vascular graft procedure, and the strong familial bond that supported the patient's recovery all contribute to making this case one-of-a-kind.

As the medical world continues to push boundaries, the Hyderabad patient's journey serves as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with complex medical conditions, demonstrating that with innovation, determination, and collaboration, seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome.

Those with Hepatitis C or B infections bear a daunting 50-fold greater likelihood of developing cirrhotic liver cancer. This striking correlation underscores the severe health risks posed by these viral infections and highlights the urgency of addressing their implications for liver health.

Star Hospitals' remarkable achievement in revolutionizing liver cancer treatment is a testament to the institution's commitment to collaborative care and a multidisciplinary approach to patient well-being.This collaborative spirit embodies Star Hospitals' dedication to providing the best possible care, ensuring that patients receive a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan that addresses every aspect of their medical journey. By fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation, Star Hospitals continues to lead the way in pushing the boundaries of medical science and offering hope to patients facing even the most daunting medical challenges.

For Further Details, Please Contact: Mr. L Narender Rao, 98490 20296