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Primary liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer and is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in the world. A major Fox Chase program focuses on the role of the hepatitis B virus in causing this disease. This work began three decades ago under Baruch S. Blumberg, MD, PhD, who received the 1976 Nobel Prize in medicine for identifying the virus. His Fox Chase laboratory group also created the first hepatitis B vaccine - the first vaccine capable of preventing a human cancer - which Merck introduced in 1982. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that all children receive the hepatitis vaccine.

Treatment Options for Primary Liver Cancer

At Fox Chase Cancer Center, we have a comprehensive approach to hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to chronic hepatitis B, there are other causes that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer including viral hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, autoimmune disorders and genetic conditions such as iron (hemochromatosis) and copper overload (Wilson's disease). Since treatment of liver cancer often involves both the tumor biology and the underlying liver disease, it requires a concerted effort from various specialists including surgeons (Hoffman, Watson, Sigurdson), medical oncologists (Steve Cohen, Nancy Lewis, Crystal Denlinger), interventional radiologists (Richard Daniels, Stephen Leschak, Samuel Putnam) and hepatologists (Minhhuyen Nguyen). We offer a wide treatment platform including medications for the underlying liver disease, resection for small localized tumors, ablative therapies, chemoembolization and systemic chemotherapy. For patients who are candidates for liver transplantation, we refer them to reputable transplant centers in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas.
Liver-Directed Therapies

Liver Cancer Prevention

Since more than 80 percent of all primary liver cancers can be avoided by preventing infection with hepatitis B virus, Fox Chase has established a model intervention program for populations at risk of hepatitis B-related liver cancer. Created by W Thomas London, MD, and now directed by Minhhuyen Nguyen, MD, the Liver Cancer Prevention Center has continued screening for carriers of the virus, immunizing their family members, treating patients with active liver disease, and monitoring all patients to detect liver tumors early enough for potentially curative surgery for more than 20 years.

Treatment Options for Liver Metastases

Doctors at Fox Chase Cancer Center may still be able to cure colorectal cancer, even after it has spread to other organs, most commonly the liver. Physicians work together to accomplish this goal through a comprehensive program that includes liver surgeons, Dr. John P. Hoffman, Dr. Elin Sigurdson and Dr. James C. Watson, and medical oncologists whose goal is to increase survival rates among their patients.

Liver Cancer Research

Fox Chase is also conducting a major interdisciplinary program on the molecular epidemiology of primary liver cancer, designed to investigate the specific environmental, viral and genetic factors responsible. Researchers in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, genetics, virology and biochemistry are combining laboratory studies of the hepatitis B virus with large-scale, collaborative studies of the epidemiology of liver cancer in major endemic areas of the world. Some projects focus on Haimen County, China and the West African nation of Senegal. The ultimate goal of this program is to design new strategies to prevent liver cancer.

For more information about gastrointestinal cancer treatment and prevention at Fox Chase Cancer Center or to make an appointment, call 1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).