Overview
Liver cancer develops when abnormal cells in the liver grow uncontrollably — forming tumours that impair the liver’s critical functions including detoxification, protein synthesis, and digestion. It is one of the most common cancers in India and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide — with a particularly high prevalence in individuals with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or viral hepatitis.
Liver cancer can be primary — originating in the liver cells themselves — or secondary (metastatic), meaning cancer has spread to the liver from another organ such as the colon, breast, or lung. Primary liver cancer most commonly develops against a background of chronic liver disease — making regular monitoring of high-risk individuals critically important for early detection.
With advances in targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and interventional oncology procedures, liver cancer treatment has improved significantly. Early diagnosis, accurate staging, and a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan give patients the best possible chance of achieving meaningful disease control and extended survival.
Types of Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
HCC is the most common type of primary liver cancer — accounting for approximately 75% to 85% of all primary liver cancer diagnoses. It develops from hepatocytes — the main functional cells of the liver — and is strongly associated with chronic hepatitis B and C infection, liver cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). HCC is the primary target of most liver cancer treatments including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and locoregional therapies.
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)
ICC — also called intrahepatic bile duct cancer — develops in the bile ducts inside the liver. It is the second most common primary liver cancer and is associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver fluke infection, and certain genetic conditions. It is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and increasingly targeted therapy based on IDH1 and FGFR2 mutations.
Hepatoblastoma
Hepatoblastoma is a rare liver cancer that primarily affects young children — usually under the age of three. It is the most common primary liver tumour in children and is treated with surgery and chemotherapy — with outcomes that are significantly better when detected early.
Angiosarcoma of the Liver
Hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer arising from the blood vessel cells of the liver. It is associated with exposure to certain chemicals including vinyl chloride, arsenic, and thorotrast. It requires prompt, aggressive treatment with chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Secondary Liver Cancer (Liver Metastases)
Secondary liver cancer — or liver metastases — occurs when cancer from another organ spreads to the liver. The most common primary cancers that metastasize to the liver include colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Treatment depends on the primary cancer type and may include systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or locoregional procedures.
Signs to Look for in Liver Cancer
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Upper right abdominal pain or discomfort — below the right ribcage
- Abdominal swelling or a feeling of fullness
- Jaundice — yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Pale or chalky stools
- Dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Fever without obvious cause
- Enlarged liver or spleen — felt as a lump under the right ribcage
- Swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation (ascites)
Treatment Options
Chemotherapy
Systemic chemotherapy is used for liver cancer — particularly for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and liver metastases from other primary cancers — using gemcitabine-based, oxaliplatin-based, or other regimens depending on the cancer type. At Jus’ Onco, liver cancer chemotherapy is delivered as a low cost day care service — patients receive their infusion and return home the same day.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy has transformed the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are approved first-line targeted agents for advanced HCC. Regorafenib and cabozantinib are used as second-line options. For intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, IDH1 inhibitors (ivosidenib) and FGFR2 inhibitors (pemigatinib) are available for eligible patients. Biomarker testing is reviewed at Jus’ Onco to determine targeted therapy eligibility.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy — particularly atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab — is now the first-line standard of care for advanced HCC in eligible patients. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are also approved for HCC after sorafenib. At Jus’ Onco, PD-L1 status and liver function assessment are reviewed to determine immunotherapy eligibility and safety.
Radiation Therapy
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and external beam radiation therapy are used for liver cancer tumours that are not suitable for surgery or locoregional procedures. Jus’ Onco coordinates radiation therapy referrals through its specialist oncology network.
Surgical Oncology
Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for early-stage HCC and resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in patients with adequate liver function. Liver transplantation may be considered for select HCC patients meeting Milan criteria. Jus’ Onco coordinates surgical oncology referrals as part of a comprehensive liver cancer treatment plan.
Locoregional Therapy
Locoregional therapies — including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), transarterial radioembolization (TARE/SIRT), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — are used for intermediate-stage HCC or as a bridge to liver transplantation. Jus’ Onco coordinates locoregional therapy referrals through its specialist interventional oncology network.
Supportive Care
Includes liver function monitoring, ascites management, nutritional support, pain management, psycho-oncology counselling, and symptom control — maintaining quality of life and supporting treatment completion throughout the full liver cancer treatment journey.
Liver Cancer Care at Jus' Onco
At Jus’ Onco, we provide comprehensive liver cancer care through advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary oncology team. From first consultation through recovery and long-term follow-up, our focus is on delivering the best chemotherapy in India alongside targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and integrated supportive care — all at a low cost that ensures no patient is forced to delay or abandon treatment.
Our liver cancer care programme begins with a thorough review of your diagnostic reports, imaging (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound), liver function tests, AFP tumour marker levels, biopsy and pathology findings, and biomarker testing — including PD-L1 expression, IDH1 status, FGFR2 alterations, and viral hepatitis status — ensuring your treatment plan is precisely matched to your liver cancer type, stage, liver function reserve, and molecular profile.
Whether you require sorafenib or lenvatinib targeted therapy for HCC, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab immunotherapy, gemcitabine-based chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma, locoregional therapy coordination, or a multimodal combination approach, Jus’ Onco designs and delivers a complete, evidence-based liver cancer treatment plan with full day care convenience, transparent pricing, and zero hidden charges.
