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    Interventional procedure overview of image-guided percutaneous laser ablation of primary and secondary liver tumours

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    Indications and current treatment

    The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Secondary cancer in the liver can arise from any primary site, but it most commonly spreads from cancers of the breast, bowel, lung, pancreas, stomach, ovary, and neuroendocrine tumours (Source: Cancer Research UK website).

    Treatment for primary liver cancer depends on several factors, including the

    exact location and stage of the cancer, the patient's liver function and any

    patient-related comorbidities. The treatment options include:

    • surgical excision

    • chemotherapy (conventional or hepatic artery infusion)

    • transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE)

    • selective internal radiation therapy

    • percutaneous ethanol injection

    • local ablation techniques such as cryotherapy, radiofrequency, and microwave ablation.

    Liver transplant (with curative intent) may be appropriate for some people.

    Treatment for secondary liver cancer depends on the site of the primary cancer, which parts of the liver are affected and whether the cancer has metastasised further. The most common treatment is chemotherapy, but other treatments include surgery, hormonal therapies, targeted therapies, ablation and embolisation treatments.