Fact 5: Treatment Modalities
The very idea of surgery can be intimidating, especially when it concerns a child. However, surgical removal of the tumor is often the first line of attack against hepatoblastoma. If the tumor is localized and hasn’t spread, surgery might be all that’s required. The affected portion of the liver is excised, and given the liver’s remarkable regenerative ability, it can recover over time.
Chemotherapy, a treatment modality involving powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, plays a dual role in hepatoblastoma management. Pre-operatively, it might be used to shrink the tumor, making surgical removal easier. Post-operatively, it ensures any lingering cancer cells are dealt with, reducing the chances of recurrence. The specific drugs and their dosage are tailored to each child’s needs, with careful monitoring to manage side effects.
The world of oncology is abuzz with targeted therapies – treatments designed to attack specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells. For hepatoblastoma, as research progresses, there’s hope that more targeted treatments will become available. These therapies, by focusing on specific molecular and genetic features of the tumor, promise higher efficacy with fewer side effects.
In instances where the tumor is widespread or recurs post-treatment, a liver transplant might be the only viable option. This involves replacing the child’s liver with a healthy one from a donor. Given the complexities, transplants are seen as a last resort but have proven to be life-saving for many children with advanced hepatoblastoma.(5)
