Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, came into the spotlight in Malaysia when the late Tunku Jalil was diagnosed at just 24 years old. After undergoing surgery in Kuala Lumpur and a liver transplant in China, his journey inspired the creation of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation. Since its founding, the foundation has spent over RM11.4 million to support cancer patients—providing not only medical treatment but also essentials like specialised nutrition and financial aid for transport.
In Malaysia, the Chinese community faces the highest risk of liver cancer. But many others are also vulnerable, especially those with fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) infections. These viruses silently damage the liver over time, leading to inflammation and scarring. Eventually, this can trigger the development of cancer.
If you have fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver damage, or chronic hepatitis, regular check-ups with a hepatologist or gastroenterologist are crucial. Monitoring usually involves blood tests (like AFP levels) and liver scans to catch any early signs.
Managing liver cancer requires a multidisciplinary team (MDT)—specialists who work together to tailor the best treatment plan. This team often includes:
- Liver specialists (hepatologists/gastroenterologists)
- Radiologists
- Hepatobiliary surgeons
- Oncologists
If detected early, liver cancer can be treated with surgery, especially when there’s only one or a few tumors. But unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed late—when symptoms like abdominal swelling, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss begin to appear.
For more advanced cases, treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread:
- Local therapies like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) target small, localized tumors.
- Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is used for more widespread disease and involves delivering chemotherapy directly to the liver.
Contrary to popular belief, traditional chemotherapy isn’t the main treatment for liver cancer with metastases. Instead, immunotherapy is changing the game. Drugs like atezolizumab, bevacizumab, tremelimumab, and nivolumab are helping the body’s immune system fight cancer more effectively.
Liver cancer treatment is evolving rapidly, but early detection remains key. As public awareness grows and health literacy improves, more Malaysians can benefit from screening and early intervention. With the right support and timely care, there is hope—even in the face of this silent disease.
