Is Radiation Therapy Effective For Stage-4 Liver Cancer?

Posted on Sat, 21 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my dad age 73 has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He had d primary Tumour in his bowel removed. The doctors have said they tested the lymph nodes and there is no signs that it has spread to them, however there is small spots on his liver. He had no symptoms and is in good health. He's referred to the oncology unit to get chemo and radiation. I know each indivual is different but is my dad going to get worse? I've been given the impression and he will prob always need treatment but he will contiune to live a normal life..... Will chemo just keep him as he is??

Thank you for your reply. There is actually multiple small spots on the liver..... Would you think an operation would still be an option?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. He can survive for a long time

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details and I understand your concern. So as there is only a single spot in liver, best treatment will be to give chemo and to surgically remove liver lesion also. Radiation instead of surgery for liver spot will have slightly inferior results. About. 20 percent patient enjoy long term survival with this approach.
Thanks and regards

Brief Answer:
Hello. Surgery is not possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Sorry to inform you but in that case surgery is not possible. Radiation may help. Average survival in such case will lower, say around 2 years.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng