Receiving a diagnosis of hepatobiliary cancer is certainly not easy. Many patients and their families then ask, "Are there any other treatment options besides surgery or chemotherapy?" As medicine advances, various therapies are now available that can be tailored to the patient's condition, one of which is immunotherapy .
What is Hepatobiliary Cancer?
Hepatobiliary cancer is a group of cancers that attack organs in the hepatobiliary system, namely:
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma/HCC) .
- Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) .
- Gallbladder cancer .
Each has different biological characteristics, disease course, and treatment options. Therefore, their treatment cannot be standardized.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is one of the most advanced modern cancer therapies, working by helping the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells . Under normal conditions, the immune system is capable of recognizing abnormal cells. However, cancer cells have the ability to "hide" or inhibit the immune system's response, allowing them to continue to grow.
Through immunotherapy, the body's defense mechanisms can be reactivated so that the immune system has a better chance of recognizing and attacking cancer cells.
When Should Immunotherapy Be Considered?
The doctor will consider this therapy based on various factors, including:
- Types of cancer , for example liver cancer or bile duct cancer.
- Stage of the disease , whether the cancer can still be operated on or has spread.
- Results of pathology and biomarker examinations , if necessary.
- The condition of liver function and the patient's overall health.
- History of previous medical treatment.
In most patients with early-stage or advanced liver cancer , immunotherapy may be a treatment option, either alone or in combination with other therapies as recommended by a doctor. For bile duct cancer , immunotherapy may also be considered, particularly based on the biological characteristics of the tumor and the results of the tests performed.
Does Immunotherapy Replace Surgery or Chemotherapy?
No.
Immunotherapy is not a substitute for all types of cancer treatment.
Treatment of hepatobiliary cancer often involves a combination of several methods, such as:
- Surgery to remove the tumor if possible.
- Ablation or local therapy in certain conditions.
- Chemotherapy. (TACE / TACI)
- Target therapy (targeted therapy).
- Immunotherapy
- Radiotherapy for certain indications.
The selection of therapy is done individually by considering the benefits and goals of treatment for each patient.
What are the Benefits of Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy can provide several benefits, such as:
- Helps the immune system fight cancer cells.
- Controlling cancer growth in some patients.
- High effectiveness
- Relatively milder side effects
- Can be combined with other therapies according to doctor's recommendations.
Consult Your Hemato Oncologist About Your Therapy Options
Advances in cancer therapy offer new hope for many patients, including immunotherapy. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with liver cancer, bile duct cancer, or gallbladder cancer, don't hesitate to discuss all available treatment options with your doctor. With a comprehensive examination and an individualized approach, your doctor can determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient.
Remember, proper treatment of hepatobiliary cancer does not depend on just one type of therapy, but on a combination of treatments specifically designed to provide the best results for each patient.
Article written by Dr. Ryan Ardian Saputra, Sp.PD, Subsp. H.Onk.M (K) (Internal Medicine Specialist - Medical Hemato Oncology Consultant at EMC Alam Sutera & Tangerang Hospital).