[Primary liver cancer]

Abstract

Due to its increasing incidence and a grim prognosis, primary liver cancer remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. For small localized tumors, surgical resection and liver transplantation are standard treatments with a curative-intent. Therapeutic options for locally advanced or metastatic diseases are limited. Globally, surgery fits less than 20% of patients. Early detection in high-risk patients and prevention of risk factors remain the key points in the standard care. External radiotherapy is a non invasive treatment with encouraging results for non operable patients. Emerging stereotactic radiotherapy yields high rates of local control without compromising toxicity. Tumors with bad prognostic factors could be cured with this approach.