Can liver cancer patients use immunotherapy?
Sep 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, immunotherapy is a targeted treatment that utilizes the body's immune system to attack cancer cells and is increasingly being used in the treatment of liver cancer. However, whether a patient with liver cancer can receive immunotherapy must be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's specific condition, overall health status, and treatment goals. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Generally, immunotherapy is a targeted treatment that utilizes the body's immune system to attack cancer cells and is increasingly being applied in liver cancer treatment. However, whether immunotherapy is suitable for a patient with liver cancer must be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s specific condition, physical status, and treatment goals. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:
If a liver cancer patient is in the early or locally advanced stage, with no widespread tumor metastasis, no severe underlying diseases, and the treatment goal is to control tumor progression, pursue surgical opportunities, or extend survival, immunotherapy may be considered appropriate after physician evaluation. Some patients may experience tumor shrinkage and improved conditions through immunotherapy, creating favorable conditions for subsequent treatments, and if they can tolerate therapy-related side effects, the benefits may outweigh the risks.
If a liver cancer patient is in the advanced stage with widespread tumor metastasis, poor physical condition, or the treatment goal is solely to relieve suffering and improve quality of life, physicians may not recommend immunotherapy after assessment. In such cases, the patient’s body may not tolerate the potential adverse reactions caused by immunotherapy; the treatment may fail to achieve desired outcomes and could instead increase physical burden and negatively impact quality of life.
When considering immunotherapy, liver cancer patients should keep the following points in mind: undergo comprehensive examinations first to clearly determine tumor stage and baseline health status; communicate fully with the doctor before treatment to understand potential benefits and risks; closely monitor bodily changes during treatment, and promptly report any abnormalities such as fever, difficulty breathing, or skin rashes to the physician; and never self-initiate or discontinue immunotherapy without medical guidance—treatment plans must be adjusted strictly according to medical advice.
