Excessive consumption of alcohol would be the main cause of liver cancer
“Liver cancer has been mostly in men than in women, this has to do with a standard appearance. The main causes are hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the United States, but in the Hispanic population has been found that the main cause of this disease are hepatitis C and excessive alcohol consumption, “says gastroenterologist Jorge Marreno, director of the Liver tumors Multidisciplinary Clinic at the University of Michigan.
In Latin America, the figures of incidence of this cancer are not much more encouraging, with Peru the country with the highest rates. In the case of Chile, according to figures from the National Cancer Program, conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2004, four men and 3.8 per 100 100 women die from this disease.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent liver cancer is recommended that people at risk, those with cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C, are carried out a blood test and ultrasound every six months. If signs like weight loss without apparent cause, lack of appetite continuous feeling of fullness after a meal scanty, aches or pains in the stomach and yellowish skin, among other symptoms, consult a doctor urgently.
Among the common treatments for this disease are surgery, including liver transplantation, “the local treatment and chemotherapy. It is sometimes necessary to combine different treatments.
Says Dr. Marreno, the only way to cure this cancer is through surgery, although the tumor is resectable in only 15% of patients. The problem is that most of the time this cancer is detected at an advanced stage and is no longer possible to remove surgically.
Nexavar (sorafenib), a drug developed by Bayer, is the only oral systemic treatment that blocks the signals of tumor cells to prevent their growth and division. It also reduces the formation of new blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients needed for growth of cancer cells.
“One of the most important discoveries have been made to treat liver cancer. Multikinase Nexavar is an inhibitor that prevents cancer cells from reproducing. It is the first and only treatment approved to treat liver cancer, “says Jorge Marreno.
In the Phase III “SHARP” Placebo-controlled, 44% Nexavar improved overall survival of patients with liver cancer.
The drug is currently approved in over 60 countries for the treatment of this disease and is also used in 70 for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. Additionally, Nexavar is being studied in therapy for the treatment of other types of cancer, including metastatic melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Living with Liver Cancer
Despite the alarming world, the disease is little known among the general public. According to an international survey, conducted more than 7,000 people from 7 countries (USA, UK, Italy, Spain, Mexico, China and Japan), approximately 51% of adults are unable to cite any of the symptoms associated with liver cancer and more than 40% do not know the treatment options for this disease.
To reverse this situation of disinformation, Bayer has worked to provide tools to people in need and therefore has developed the Living with Liver Cancer (English Live with Liver Cancer), designed to provide support information to patients, carers and others involved in liver cancer through a website (http://www.livingwithlivercancer.com) and other regional activities such as interactive forums to help people better understand the disease.
This program aims to contribute to a better dialogue between patients and doctors and also seeks to raise awareness to prevent liver cancer, trying to encourage people to get regular checkups and ultrasound exams. Also, is intended that those affected know the different stages of the disease, risk factors, signs, symptoms and treatment options available.
This initiative is sponsored by Bayer worldwide, supported by Vital Options International and the American Liver Foundation, dedicated to promoting the prevention of liver diseases.