Cancer Survivor Faces New Surgery Amid High Recurrence Rates

Television actor Dipika Kakar is preparing for a new surgery this week to address a cyst, a development following her previous diagnosis of stage two liver cancer last May. Experts note that such growths are not uncommon in liver cancer survivors, as the disease has a high rate of recurrence, often within one to two years after treatment. Studies show that between 42% and 76% of patients relapse within this period.

Stage two liver cancer is characterized by a single tumor larger than 2 cm or multiple tumors under 5 cm, without spreading to lymph nodes or distant organs. Kakar previously underwent surgery and targeted therapy. She will now transition to immunotherapy, with targeted therapy being discontinued. Immunotherapy aims to re-activate the immune system for better long-term survival.

If liver cancer returns, even after early-stage treatment, it can still be managed if it remains localized. Dr. Kunjahari Medhi explains that 50-70% of patients who have had malignant tumors removed surgically experience recurrence, and even 20% of liver transplant recipients report recurrence within two years. Early recurrence, typically within 12-24 months, is often linked to aggressive tumor behavior, large tumor size, multiple tumors, or high levels of the AFP tumor marker.

Treatment options for recurrence depend on the cancer's location, extent, and the patient's overall health and liver function. These can include liver transplantation, ablation to destroy tumors, chemoembolization (TACE), or localized radiotherapy. Systemic therapy, involving drugs that circulate through the bloodstream, is an option if cancer spreads to distant organs like bones or lungs. Managing underlying conditions such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, diabetes, and fatty liver disease is crucial for preventing recurrence.