Liver transplant for cancer: what to know

A transplant replaces the diseased liver with a donated organ. For liver cancer, specialists assess the cancer type, tumour number and position, blood-vessel involvement, spread beyond the liver, liver function and other health conditions. The purpose is to remove the liver containing the cancer while offering a liver that can support the body.

Transplant is different from Liver Resection, which removes part of the liver, and Tumour Ablation, which destroys selected tumour tissue in place. A transplant also requires long-term medicines to reduce rejection risk and close follow-up. Availability of a suitable organ and the rules of the transplant programme affect the process.

Ask your oncologist or hepatology team whether referral to a transplant centre is appropriate. Assessment can include imaging, blood tests, heart and lung checks, review of liver disease, and tests that look for cancer outside the liver. A multidisciplinary team then weighs potential benefit against surgical and medical risks.

While being assessed, keep appointments, report new symptoms and discuss every medicine or supplement. Other plans may include local treatment, Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy, depending on the cancer and its molecular features. A referral does not mean that transplant will be offered.

Before or after transplant assessment, contact the medical team promptly for fever, worsening jaundice, confusion, increasing abdominal swelling, severe pain, vomiting or reduced urine. After transplant, fever, breathing problems, sudden weakness or difficulty taking anti-rejection medicine require urgent advice.

What type and extent of liver cancer do I have? Do my scans fit the programme criteria? What tests are still needed? What alternatives are available if transplant is unsuitable? Which medicines and symptoms need immediate reporting?