When is targeted therapy recommended for liver cancer?

Liver cancer is assessed by its type, extent, liver function, symptoms, and previous treatment. Imaging and blood tests help the team understand where the cancer is and how well the liver is working; tissue or molecular testing may be useful in selected cases. A targeted medicine may be considered when surgery or local treatment is not suitable, when disease has spread, or when additional control is needed. The plan also considers other liver conditions, because reduced liver function can change which medicines are appropriate.

Ask whether your diagnosis is hepatocellular carcinoma or another liver cancer type, and what the scans show. Confirm whether the proposed medicine targets a tumour pathway or supports another treatment approach. Tell the team about liver disease, viral hepatitis, supplements, and every medicine you take. Discuss monitoring for liver function, blood pressure, skin changes, diarrhoea, and other effects. Read about [Liver Cancer](/conditions/liver-cancer/) and [Targeted Therapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/targeted-therapy/).

Call your cancer team promptly for worsening yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, increasing abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhoea, fever, or unusual bleeding. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting blood. Take only the instructed dose and report side effects before making changes.

What type and extent of liver cancer do I have? Is a target test needed? How will liver function guide treatment? Which symptoms require a same-day call?