In-Depth Guide to Liver Cancer Treatment in the UAE

a. Feeling Tired All the Time: Imagine feeling exhausted even after a good night's sleep.

b. Losing Weight Without Trying: You might notice your clothes fitting looser, but you haven't changed your diet or exercise routine.

c. Not Feeling Hungry: Your favourite foods just don't appeal to you anymore, and you're not eating as much as usual.

d. Achy or Full Feeling in Your Belly: It's like a constant discomfort or bloating in your stomach area.

e. Yellow Eyes or Skin: Your family might notice your skin looking a bit yellowish, especially in the whites of your eyes.

f. Feeling Sick to Your Stomach: You might feel queasy or throw up sometimes, even if you haven't eaten anything upsetting.

g. Changes in Your Poop: Your bathroom habits might change, like lighter-coloured stools or noticing blood in them.

h. Just Feeling Off: Overall, you might feel weaker than usual, like your body isn't quite right.

Early-stage liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings and early detection critical for improving treatment outcomes.

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer in the UAE

1. Imaging:

Advanced imaging techniques play a crucial role in diagnosing liver cancer:

a. Ultrasound: This non-invasive imaging method uses sound waves to create pictures of the liver. It can detect tumours, identify their size and location, and evaluate blood flow within the liver.

b. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the liver and surrounding structures. It helps visualize tumours and assess whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

c. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the liver. It is particularly useful for detecting smaller tumours and evaluating the extent of cancer spread.

d. PET-CT Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): This imaging technique combines PET and CT scans to detect areas of increased metabolic activity in the liver, which may indicate cancerous growth.

2. Biopsy:

2. Surgical Biopsy (Liver Resection Biopsy)

Surgical biopsy involves the surgical removal of a portion of the liver containing the suspected tumor. This larger tissue sample allows for a more detailed examination to confirm the diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment. While more invasive and requires general anaesthesia, it also provides therapeutic benefits by removing cancerous tissue directly. However, it carries typical surgical risks such as bleeding and infection.

3. Blood Tests:

Blood tests are essential for assessing liver function and detecting abnormalities that may indicate the presence of liver cancer. These tests provide valuable insights into liver health and aid in both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of the disease.

a. Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests (LFTs) measure enzymes, proteins, and other substances in the blood that are produced or processed by the liver:

• Liver Enzymes (AST and ALT): AST and ALT levels rise when liver cells are damaged or inflamed, indicating potential liver injury or disease, including liver cancer.

b. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test

AFP is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of developing fetuses. In adults, elevated AFP levels can indicate certain liver conditions, including liver cancer. However, not all liver cancers produce AFP, and elevated AFP levels can also occur in other liver diseases and non-liver-related conditions.

c. Other Blood Markers

Additional blood markers that assist in diagnosing liver cancer include:

• Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin (DCP): Elevated DCP levels are associated with certain types of liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Blood tests, along with imaging studies and biopsies, are essential tools for diagnosing liver cancer, determining its stage, and planning appropriate treatment strategies based on individual patient needs. Regular monitoring of blood markers plays a crucial role in assessing treatment response and disease progression in liver cancer patients.

b. Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): Combines chemotherapy with a procedure to block the blood supply to the tumour. Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the artery supplying the tumour, followed by the insertion of particles to block the artery, cutting off the tumour's blood supply and minimizing systemic side effects.

3. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy:

a. Targeted Therapy: Medications that specifically target molecular pathways involved in cancer cell growth and spread. Examples include drugs that inhibit proteins or receptors on cancer cells, such as VEGF inhibitors or TKIs.

b. Immunotherapy: Stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, for instance, block proteins that inhibit immune responses, enhancing the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Immunotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments.

4. Palliative Care:

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with advanced-stage liver cancer. It includes symptom management (pain, nausea, fatigue), emotional support, and interventions to maintain comfort and dignity throughout treatment.

In the UAE, these treatment modalities are integrated into comprehensive care plans developed by multidisciplinary teams of oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists. This approach ensures personalized and effective management of liver cancer, considering each patient's unique medical history and tumour characteristics. Advanced medical facilities and ongoing research contribute to improving treatment outcomes for liver cancer patients in the UAE.

1. Mediclinic City Hospital

2. Saudi German Hospital, Dubai

• Saudi German Hospital – Dubai is part of the biggest private hospital groups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It began its operations in March 2012 and is the 6th tertiary care hospital of the SGH Group. Number Of Beds: 300 (ICU-47)
• Number Of Surgeons: 16
• 24 Adult ICU beds, 12 NICU, and 11 PICU beds.
• 6 Operating Theaters with 24/7 facility (4 Main OT, 1 for Cesarean Section, and 1 as Septic Room).
• 2 state-of-the-art Cath Labs covering Vascular, Cerebral, and Cardiac Intervention.
• 10 Beds under a Dialysis unit with 24-hour service
• 28 beds ED covering 24/7 services being the largest in the private sector.
• Availability of Isolation Rooms with a capacity of 8 Beds (Negative Pressure) and 4 Chemotherapy Beds (Positive Pressure).
• Emergency and Outpatient Pharmacy with 24/7 facility.
• Radiology with 24/7 facility.
• 106 Private Rooms and 8 VIP Rooms.
• Gold certification for Patient-Centered Care Excellence from Planetree International-USA.
• SGH Dubai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center has been awarded CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International accreditation.
• Accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), CAP (College of American Pathologists), and ISO 14001, with Clinical Care Program Certification (CCPC) for Acute Myocardial Infarction.
• Fully equipped CAP accredited Laboratory.
• In line with the vision of Dubai to establish itself as a one-stop destination for all medical needs, SGH facilitates medical tourism by providing comprehensive medical care packages in the UAE. The hospital has multilingual staff who can assist patients in their language, and help with local accommodation, and flight bookings.

Success Rates of Liver Cancer Treatment in the UAE

The success rates for treating liver cancer in the UAE are notably favourable, especially when the cancer is detected early. Key factors influencing success include:

• Stage of Cancer: Early detection significantly improves outcomes. For instance, the 5-year relative survival rate is around 45% for stage 1 liver cancer, compared to only 5% for stage 4 cases

Cost of Liver Cancer Treatment in the UAE

The cost of treating liver cancer in the UAE varies based on several factors:

• Type and Stage of Cancer: Treatment costs vary depending on the complexity and stage of the cancer.

Estimated costs in the UAE typically range as follows:

• Surgery: AED 100,000 to AED 300,000 [US$27,225 to US$81,675]
• Liver Transplantation: AED 500,000 to AED 1,000,000 [US$136,125 to US$272,250]
• Ablation Techniques: AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 [US$5,445 to US$13,613]
• Chemotherapy: Costs vary depending on the specific medications used.

For accurate cost estimates, individuals are encouraged to contact hospitals directly or use online cost calculators provided by medical facilities. Costs can vary widely based on individual treatment plans and medical needs.

How can HealthTrip assist with your treatment?

If you're seeking UAE for Stroke Treatment, let HealthTrip be your compass. We support you throughout your medical journey with the following:

• Access to top doctors in 38+ countries and the largest health travel platform.
• Partnerships with 1500+ hospitals, including Fortis, Medanta, and more.
• Treatments in neuro, cardiac care, transplants, aesthetics, and wellness.
• Post-treatment care and assistance.
• Teleconsultations with leading doctors at $1/minute.
• Over 61K patients served.
• Access Top treatments and packages, such as Angiograms and many more.
• Gain insights from genuine patient experiences and testimonials.
• Stay updated with our medical blog.
• 24/7 unwavering support, from hospital formalities to travel arrangements or emergencies.

Hear from our satisfied patients