Although liver cancer can be resistant to many chemotherapy drugs, the American Cancer Society lists several that have been effective for short periods of time. Regional chemotherapy is typically used, according to the National Cancer Institute, meaning that a small pump is placed in the body, which allows chemotherapy to flow into blood vessels that lead to the tumor. Chemotherapy may also be administered by injecting the drugs into the hepatic artery through a catheter. The medication is combined with another substance that causes it to block the artery, which starves the tumor of its blood supply. The specific chemotherapy used depends on the stage and kind of liver cancer being treated.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Doxorubicin, also known as the brand-name drug Adriamycin, is an anthracycline drug. This drug slows down the replication of cancer cells and leads to cell death. It is typically given intravenously over 15 minutes. Side effects of the medication can include lowered white and red blood cell counts (which can lead to increased risk of infection and anemia), hair loss, nausea and vomiting, darkening of your skin and hands and loss of appetite. It can also cause mouth sores, and your urine will probably be reddish for a day or two after your treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, this drug can cause heart damage when large doses are cumulatively given, so prior to treatment, your heart function will be tested. During and after chemotherapy, your heart will continue to be monitored for any changes in function.
Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Fluorouracil, also called 5-Fluorouracil or 5-FU, is a chemotherapy drug known as an anti-metabolite. It acts with RNA and DNA of cancer cells and prevents cell growth. The medication is given intravenously over 5 to 10 minutes, 20 to 60 minutes or continually infused over 22 to 24 hours for 1 to 4 days or longer. Common side effects of 5-FU include lowered white and red blood cells, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, increased sun sensitivity, mouth sores, hair loss and diarrhea. Some people develop hand-foot syndrome, which the American Cancer Society describes as a condition in which there is pain, swelling, redness or blistering on the hands or feet.
Cisplatin (Platinol)
Cisplatin, or Platinol, is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that acts in the same way as alkylating drugs. It is administered intravenously over an hour or more, sometimes with intravenous fluids that help flush the medicine out of the kidneys and help minimize any kidney damage that may occur as a side effect. Some common side effects of cisplatin can include lowered white and red blood cell count, swelling in feet and hands, nausea and vomiting, changes in the way things taste and kidney problems. Peripheral neuropathy may also occur; this is due to nerve damage in the hands and feet and causes numbness, tingling, burning and temperature sensitivity in hands and feet. This usually resolves after chemotherapy but can be long-lasting in some people.
