A liver transplant can be a potential cure for HCC in a selected group of patients who also have cirrhosis; as the whole liver is replaced.

This can be an option for whom surgery might be considered but the severity of their liver disease means that surgery is not an option. 

The size and number of tumours needs to be under a certain criteria and the patient must be generally fit enough to withstand a large operation.

If it is felt that a patient is appropriate for transplantation they are placed on the transplant waiting list.  The time a patient can wait on the waiting list is very variable, the average length of time awaiting an organ is 99 days in the UK but some patients can wait much longer than this.

Whilst on the waiting list a patient will undergo regular scans and clinic review. In some instances a patient’s cancer can progress whilst on the waiting list or their health can change making them no longer suitable for liver transplantation.

In certain cases it may be possible to offer other treatments such as TAE/TACE or ablation whilst on the waiting list to try and slow progression enabling the patient to remain on the transplant list.