In the summer of 2022, my grandfather kept complaining about bloating and loss of appetite. Doctors at our local county hospital prescribed some digestive medicine, but his symptoms kept getting worse.

Then one day, after a severe episode of abdominal pain, we went to a provincial hospital in China. Seeing the words "liver mass" on the CT report felt like a knife through my heart.

The doctor told us that my grandfather's tumor was already 8 cm in size, with portal vein tumor thrombus. It was classified as Stage III liver cancer and could not be removed surgically.

The 5-year survival rate was less than 20%.

I cried alone in the hospital hallway. Then I wiped away my tears and decided we had to keep fighting.

1️⃣ First TACE Procedure

The doctor explained: "Liver tumors receive most of their blood supply from the hepatic artery. We inject chemotherapy drugs and embolic agents directly into the tumor to cut off its blood supply."

After the procedure, my grandfather developed a high fever and severe vomiting. I stayed by his bedside for three days, using wet towels to help bring down his temperature.

TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) is a common treatment for advanced liver cancer, but tumors can still recur or spread.

2️⃣ Targeted Therapy: Lenvatinib (Lenvima)

In 2023, the doctors recommended Lenvatinib, an anti-angiogenic targeted therapy.

He developed side effects including hand-foot syndrome and high blood pressure, but compared to the cancer itself, those side effects felt manageable.

3️⃣ Turning Point: Joining a Clinical Trial

In 2024, my grandfather's AFP (tumor marker) levels became concerning, and his doctor suggested considering a clinical trial involving a PD-1 inhibitor combined with a new targeted therapy.

🌱🌱🌱 Clinical Trial Process

Screening Phase: Blood tests, genetic testing, and imaging studies to determine eligibility based on factors such as liver function and previous treatments.

Randomization: My grandfather was assigned to the experimental group (PD-1 + new targeted therapy) rather than the control group receiving standard treatment.

Regular Follow-Up: Hospital visits every 21 days for treatment and CT scans every 6 weeks to evaluate effectiveness.

After his first PD-1 infusion (immunotherapy), he developed a fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F). The doctor said it was an immune response and could be a sign that the treatment was working.

I was both nervous and hopeful. I barely slept that night, constantly checking his temperature.

4️⃣ Three months later, a follow-up scan showed that the lung metastases had shrunk by 30%.

The doctor smiled and said: "The treatment is working well. We can continue."

My grandfather cried. It was the first piece of good news we had received since his diagnosis.

Now, in 2026, my grandfather is still alive.

The tumors have not completely disappeared, but they are no longer growing. He has learned how to live alongside cancer.

Liver cancer treatment has entered the era of precision medicine. Targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and clinical trials have significantly extended survival for many patients with advanced disease.

Clinical trials can be an important option, especially for patients who have exhausted standard treatments and may gain access to promising new therapies.

5️⃣ Advice for Families Facing Liver Cancer

Never give up on treatment opportunities.

Seek opinions from multiple hospitals and ask about clinical trials.

Managing side effects is just as important as the treatment itself.

Keep detailed records of treatment responses and communicate with doctors regularly.

Emotional support can be even more important than medication.

Cancer has taken a lot from our family, but it has also taught us how precious time together truly is.

I hope our experience can give some hope to families who are still fighting this battle.