OBSOLETE: HIV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

HIV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (also sometimes called HIV-associated liver cancer or HCC in people living with HIV) is a type of primary liver cancer that develops in people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This condition is listed as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet rare disease database, meaning it has been reclassified or merged into broader disease categories. However, the underlying condition remains clinically important. HIV weakens the immune system over time, and people living with HIV have a higher risk of developing certain cancers, including liver cancer. This increased risk is largely driven by co-infections that are more common in people with HIV, especially hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), both of which are major causes of liver damage and liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It starts in the main liver cells called hepatocytes. In people with HIV, the liver may be damaged by chronic viral hepatitis, long-term antiretroviral medications, alcohol use, or fatty liver disease, all of which can raise the risk of HCC. Symptoms often appear late and can include abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fatigue, and loss of appetite. Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is and how well the liver is functioning. Options may include surgery to remove the tumor, liver transplantation, ablation therapies, targeted drug therapy (such as sorafenib), immunotherapy, or palliative care. Managing HIV with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is also a key part of overall care, as keeping the immune system as strong as possible can improve treatment outcomes.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage is my liver cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,How will my HIV medications interact with my cancer treatment, and will any of them need to be changed?,Am I a candidate for surgery or liver transplantation?,How often should I have imaging or blood tests to monitor my cancer?,What side effects should I watch for with my cancer treatment, and when should I call you?,Are there clinical trials available for people living with HIV and liver cancer that I might qualify for?,What support services are available to help me manage both my HIV and my cancer at the same time?

Common questions about OBSOLETE: HIV-related hepatocellular carcinoma