Liver Cancer Center
The Best Medical Staff and Integrated Medical Care
The Liver Cancer Center of Seoul National University Cancer Hospital (SNUCH) offers swift diagnosis and personalized treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cancer through a comprehensive, collaborative medical system. This system involves experts from various fields, including gastroenterology, hepatology, hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery, radiology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and pathology. Regular X-ray conferences on Tuesdays and Thursdays, liver resection meetings on Wednesdays, and monthly open discussions in the radiology conference room on the first floor bring together diverse professionals. Thanks to this multidisciplinary approach, the number of patients benefiting from the liver cancer center's services has been consistently increasing.
World-Class Research-Driven Hospital
Hepatocellular carcinoma is notorious for its high recurrence rate of 70%, even after curative treatments like surgery. However, at our Liver Cancer Center in SNUCH, we have achieved remarkable success in preventing recurrence through groundbreaking methods.
We were the pioneers in the world to achieve successful prevention of recurrence using immune cells known as cytokines-induced killer cells (CIK cells). These cells are capable of detecting and eliminating cancer cells. Our achievement was the result of a multi-center phase III clinical trial. Additionally, we have developed a personalized cell therapy, which has garnered recognition and was published in the prestigious journal "Gastroenterology."
Furthermore, we have been conducting clinical trials involving another promising immunotherapy, utilizing dendritic cell vaccines. The results of these trials have been reported in the esteemed "British Journal of Cancer." The studies conducted at our Liver Cancer Center have received recognition and publication in some of the world's best journals, including "Annals of Surgery," "Journal of Hepatology," "Hepatology," and "Gut."
As a result of our ongoing leading-edge liver cancer research, we continuously apply the findings to enhance the treatment we offer to our patients. Our primary goal is to ensure that all liver cancer patients visiting our center receive the best possible treatment and care available.
Reliable Medical Staff and Standardized Cutting-Edge Treatment
The Liver Cancer Center at SNUCH has made significant contributions to the prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and related conditions. We take pride in our groundbreaking achievements, including the development of the first Korean-made hepatitis B vaccine, which has played a pivotal role in preventing hepatitis B, a primary cause of hepatocellular carcinoma.
To improve treatment outcomes, we employ a wide range of approaches, including medication, surgical treatments, transarterial chemoembolization, transarterial radioembolization, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and external beam radiation therapy. Our comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the most effective and appropriate treatments for their condition.
In the area of liver transplantation, we have been pioneers since performing the first successful liver transplant in Korea in 1988. Our expertise extends to split liver transplantation and non-heart-beating donor liver transplantation. Additionally, in 2015, we achieved a significant milestone by performing the first pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy in the world. Since then, we have continued to break records, reaching 100 cases in 2017, 200 cases in 2018, and 300 cases in 2019, establishing ourselves as leaders in the field.
Our success rate for adult liver transplantation is an impressive 99%, and our 5-year survival rate of 85.8% stands as the world's highest. By 2018, we had surpassed 2,000 cumulative liver transplantation cases, showcasing our exceptional performance and maintaining a donor mortality rate of 0%.
At the Liver Cancer Center at SNUCH, our commitment to excellence in research and treatment remains unwavering, ensuring that our patients receive top-notch care and the best possible outcomes.
Patient-Friendly and Personalized Care System
Ever since its establishment alongside SNUCH, the Liver Cancer Center has prioritized enhancing patient convenience and ensuring efficient care. We achieve this by offering same-day tests, including blood tests, endoscopy, and imaging, facilitating a swift diagnostic process for our patients.
Furthermore, we take pride in providing same-day hospitalization services, enabling patients to receive immediate and continuous care without unnecessary delays.
To cater to patients with liver diseases, we have established a dedicated Liver Center, where they can access specialized treatments tailored to their individual needs.
For critically ill liver patients, we operate a Liver Intensive Care Unit (LICU) under the Liver Cancer Center. The LICU is staffed with a team of dedicated medical and nursing professionals who are highly skilled in providing specialized care.
At the Liver Cancer Center, patient comfort and well-being are paramount, and we are committed to continually improving our services to ensure that each patient receives prompt and comprehensive care tailored to their specific requirements.
Liver cancer conference for multidisciplinary treatment/approach