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 and collaborative medical system. Our team includes highly experienced faculty members from various fields, including gastroenterology, hepatology, hepatobiliary surgery, radiology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and pathology. There are many treatment options for liver cancer, including hepatectomy, liver transplantation, transarterial chemo/radioembolization, radiofrequency ablation, stereotactic radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy, which can be used in combination. With the number of elderly liver cancer patients increasing in recent years, our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to finding and providing the most appropriate treatment for each individual, and our high survival rates for liver cancer reflect the effectiveness of this personalized approach.
World-Class Research-Driven Hospital
Hepatocellular carcinoma is known for its high recurrence rate of 70%, even after curative treatments like surgery. However, our team has achieved remarkable success in preventing recurrence through groundbreaking methods. We were the first in the world to achieve successful prevention of recurrence using immune cells known as cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, which can recognize and destroy cancer cells. Our achievement was the result of a multi-center phase III clinical trial, which was published in the prestigious journal "Gastroenterology."
Furthermore, we have conducted a clinical trial with another promising immunotherapy utilizing dendritic cell vaccines. The results of this trial have been reported in the "British Journal of Cancer." Other studies conducted at our Liver Cancer Center have been recognized and published in some of the world's top journals, including "Annals of Surgery," "Journal of Hepatology," "Hepatology," and "Gut. As a result of our ongoing state-of-the-art research in liver cancer, we are continually translating new discoveries into improved patient care. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all liver cancer patients visiting our center receive the best possible treatment and care.
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, 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%.
As of March 2025, the Liver Cancer Center at SNUCH has performed more than 1,500 transarterial radioembolization procedures, the highest number in Asia. Starting with the first transarterial radioembolization in 2011, the center has gradually expanded the procedure, performing 303 cases in 2024 alone. Transarterial radioembolization is effective in cases where surgery is difficult due to the large size of the tumor or underlying medical conditions. Microspheres loaded with radioactive isotopes are injected into the tumor vessels through the hepatic artery, and the radiation emitted from the microspheres is used to destroy the tumor. It is considered a safe and effective treatment because it can be performed with only local anesthesia and causes less fever and abdominal pain than transarterial chemoembolization using chemotherapy drugs. Our center is at the forefront of global knowledge-sharing, organizing a training course for foreign radiologists in 2024. In addition, we have published several studies demonstrating the effectiveness of transarterial radioembolization to expand its clinical applications.
Patient-Friendly and Personalized Care System
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. For patients with liver disease, we have established a dedicated Liver Center where they can receive specialized treatment 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 by 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 needs..
Liver cancer conference for multidisciplinary treatment/approach