Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For A Large Tumor In The Abdomen
Question: Hello.
My grandpa has a large tumor in the abdominal area. Our doctor prescribed photodynamic therapy, but after the first round my grandpa's condition worsened. His bilirubin level is extremely high, hemoglobin level is low (8/12). The reason behind that is probably the fact that his liver is reduced due to resection of several years ago and hepatitis C. We assume the PDT affected the liver too. Is there a way to help the liver recover? We want him to start taking kinase inhibitors because the tumor keeps growing, and last year they did help him recover until the cancer came back. However, this doctor is telling us that inhibitors are not an option because of the liver malfunctioning and high bilirubin\low hemoglobin. He is currently giving him auxiliary meds intravenously, such as ringer solution, glucose etc. He also wants to prescribe erythropoietin, but we thought that erythropoietin induces all cell growth, including malignant and speeds up cancer progression. It looks like we are running out of time and we desperately need a second opinion. Can he start taking kinase inhibitors right away? What can he do to help recover the liver function? Is blood transfusion a better option than erythropoietin?
My grandpa has a large tumor in the abdominal area. Our doctor prescribed photodynamic therapy, but after the first round my grandpa's condition worsened. His bilirubin level is extremely high, hemoglobin level is low (8/12). The reason behind that is probably the fact that his liver is reduced due to resection of several years ago and hepatitis C. We assume the PDT affected the liver too. Is there a way to help the liver recover? We want him to start taking kinase inhibitors because the tumor keeps growing, and last year they did help him recover until the cancer came back. However, this doctor is telling us that inhibitors are not an option because of the liver malfunctioning and high bilirubin\low hemoglobin. He is currently giving him auxiliary meds intravenously, such as ringer solution, glucose etc. He also wants to prescribe erythropoietin, but we thought that erythropoietin induces all cell growth, including malignant and speeds up cancer progression. It looks like we are running out of time and we desperately need a second opinion. Can he start taking kinase inhibitors right away? What can he do to help recover the liver function? Is blood transfusion a better option than erythropoietin?
Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Best supportive care will be the approach
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. I understand your concern. So in a case of hepatic dysfunction and progressive malignancy, we usually donot give any chemotherapy or other drugs as it will cause more harm than benefit. Kinase drugs are avoided as they itself can cause liver injury.
Erythropoeitin can be given if the serum levels of Erythropoeitin are low. In that case it wont cause tumor to grow faster. Supportive care should be the option. Blood transfusion is definitely better for short term purpose.
Please provide details of tumor histology so that i can think of any other option if available.
Thanks and regards
Hello dear. Best supportive care will be the approach
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. I understand your concern. So in a case of hepatic dysfunction and progressive malignancy, we usually donot give any chemotherapy or other drugs as it will cause more harm than benefit. Kinase drugs are avoided as they itself can cause liver injury.
Erythropoeitin can be given if the serum levels of Erythropoeitin are low. In that case it wont cause tumor to grow faster. Supportive care should be the option. Blood transfusion is definitely better for short term purpose.
Please provide details of tumor histology so that i can think of any other option if available.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Thank you. What would be an example of supportive therapy? Colorectal adenocarcinoma is the diagnosis we were told from the histology results
Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Best supportive care is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear.
Best supportive care means just to support life and symptoms like giving pain killers, appetizers, sleep stimulants, anti infection drugs, iv fluids etc.
Regorafinib is the only kinase useful in colorectal carcinoma. But it can't be used in hepatic dysfunction, Moreover its toxicity are very much.
Thanks and regards
Hello dear. Best supportive care is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear.
Best supportive care means just to support life and symptoms like giving pain killers, appetizers, sleep stimulants, anti infection drugs, iv fluids etc.
Regorafinib is the only kinase useful in colorectal carcinoma. But it can't be used in hepatic dysfunction, Moreover its toxicity are very much.
Thanks and regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
