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What is the cost of liver cancer Treatment in Germany

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According to WHO, more than 830.000 people worldwide die from liver cancer annually. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undetected until it has already spread. Accurate diagnosis of the cancer stage, tumor location, and secondary growths requires advanced medical equipment unavailable in patients’ home countries. Therefore, many patients seek help in Germany. With modern equipment and advanced techniques, Germany offers successful and accurate treatment for liver cancer.

Different Types of Liver Cancer Treatment in Germany

For effective liver cancer treatment, hospitals in Germany offer the following:

  • Surgery. The liver can regenerate quickly. Removing the section of the liver with cancer is a critical step in achieving effective treatment.
  • Targeted therapy. It involves using drugs that can prevent the new blood vessels formation that supplies the tumor with nutrients.
  • HIPEC. This procedure is usually performed alongside surgical intervention, where doctors remove the tumor and “wash” the abdominal cavity with a heated solution of cytostatic drugs.
  • Liver transplantation. The procedure is prescribed to people with liver cancer who have one tumor with a diameter of up to 5 centimeters or 2-3 tumors with a diameter of less than 3 centimeters each.
  • CyberKnife. Radiosurgery targets cancer cells with maximum precision while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues. It boasts highly accurate focusing capabilities, with an error margin of less than 0.2 mm.
  • Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). A procedure treats inoperable liver cancer by blocking blood access to the tumor and delivering chemotherapy through the hepatic artery. It is also done to reduce formations and maintain the tumor while waiting for transplantation. 
  • Radioembolization. During this procedure, the doctor inserts tiny beads containing yttrium-90 into the blood vessel leading to the tumor. This radioactive material acts directly on the tumor but not on healthy tissue.

In Germany, the treatment for liver cancer has significant advantages. The country’s specialists are at the forefront of practicing innovative therapy methods. There are many hospitals located within large research centers that provide patients with the opportunity to take part in clinical trials.

Costs of Liver Cancer Treatment by Stage in Germany

The price of liver cancer treatment in Germany is based on factors such as the stage, the patient’s age, and other health issues. German doctors classify liver cancer progression into four main stages using international standards:

  1. During the initial phase, a solitary cancerous nodule develops in the liver. It does not impact blood vessels; patients can recover entirely by surgery.
  2. The primary tumor grows but does not exceed 5 cm in size. The patient has no signs of metastases that have spread through their blood or lymphatic system. Surgery, additional chemotherapy, and other measures are necessary to treat this disease.
  3. The patient has a tumor that measures over 5 centimeters, and the cancer has also spread to nearby lymph nodes. The prognosis is not good, but German doctors do everything to extend patients’ lives as much as possible.
  4. Doctors may find metastatic tumors in distant areas, such as the lungs or other organs. Patients can receive palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms and prolong life as much as possible.

The cost of treating hepatocellular cancer can differ significantly from treating a secondary tumor. At first, primary cancer only affects the liver. But as it advances, a comprehensive examination is necessary to detect any secondary tumors, and more extensive treatment may be required. In the case of secondary liver cancer, treatment must tackle both liver metastases and malignant tumors in other parts of the body.

In addition, the cost of liver cancer treatment in Germany depends on:

  • The volume of diagnostic procedures. The cost of the examination may be lower if you have undergone some procedures at home, for example, CT, PET-CT, or biopsy. The diagnosis will not have to be repeated if they are informative enough. It will reduce the total cost.
  • Prescribed medications. Each targeted, immune, or chemo drug costs differently. In addition, some need to take courses, and others — constantly for several years.
  • The selected clinic. A patient can be treated at a public or private medical center in Germany. The treatment cost in a private clinic may be higher.

AiroMedical specialists will help you in finding the optimal solution for your situation. We consider all relevant individual characteristics and provide a preliminary cost estimate. We’ll also offer advice on how to minimize expenses.

Health Care Quality and Patient Outcomes

Germany is renowned worldwide for its advanced medical technology, top-notch healthcare services, and cutting-edge innovations. Many patients perceive Germany as the No. 1 country in terms of healthcare quality. Although the prices for medical treatment in Germany are among the most expensive in Europe, it’s a preferred option for those who value guaranteed positive outcomes.

According to Tourism Review magazine, German clinics annually attract more than 250.000 patients from 177 countries worldwide. Over 60 institutions in Germany offer cancer diagnosis and therapy services. All of them are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by globally recognized oncologists. Seeking treatment at these institutions is a significant step toward successful recovery.

Impact of German Health Care System on Liver Cancer Therapy

To effectively treat liver cancer, consistent scientific progress is necessary annually. Germany is responsible for over 80% of worldwide research in this field, thanks partly to the state’s annual investment of over 300 billion euro into hospital financing. This funding enables purchasing of high-precision equipment and exploring various medical fields, leading to daily improvements in the fight against diseases. Additionally, the country’s universities conduct extensive research on the disease. 

Even cases considered to be hopeless are successfully treated in Germany. Doctors come together for a multidisciplinary consultation to assist and consider any related conditions. This type of consultation is included in the standard course of action and does not require any extra payment. In cases where active treatment is not possible, the patient may be offered palliative care to help effectively manage their pain.

Best hospitals to treat Liver Cancer in Germany

The German clinic network is intricate and divided into various types: university, public, city, and private clinics. Each has unique features. 

The most famous hospitals for liver cancer in Germany:

Each clinic takes an individualized and interdisciplinary approach to patient care, following strict protocols to ensure accurate medical appointments and effective online consultations. It makes post-therapy monitoring more accessible and convenient. Patients can easily send their test results, and their attending physician will draw a conclusion based on the analysis. 

If you want a free consultation, learn about prices, or find doctors in Germany, please provide your details. Our AiroMedical experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

References

  1. Volvak N. Radioembolization for liver cancer treatment. AiroMedical. Updated January 14, 2023. https://airomedical.com/blogs/treatment-guides/radioembolization-for-liver-cancer-treatment
  2. Scientists reveal a potential new approach to treating liver cancer. National center for advancing translational sciences. Published March 13, 2023. https://ncats.nih.gov/news/releases/2023/scientists-reveal-a-potential-new-approach-to-treating-liver-cancer
  3. Volvak N. Liver cancer guide. AiroMedical. Updated March 15, 2023. https://airomedical.com/blogs/disease-guides/liver-cancer-guide
  4. Volvak N. Treatment in Germany (advantages and benefits). Updated December 05, 2022. https://airomedical.com/blogs/articles/treatment-in-germany-advantages-and-benefits

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