How liver cancer is treated in Korea

Outcomes, confirmed by national statistics

For people diagnosed with liver cancer in Korea between 2019 and 2023, the 5-year relative survival rate is 40.4%. This comes from the national cancer registry — it is not one hospital's results. In US SEER data, the 5-year relative survival rate for liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer is 21.9% (diagnosed 2016–2022).

Liver cancer often arises in a liver already affected by cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, so alongside the stage of the cancer, liver function grade (Child-Pugh) and portal pressure shape the treatment. Korea's national screening program provides ultrasound and blood tests every 6 months for people who carry hepatitis B, so a higher share of tumors are found while still small.

For patients coming from abroad, this means that two liver cancers of the same size may call for different treatments depending on liver function. That is why sending liver function test results along with your imaging is central to the review.

The treatment path depends on stage and liver function

When liver function is good and the tumor is confined to one side, liver resection is the first choice. If the location allows a laparoscopic or robotic approach, recovery is faster. When tumors are small and few in number, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can destroy them with heat, and most patients go home a day or two after the procedure.

When resection is difficult but the cancer remains within the liver, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization is used to block the tumor's blood supply, and radiation therapy (stereotactic, proton, or carbon-ion) is considered. If liver function is poor and the criteria are met, a liver transplant can be a definitive treatment, and Korea has extensive experience with living-donor liver transplantation.

When the cancer has spread outside the liver or has invaded blood vessels, systemic treatment combines immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted therapy. Having a single team decide when to move from one treatment to the next is how tertiary hospitals in Korea work.

What international patients actually pay

Based on published hospital prices, liver resection runs roughly USD 20,000–35,000. Radiofrequency ablation and embolization cost less, and liver transplantation is quoted separately. Proton and carbon-ion therapy are not covered by insurance and are confirmed by hospital quotation.

The estimate lists tests, procedures, hospital stay, medication, interpretation, and accommodation as separate line items, and if targeted therapy or immunotherapy follows, it separates the first cycle from the expected cost of later cycles. If you proceed to treatment after a pre-arrival review, the review fee is credited against your medical bill.

What is possible in your case

Is resection feasible? Is local treatment enough? Do you meet transplant criteria? Does particle therapy apply? If systemic treatment is needed, which combination? The written opinion answers in that order.

Send us your CT and MRI imaging, liver function blood tests, tumor markers such as AFP, hepatitis test results, and your diagnosis. Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons, gastroenterologists, and radiation oncologists will review them and give you a written opinion within 5 business days.

Frequently asked questions

Can you review my case without a biopsy?

Liver cancer is often diagnosed from imaging findings, tumor markers, and hepatitis status, so we can review your case without a biopsy. If one is needed, we say so in the written opinion.

Can international patients receive a liver transplant?

A donor must come from within your family, and the case goes through a review process under Korean law. We explain whether it is possible and what documents to prepare at the review stage.

When are carbon-ion and proton therapy used?

They are considered for tumors that are difficult to resect and confined to the liver, particularly when a tumor sits close to blood vessels and surgery would be risky. The written opinion answers with one of three: applicable, needs further review, or not applicable.

How long a stay should I plan for?

About ten days for radiofrequency ablation or embolization, 2–3 weeks for liver resection, and 3–5 weeks for particle therapy. Transplantation requires 6–8 weeks or more.

Do I need to keep taking my hepatitis B medication?

Yes. Antiviral medication continues before and after treatment, and we arrange a prescription in Korea so you can take it home with you.