Frequently Asked Questions   /   Types of Cancer   /   Pediatric Cancers   /   Liver Cancer

Stage 4 Hepatoblastoma

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Anna Meadows, MD
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts,"
My son was diagnosed with stage 4 hepatoblastoma. I would like to know more information about hepatoblastoma, chances of survival after a series of chemotherapy, also the chances of recurrence.  
Thank you.

Anna Meadows, MD, pediatric oncologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Director of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania's Survivorship Research Program, responds:

This is a difficult situation that requires individualized treatment and close monitoring by your treating oncologist. If there is a response to chemotherapy, such that the primary (liver) tumor can be completely removed, and the metastases go away, then there is a chance for a long remission and even cure. However, if the chemotherapy (or radiation) does not make it possible to remove all the cancer in the liver, then the disease will unfortunately prove fatal.

Your oncologist will be able to tell you more, based on your son's particular case.