Liver Diseases Treatment

Chronic viral liver diseases, particularly those caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, are a common cause of complications, including liver cancer in Israel and globally. Over the past three decades, the incidence of primary liver cancer has doubled. Fatty liver disease and its complications are now the most widespread hepatological condition in Western countries.

Along with rising morbidity rates, liver oncology treatment in Israel is rapidly evolving, incorporating revolutionary therapies and technologies. Below is an overview of major recent developments in this field.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Advances in molecular biology have led to the development of targeted drugs that inhibit the NS3 protease — a key protein involved in HCV replication. These protease inhibitors are highly effective, but only for genotype 1 of the virus. The standard course of treatment lasts about one year.

Predicting Treatment Success

A genetic marker, the IL28B gene mutation, has been identified as a predictor of treatment response. Three possible alleles — CT, CC, and TT — determine the likelihood of therapy success. Patients with the CC allele have a significantly better response to antiviral therapy compared to TT carriers. Hepatologists now consider this genetic test when preparing treatment plans. Currently, these me

Recent progress in chronic liver disease treatment has been achieved through nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that suppress HBV replication. Unlike hepatitis C, which can be eradicated, HBV cannot be fully eliminated — treatment focuses on long-term viral suppression.

Until the mid-2000s, only a few effective drugs were available, and resistance was a major issue. Today, new-generation antiviral therapies offer better control of the virus with reduced resistance risk.

Hepatitis E was once considered rare and largely endemic to regions like the Indian subcontinent. However, cases are increasingly reported in individuals who have never traveled to endemic areas. Approximately 10% of infected patients have no travel history at all.

Chronic hepatitis E has been observed in immunocompromised individuals — challenging the former assumption that the virus cannot cause chronic infection.

In Israel, several cases of HEV hagve been documented, mostly in returning travelers, but also in patients who had not traveled abroad.

The infection typically causes severe liver inflammation, jaundice, and fatigue. Pregnant women face a particularly high risk of fatal complications affecting both mother and fetus.

HCC is the fifth most common cancer globally and ranks third in overall cancer-related mortality. Among liver-related cancers, it is the leading cause of death. The incidence of liver cancer in Israel and other Western countries has doubled since the 1970s.

HCC most often develops in patients with chronic hepatitis, especially of viral origin. However, non-viral factors such as exposure to toxins, environmental pollutants, and genetic predispositions can also contribute.

Until recently, liver oncology in Israel and elsewhere had limited options, as HCC was considered resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. Today, new targeted therapies have emerged, showing significant effectiveness in controlling the disease. This marks a major breakthrough in liver oncology treatment in Israel and the global fight against advanced liver cancer.

If you’re looking to treat liver cancer without queues or delays, Israel’s leading medical centers — including Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) — offer advanced diagnostics and treatment plans. Patients can:

• Contact the hospital’s international department at medtour@tlvmc.gov.il

• Submit a request filling the form on this page

Within 24–48 hours, you will receive an expert review of your case and a preliminary cost estimate. This efficient process helps international patients treat liver cancer without waiting, access personalized treatment quickly, and avoid unnecessary delays.