Why Choose Us for Liver Transplant in Cancer Care
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, your care is our priority. We are proud to partner with University of Utah Health’s nationally top-ranked transplant program to make transplant an integral part of your comprehensive liver cancer care. We provide seamless coordination, access to leading therapies, and support for your whole well-being, so you and your family feel confident and cared for throughout your journey.
“Huntsman Cancer Institute is a really unique, spectacular place. It's a place where patients have ease of access to world-class care."
Marshall Baker, MD, MBA
Surgical Director of Liver Oncology Research
Our Expertise
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West, we bring together advanced technology, rigorous research (including clinical trials), and multidisciplinary expertise. Huntsman Cancer Institute leads in transplant oncology research, helping to set standards of care nationally. We engage in clinical trials specific to transplant-eligible liver cancer patients.
Your Dedicated Care Team
You’ll have a multidisciplinary team coordinating your care:
- Liver transplant surgeons
- Hepatologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation specialists
- Diagnostic experts, including radiologists and pathologists
- Supportive care, including nurses, PAs, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists.
“The most rewarding aspect of my job is feeling as though I have an impact on patients before, during, and after treatment and knowing I get to be a part of this very unique clinic."
Taylor Peay, CMA
Liver Tumor Clinic Coordinator
Hepatobiliary Multidisciplinary Program
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Liver Transplant Doctor
When a Liver Transplant May Be Recommended
We may recommend transplant when less invasive treatments are unlikely to succeed or preserve liver function. These are some reasons why your care team may recommend a transplant:
- Tumors that do not respond adequately to chemotherapy, ablation, embolization, or radiation.
- Tumor size or location where resection would compromise liver function or not be feasible.
- Recurrent liver cancer or very high risk of recurrence.
- Cases where another liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, genetic liver disorders) severely impairs function.
What to Expect: Transplant Process
- 1. Evaluation
- 2. Surgery & Waitlist
- 3. After Transplant
1. Evaluation
Before a transplant, your team will evaluate multiple factors:
- Overall health/comorbidities
- Tumor features (size, location, biology)
- Whether surgery and recovery are safe and feasible
- Potential donor availability and matching
2. Surgery & Waitlist
- If approved, you will be placed on the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) waitlist.
- Wait times depend on illness severity, blood type, organ availability, and body size.
3. After Transplant
- Post-surgery, you’ll be in the hospital (often ICU initially), then move to inpatient care, then outpatient follow-up.
- Lifelong monitoring and medications to prevent rejection, manage infections, and preserve liver health.
- Education and support from the transplant team, nurses, pharmacists, and coordinators.
Make an Appointment with a Liver Transplant Specialist
To make an appointment with a liver transplant specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Liver Transplant Research
Our expert research teams are working to improve treatment for liver cancer, especially in advanced cases. Through clinical trials, we engage in research for transplant-eligible liver cancer patients, helping to set standards of care nationally and improve long-term quality of life.
By participating in a clinical trial, you play an active role in advancing care and helping others facing the same diagnosis.
Interested in learning more? Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.
Clinical Trials
Transplant & Liver Cancer Basics
A transplant involves removing the diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy donated liver. It can be from a deceased or living donor.
When a person is diagnosed with cancer, concerns about treatments and side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. Huntsman Cancer Institute offers many ways to support patients, caregivers, and loved ones.
Liver transplant is one of several options to treat cancer of the liver. These patients may benefit from liver cancer transplant surgery:
- Patients with primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) who meet criteria.
- Patients with advanced disease or tumor features making surgery alone inadequate.
Need help navigating your care? The Cancer Learning Center is here to support you with personalized guidance, resources, and answers to your questions.
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