The teenager was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a rare form of liver cancer in children. From 11/2025 to 6/2026, he underwent 10 rounds of chemotherapy with the hope of shrinking the tumor for surgical removal. However, after the treatment, the tumor remained unresectable. In late 6, he was transferred to the Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic and Liver Transplantation at Nhi Dong 2 Hospital for liver transplant evaluation.

Doctor Nguyen Hong Van Khanh, Deputy Head of the Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic and Liver Transplantation, stated that the hospital consulted with Professor Raymond Reding from Belgium, a leading expert in pediatric liver transplantation. After a comprehensive assessment, Doctor Tran Thanh Tri, Head of the Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic and Liver Transplantation and head of the transplant team, decided on an early transplant and urgently prepared both the donor and recipient. Doctors observed that the tumor had not invaded the liver surface, had not metastasized to lymph nodes, and had not infiltrated major blood vessels or adjacent organs, while liver function remained good. These were favorable conditions for proceeding with the liver transplant.

On 22/7, the child underwent a liver transplant from a living donor, his biological mother. This marked the first liver transplant to treat a child with hepatocellular carcinoma in the southern region. Previously, pediatric liver transplants at the hospital were primarily performed for children with end-stage liver disease such as cirrhosis, congenital biliary atresia, or metabolic disorders.

Currently, the teenager is recovering well, is conscious, eating well, and almost back to normal activities. The transplanted liver is functioning stably, liver function has recovered well, and no signs of rejection have been recorded. The mother, who donated part of her liver, has also recovered and been discharged.

Professor Raymond Reding - a leading expert from Belgium, Doctor Tran Thanh Tri, head of the Nhi Dong 2 Hospital liver transplant team, and medical staff performing the liver transplant for the child. Photo: Hospital provided

According to Doctor Tri, when a tumor is no longer resectable, a liver transplant is the only definitive treatment. It completely removes the tumor along with the diseased liver, offering the child a long-term chance of survival.

The post-transplant prognosis is quite positive if performed at the right time. However, many children with liver cancer still cannot access this method. Barriers such as treatment costs, organ donation sources, referral processes, and access to specialized liver transplant centers mean that many children miss out on optimal treatment opportunities. This teenager received support from philanthropists who covered most of the transplant and treatment costs.

Associate Professor Doctor Pham Ngoc Thach, Deputy Director of Nhi Dong 2 Hospital, stated that the successful transplant provides a chance at life for the child. It also affirms the capability of the leading pediatric liver transplant center in the southern region. This success offers additional hope for many children with end-stage liver disease or malignant liver conditions requiring transplantation in the future.

Le Phuong