Systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
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Updated: Oct 1, 2026
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
1Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is indicated in locally advanced or metastatic disease. Monochemotherapies have yielded unsatisfactory results with response rates of around 20% but survival is often not improved. Polychemotherapies may induce complete responses but have substantial toxicity and are limited to selected patients with preserved liver function. Hormonal treatment with tamoxifen is ineffective while megestrol has shown an improvement in quality of life. Octreotide can be given even in cases of impaired liver function, has also a favorable side effect profile and can lead to disease stabilization. Adjuvant therapy with interferon is indicated after successful liver resection or transplantation in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, the role of interferon in other indications or in combination with chemotherapy remains to be determined.
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