Sorafenib, a systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
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Updated: Jul 6, 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
Nahum Méndez-Sánchez1, Francisco Vásquez-Fernández, Daniel Zamora-Valdés
1Liver Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico. nmendez@medicasur.org.mx
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a lethal disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach and management. Surgical therapy offers long-term survival; however, few patients are candidates. There has been no accepted systemic therapy for this disease until recently. This article briefly discusses the role of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of the disease and the promising role of sorafenib for advanced disease.
Insights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management is complex. The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway is key in HCC, and sorafenib shows promise for advanced cases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research
- Molecular signaling pathways in oncology
- Pharmacological treatments for liver cancer
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Surgical resection offers the best survival but is only feasible for a small subset of patients.
- Effective systemic therapies for advanced HCC have been lacking until recently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in HCC pathogenesis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of sorafenib in advanced HCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway.
- Analysis of clinical data regarding sorafenib efficacy in advanced HCC.
Main Results:
- The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is implicated in the development and progression of HCC.
- Sorafenib demonstrates promising results as a systemic therapy for advanced HCC.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway represents a viable strategy for HCC treatment.
- Sorafenib offers a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
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