Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
Author Spotlight: Investigating Liver Cancer Pathogenesis Using Patient-Derived Organoids
Published on: August 18, 2023
Molecularly targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
1Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan. shinji.msrg@tmd.ac.jp
Abstract:
Accumulated understanding of the molecular pathways regulating cancer progression has led to the development of novel targeted therapies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a highly lethal disease that is resistant to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, molecular-targeted agents offer the potential advantages of a relatively high therapeutic window and use in combination with other anticancer strategies without overlapping toxicity. It is hoped that these drugs will become valuable therapeutic tools within the multimodal approach to treating cancer. A recent clinical trial revealed an oral multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib, as the first agent that has demonstrated improved overall survival in patients with advanced HCC. The present review summarizes molecular abnormalities of HCC with a focus on clinical studies, and current status as well as problems of the targeted strategies for HCC.
Insights
Targeted therapies offer new hope for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a lethal cancer resistant to traditional treatments. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is the first drug to show improved survival in HCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer resistant to conventional therapies.
- Understanding molecular pathways driving cancer progression enables targeted therapy development.
- Targeted agents offer potential for a higher therapeutic window and combination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular abnormalities in HCC.
- To summarize clinical studies on targeted therapies for HCC.
- To discuss the current status and challenges of targeted strategies in HCC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular abnormalities in HCC.
- Analysis of clinical studies on targeted therapies.
- Evaluation of current targeted strategies and their limitations.
Main Results:
- Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, is the first agent demonstrating improved overall survival in advanced HCC.
- Targeted therapies show promise as valuable tools in multimodal cancer treatment.
- Molecular-targeted agents may offer advantages over conventional chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in HCC treatment.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and optimize targeted strategies for HCC.
- Sorafenib offers a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced HCC.
More Related Videos
04:09Predicting Treatment Response to Image-Guided Therapies Using Machine Learning: An Example for Trans-Arterial Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: October 10, 2018
05:06A "Patient-Like" Orthotopic Syngeneic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis
Published on: October 24, 2015
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:00Molecular Models
00:59Gene Therapy
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
03:51Molecular Orbital Theory II
02:35Molecular Orbital Theory I