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A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
The present and the future landscape of treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Lorenza Rimassa1, Armando Santoro
1Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal disease that is resistant to conventional cytotoxic drugs. Historically, effective systemic treatment options have not been available for patients with unresectable advanced disease. However, an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate tumor initiation and progression over the past few years has led to the development of novel molecularly-targeted therapies that specifically block the different cellular signaling pathways involved. Recently, the antiangiogenesis and Raf kinase inhibitor, sorafenib showed a survival advantage in advanced stage HCC in two randomized, double-blind, controlled trials. These positive results were the first to demonstrate the efficacy of molecularly-targeted therapies in advanced HCC. Moreover, results from phase I and II trials evaluating other agents in this disease are promising and are under active clinical development. In the near future, we expect to have more data, knowledge, and evidence regarding the use of molecularly-targeted therapies in advanced HCC, both as single agents and in combination regimens. In this review, we will summarize the data concerning the present standard treatment for advanced HCC and discuss the newest, most promising clinical research that may affect the future treatment of this disease.
Insights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment has advanced with molecularly-targeted therapies like sorafenib, offering a survival advantage for advanced disease. Future research promises more targeted options for this lethal cancer.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research
- Molecularly-targeted therapies
- Cancer signaling pathways
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with limited treatment options for advanced stages.
- Conventional chemotherapy is often ineffective against HCC.
- Recent advances in understanding HCC molecular mechanisms have led to targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatments for advanced HCC.
- To discuss emerging molecularly-targeted therapies for HCC.
- To highlight promising clinical research in HCC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized controlled trials for advanced HCC.
- Analysis of Phase I and II trial data for novel HCC agents.
- Summary of current standard treatments and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Sorafenib, an antiangiogenesis and Raf kinase inhibitor, demonstrated a survival advantage in advanced HCC.
- This marks the first demonstration of molecularly-targeted therapy efficacy in advanced HCC.
- Early trials of other targeted agents show promising results for HCC.
Conclusions:
- Molecularly-targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in treating advanced HCC.
- Further clinical development and data are expected for targeted agents, both as single therapies and combinations.
- The future of advanced HCC treatment will likely involve these novel molecularly-targeted approaches.
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