Targeted therapy for liver cancer: updated review in 2012

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Sorafenib, approved in 2007, was the first molecular targeted agent for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• It remains the only targeted agent with demonstrated survival benefits in two global phase III trials, achieving worldwide approval.
• Numerous clinical trials are evaluating new targeted agents and combination therapies for HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical utility of sorafenib in the HCC treatment algorithm.
• To summarize the current status of clinical trials for new agents and combination therapies involving sorafenib.
• To discuss the future prospects and potential paradigm shifts in HCC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of published data on sorafenib in HCC treatment.
• Analysis of ongoing phase III clinical trials for first-line and second-line HCC therapies.
• Examination of studies combining sorafenib with standard HCC treatments.

Main Results:

• Sorafenib is a well-established first-line treatment for unresectable HCC.
• Several new targeted agents are in clinical trials for both first-line and second-line settings.
• Combination therapies involving sorafenib and standard treatments are under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Sorafenib has significantly impacted unresectable HCC management.
• Ongoing research into novel targeted agents and combination therapies holds promise for advancing HCC treatment.
• Future treatment strategies may involve personalized approaches and novel therapeutic combinations.