Spotlight on Bortezomib: potential in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
I-Tao Huang1,2, Bijay Dhungel1,2, Ritu Shrestha1,2
1a School of Clinical Medicine , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Introduction:
This study reviews the evidence for the use of Bortezomib (BZB), a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor in advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review aims to delineate the role of BZB within the management of non-surgical and metastatic HCC, either as an alternative or as an adjunct to the current treatment paradigm.
Areas Covered:
In addition to BZB pharmacology and mechanism of action, safety and tolerance profiles of the drug obtained from clinical trials are explored. The utility of BZB as a therapeutic agent either alone or in combination with other therapies against HCC, including its application in both preclinical and clinical settings has been reviewed. In particular, we highlight the importance of preclinical evaluation of BZB as a combinatorial agent in synergism with other therapies for the use in the management of HCC.
Expert Opinion:
There has been much interest surrounding the use of BZB, a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor for HCC therapy. The discernment of outcomes of BZB clinical trials for HCC need to take into consideration the disease-specific factors that can affect survival outcomes including patient selection and aetiological differences. Further preclinical testing of BZB in combination with other therapeutic modalities can be important for eliciting enhanced anti-HCC effects.
Related Concept Videos
Potential Energy
Chemical bonds that form attractive forces between atoms also contain potential energy, called chemical energy. When a chemical reaction...
Potential Energy
Standard Electrode Potentials
Cell Potential and Free Energy
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics dealing with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. In an electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Thus, a link can be predicted between cell potential, free energy change, and the equilibrium constant for the reaction. Cell potential can also be measured as the oxidant or the reducing strength, and similar acid-base strength measures are reflected in equilibrium...
The Resting Membrane Potential
Electric Potential and Potential Difference
When a test charge moves from the initial to the final position, the electric potential difference between those positions is defined as the ratio of the change in the potential energy to the charge on the...


