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Updated: Dec 12, 2025
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Ao Huang1,2,3, Xin-Rong Yang1,2,3, Wen-Yuan Chung4
1Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
The last 3 years have seen the emergence of promising targeted therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib has been the mainstay of treatment for a decade and newer modalities were ineffective and did not confer any increased therapeutic benefit until the introduction of lenvatinib which was approved based on its non-inferiority to sorafenib. The subsequent success of regorafenib in HCC patients who progress on sorafenib treatment heralded a new era of second-line treatment and was quickly followed by ramucirumab, cabozantinib, and the most influential, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Over the same period combination therapies, including anti-angiogenesis agents with ICIs, dual ICIs and targeted agents in conjunction with surgery or other loco-regional therapies, have been extensively investigated and have shown promise and provided the basis for exciting clinical trials. Work continues to develop additional novel therapeutic agents which could potentially augment the presently available options and understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for drug resistance, with the goal of improving the survival of patients with HCC.
Insights
Recent advances in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment include new targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Combination therapies are showing promise, aiming to improve patient survival and overcome drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research
- Oncology therapeutics
- Drug resistance mechanisms
Background:
- Sorafenib was the standard HCC treatment for a decade.
- Newer targeted therapies like lenvatinib and regorafenib have emerged.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a significant advancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in HCC targeted therapies.
- To discuss the efficacy of novel treatment modalities.
- To highlight the potential of combination therapies and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and therapeutic developments in HCC.
- Analysis of targeted agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and combination strategies.
- Exploration of mechanisms underlying drug resistance in HCC.
Main Results:
- Lenvatinib demonstrated non-inferiority to sorafenib, establishing a new standard.
- Regorafenib showed efficacy in second-line treatment for progressive HCC.
- Combination therapies (e.g., anti-angiogenesis with ICIs) show promising results in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- The landscape of HCC treatment has rapidly evolved with new targeted therapies and ICIs.
- Combination approaches and understanding drug resistance are key to improving patient survival.
- Ongoing research aims to develop novel agents and enhance current therapeutic options for HCC.
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