Systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Medical Gastroenterology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer, ranking as the 5th most common disease globally and the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
• Its incidence is rising, influenced by environmental factors, diet, lifestyle, and particularly hepatitis C virus infection and alcohol consumption in certain regions.
• While early-stage HCC is treatable with surgery or ablation, advanced stages require systemic therapies to prolong survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current systemic treatment options for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• To outline first-line and second-line systemic therapies for HCC management.
• To discuss the role of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in advanced HCC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on systemic treatments for HCC.
• Analysis of approved first-line and second-line therapies.
• Evaluation of emerging treatment modalities including immunotherapy.

Main Results:

• Sorafenib is the standard first-line treatment for advanced HCC.
• Regorafenib is a primary option for second-line treatment following sorafenib progression.
• Immunotherapy, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab are also recognized treatment options.

Conclusions:

• Systemic therapies have significantly improved outcomes for advanced HCC patients.
• A sequential treatment approach utilizing targeted therapies and immunotherapy is crucial for managing advanced HCC.
• Ongoing research continues to expand therapeutic strategies for HCC.