Cabozantinib for HCC Treatment, From Clinical Back to Experimental Models

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer mortality globally.
• Late diagnosis often limits curative options, necessitating systemic therapies for advanced or inoperable cases.
• Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, offers limited benefits for advanced HCC, driving the search for more effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review approved systemic therapies for advanced HCC.
• To focus on the clinical and preclinical efficacy of cabozantinib, a c-MET inhibitor.
• To explore cabozantinib-based combination therapies, challenges, and future directions for HCC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of approved drugs for advanced HCC.
• Analysis of clinical and preclinical data for cabozantinib efficacy.
• Examination of preclinical data on cabozantinib combination therapies.

Main Results:

• Cabozantinib shows promise as a c-MET inhibitor for HCC, with c-MET activation in up to 40% of patients.
• Cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab is in Phase 3 trials for HCC.
• Preclinical data on cabozantinib combinations are being investigated.

Conclusions:

• New therapeutic strategies, including c-MET inhibitors like cabozantinib, are crucial for improving outcomes in advanced HCC.
• Cabozantinib-based therapies, particularly in combination regimens, represent a promising avenue for future HCC treatment.
• Further research is needed to overcome obstacles and optimize cabozantinib therapy for HCC patients.