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Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Updates and Outlook

Yinjie Fan1,2, Hang Xue2, Huachuan Zheng2

  • 1College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110847, People's Republic of China.

Journal of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
|April 7, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment has seen major advances with targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination treatments improving patient survival. This review covers current systemic therapies for HCC, including traditional Chinese medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Oncology
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
  • Significant advancements in systemic therapy have improved outcomes for advanced HCC (aHCC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent updates in systemic therapy for HCC based on biological mechanisms.
  • To highlight approved agents, combination therapies, and adjuvant/neoadjuvant strategies for aHCC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent clinical trials and therapeutic advancements in HCC.
  • Analysis of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination regimens.
  • Exploration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in HCC systemic therapy.

Main Results:

  • Targeted agents (sorafenib, lenvatinib, etc.) and immunotherapies (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) are established treatments for aHCC.
  • Combination therapies (atezolizumab/bevacizumab, ipilimumab/nivolumab) show promise in first- and second-line settings.
  • Adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and combined locoregional therapies (LRTs) are discussed, alongside TCM's potential.

Conclusions:

  • Systemic therapy for HCC has evolved significantly, offering improved survival for patients with advanced disease.
  • Combination strategies and novel agents represent the future of HCC treatment.
  • Further research into TCM and integrated approaches is warranted.
Keywords:
adjuvant therapyhepatocellular carcinomaimmunotherapylocoregional therapiesneoadjuvant therapytargeted therapytraditional Chinese medicine

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