Advances in novel systemic therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Medical Oncology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer.
• Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, leading to high post-surgery recurrence rates.
• Limited systemic treatment options existed for advanced HCC, with sorafenib being the sole approved agent for over a decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of recent therapeutic advances in systemic HCC treatment.
• To highlight promising strategies, particularly novel molecular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
• To focus on significant ongoing clinical trials in advanced HCC management.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature and clinical trial data.
• Analysis of emerging systemic therapies for advanced HCC.
• Focus on molecular targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Main Results:

• Recent years have seen a revolution in advanced HCC treatment.
• Molecular targeted therapies and ICIs have emerged as significant advancements.
• Combination strategies, such as ICIs with antiangiogenic drugs or other ICIs, are highly promising.

Conclusions:

• Systemic treatment for advanced HCC has significantly evolved.
• Novel therapeutic combinations represent a paradigm shift in managing advanced liver cancer.
• Ongoing clinical trials are crucial for further refining treatment strategies.