Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Therapeutic Algorithm for Localized and Advanced Disease.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant primary liver cancer, often arising in patients with liver cirrhosis.
• Advances in understanding molecular mechanisms and patient staging have driven therapeutic innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in HCC therapy.
• To highlight the impact of molecular insights and novel treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on HCC molecular drivers and therapeutic strategies.
• Analysis of emerging treatments including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination regimens.

Main Results:

• Targeted therapies, informed by molecular drivers, offer significant benefits.
• Immune evasion strategies are being addressed by immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T/TCR-T therapies.
• Combination of immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy is effective in first-line treatment for advanced HCC.

Conclusions:

• The therapeutic landscape for HCC has significantly evolved with new targeted and immune-based treatments.
• Ongoing research is exploring novel single-agent and combination therapies for advanced HCC.