Conversion therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Advances and challenges

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Gastrointestinal Oncology

Background:

• Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant challenges in surgical oncology.
• Unresectable HCC requires complex treatment strategies, including conversion therapy.
• Multidisciplinary management is crucial for optimizing conversion therapy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the successful application of conversion therapy for advanced HCC.
• To highlight the role of multidisciplinary approaches in achieving surgical resection for unresectable HCC.
• To explore the advances and remaining challenges in conversion therapy for HCC.

Main Methods:

• Case report of successful conversion hepatectomy for advanced giant HCC.
• Review of existing literature on conversion therapy for unresectable HCC.
• Emphasis on a multidisciplinary team model for treatment planning.

Main Results:

• Complete surgical resection was achieved after multidisciplinary conversion therapy in a case of advanced giant HCC.
• Demonstrated the feasibility and potential benefits of conversion therapy in selected HCC patients.
• Illustrated the importance of personalized treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

• Conversion therapy, integrated within a multidisciplinary framework, can lead to successful surgical outcomes in advanced HCC.
• Further research is needed to address existing challenges and optimize conversion therapy protocols.
• Personalized treatment dynamics are key to improving outcomes for patients with unresectable HCC.