Embolic and Ablative Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary oncology
• Interventional radiology
• Medical oncology

Background:

• Locoregional therapies (LRTs) are standard treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Common LRTs include microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, and 90Y transarterial radioembolization.
• While effective, LRTs are associated with a high rate of posttreatment recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of embolic and ablative LRTs in HCC management.
• To discuss factors influencing the choice of LRT.
• To explore the potential of systemic therapy in combination with LRTs.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on LRTs for HCC.
• Analysis of factors influencing treatment selection, including disease burden and liver function.
• Examination of emerging data on combined systemic and LRT approaches.

Main Results:

• LRTs are effective for curative, bridging, or downstaging HCC.
• Treatment selection depends on disease extent and liver function.
• Concomitant or adjuvant systemic therapy shows promise for improving HCC control.

Conclusions:

• LRTs remain crucial in HCC treatment algorithms.
• Personalized selection of LRTs is essential.
• Integrating systemic therapies with LRTs offers a promising strategy to enhance outcomes for HCC patients.