Correlation of radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors globally and is the most prevalent type of primary liver cancer, posing a heavy burden on global health. Surgical resection and liver transplantation are the gold standard for the radical treatment of HCC. However, due to the heterogeneity and high invasiveness of HCC, the rates of local and distant recurrence are extremely high, with over 70% of patients experiencing recurrence within 5 years after treatment, significantly impacting the long-term quality of life. Therefore, researchers are exploring other treatment methods to reduce tumor recurrence and improve patient survival. To date, extensive research has concentrated on new alternative therapies, including radiotherapy (e.g., selective internal radiotherapy), targeted drug therapy (e.g., sorafenib and lenvatinib), and immunotherapy (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors), which have played an integral role in the comprehensive treatment of HCC. This review mainly focuses on the cutting-edge advancements in these treatment methods for HCC and their potential role in reducing HCC recurrence.