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Tumor-based biomarkers and circulating tumor DNA for precision medicine in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

  • 0Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006 Paris, France.
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology +

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August 20, 2025

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August 20, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Biomarkers are crucial for predicting treatment response in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review examines current biomarkers and future directions for improving systemic therapy effectiveness in liver cancer.

Area Of Science

  • Hepatology
  • Oncology
  • Translational Research

Background

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
  • Systemic therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved advanced HCC management.
  • Significant variability in treatment response necessitates robust predictive biomarkers.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To review the current landscape of biomarkers for systemic treatment response in HCC.
  • To highlight molecular, immune-based, and circulating tumor DNA markers.
  • To identify potential areas for biomarker research and clinical trial improvement.

Main Methods

  • Literature review of current systemic therapies for advanced HCC.
  • Analysis of existing biomarkers for predicting treatment response.
  • Exploration of ongoing research in molecular and immune-based markers.
  • Discussion of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a potential biomarker.

Main Results

  • Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab are effective treatments for advanced HCC.
  • Treatment response is highly variable among patients.
  • Current biomarkers for predicting response are insufficient.
  • Most genetic alterations in HCC are currently undruggable, limiting targeted therapy development.

Conclusions

  • Robust biomarkers are essential for optimizing systemic therapy in advanced HCC.
  • Further research is needed to identify and validate new biomarkers.
  • Increased histological material in clinical trials is vital for translational research.
  • Future efforts should focus on developing targeted therapies and improving biomarker discovery.

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