Advances in the systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging tumor that is characterized by complex nature, and frequently accompanied by an underlying liver disease. In general, traditional systemic chemotherapy plays only a marginal role with no survival benefit in the treatment of advanced HCC. With the increasing understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the disease, various targets have been identified, and targeted agents have been investigated in many clinical trials. To date, a multitargeted kinase inhibitor sorafenib is the first and only agent that improves the survival of patients with advanced HCC based on the randomized phase III trials. However, the overall prognosis is still poor, despite sorafenib treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the treatment of advanced HCC.