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Systemic Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Hope on the Horizon
Published: Aug 08, 2024
For patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), systemic therapies offer a way to fight cancer cells throughout the body. Recent advancements have brought new hope to those with this challenging disease.
Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies are drugs that interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth. For HCC, drugs like sorafenib, lenvatinib, and regorafenib target proteins that help tumors form blood vessels and grow. These medications can slow tumor growth and improve survival in some patients. They're typically taken as pills and can be used when the cancer has spread beyond the liver.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab and pembrolizumab have shown promise in HCC. A combination of atezolizumab (immunotherapy) and bevacizumab (targeted therapy) has become a standard first-line treatment for many patients with advanced HCC. These treatments can sometimes lead to long-lasting responses.
Choosing and Sequencing Treatments
The choice of systemic therapy depends on several factors, including the extent of the disease, liver function, and previous treatments. Often, patients may receive multiple lines of therapy as the disease progresses. Your healthcare team will consider the latest evidence and your individual situation to recommend the best treatment sequence.
Managing Side Effects
While systemic therapies can be effective, they can also cause side effects. Common issues include fatigue, skin problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Immunotherapy can sometimes cause immune-related side effects. It's crucial to communicate any new symptoms to your healthcare team promptly. Many side effects can be managed effectively if caught early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often indefinitely, as long as they're effective and tolerable.
Sometimes, but this should be carefully coordinated by your team.
They typically control rather than cure advanced HCC.
Regular scans and blood tests will monitor your response.
Many patients consider trials for access to new treatments.
A Rapidly Evolving Field
Systemic therapies for HCC are advancing rapidly, offering new options and hope for patients with advanced disease.
References
- Llovet JM, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:6.
- Finn RS, et al. Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. N Engl J Med 2020; 382:1894-1905.
- Kudo M, et al. Lenvatinib versus sorafenib in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomised phase 3 non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2018; 391:1163-1173.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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