Current and novel approaches in the pharmacological treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

• Published in: World journal of gastroenterology : WJG Vol. 29; no. 17; pp. 2571 - 2599
• Main Authors: Villarruel-Melquiades, Fernanda, Mendoza-Garrido, María Eugenia, García-Cuellar, Claudia M, Sánchez-Pérez, Yesennia, Pérez-Carreón, Julio Isael, Camacho, Javier
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Baishideng Publishing Group Inc 07.05.2023
• Subjects: Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - pathology; Humans; Immunotherapy; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Review; Sorafenib - therapeutic use; Systemic therapy; Drug repurposing; Liver cancer; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Drug combinations; Immunotherapy
• ISSN: 1007-9327; 2219-2840
• DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i17.2571

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumours worldwide. The mortality-to-incidence ratio is up to 91.6% in many countries, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Systemic drugs, including the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and lenvatinib, are first-line drugs used in HCC treatment. Unfortunately, these therapies are ineffective in most cases due to late diagnosis and the development of tumour resistance. Thus, novel pharmacological alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided new approaches targeting cells of the immune system. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death-1 have shown benefits in HCC patients. In addition, drug combinations, including first-line treatment and immunotherapy, as well as drug repurposing, are promising novel therapeutic alternatives. Here, we review the current and novel pharmacological approaches to fight HCC. Preclinical studies, as well as approved and ongoing clinical trials for liver cancer treatment, are discussed. The pharmacological opportunities analysed here should lead to significant improvement in HCC therapy.