| Theme | Treatment Strategy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Development of New Molecularly Targeted Agents for Hepatocellular Carcinoma | |
| Publish Date | 2015/07 | |
| Author | Hiroyuki Okuyama | Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author | Masafumi Ikeda | Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author | Izumi Ohno | Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author | Satoshi Shimizu | Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author | Shuichi Mitsunaga | Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author | Takuji Okusaka | Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | After introduction of sorafenib as standard therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the results of two phase III studies, numerous clinical trials of newer agents as first‒line and second‒line treatment were conducted. However, none of these agents has been able to demonstrate any significant survival benefit in randomized placebo‒controlled trials. Currently, many clinical trials of new molecularly targeted agents are ongoing to elucidate the survival benefit of these agents. For example, a phase Ⅲ trial is under‒way to compare the efficacy/safety of lenvatinib with that of sorafenib as first‒line chemotherapy. In the second‒line setting, phase III trials of tivantinib, regorafenib, and cabozantinib versus placebo are ongoing. In addition, some phase III trials of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with sorafenib compared to adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation are also ongoing. Therefore, a number of clinical trials are currently under‒way, and the emergence of useful new agents is expected in the near future. | |