Potential of ramucirumab in treating hepatocellular carcinoma patients with elevated baseline alpha-fetoprotein

J Hepatocell Carcinoma. 2018 Nov 2:5:91-98. doi: 10.2147/JHC.S157413. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents ~90% of primary liver cancers and constitutes a major global health problem. Since a decade ago, the management of advanced disease that cannot be locally treated has mainly been based on multi-targeted antiangiogenic therapies. Some have demonstrated improvement in overall survival over best supportive care in first- and second-line treatment. This study focused on the efficacy of antiangiogenics in patients with advanced HCC and particularly the rising role of ramucirumab in patients with elevated alpha-fetoprotein at diagnosis.

Keywords: antiangiogenic drugs; hepatocellular carcinoma; ramucirumab.

Publication types

  • Review