Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Clin Liver Dis. 2025 Feb;29(1):105-124. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.08.010. Epub 2024 Oct 28.

Abstract

Systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma has evolved from sorafenib to now include immune checkpoint blockade, either atezolizumab/bevacizumab or durvalumab/tremelimumab, and soon to include camrelizumab/rivoceranib and nivolumab/ipilimumab. Second-line therapy remains predominantly either a multikinase inhibitor or ramucirumab. Areas of development include testing immune checkpoint-based regimens in the adjuvant setting after surgery, ablation, or transarterial embolization. Also of interest are studies for patients with Child-Pugh B liver function and adding new checkpoint molecules to the current standard platforms.

Keywords: Atezolizumab; Bevacizumab; Cabozantinib; Durvalumab; Ipilimumab; Lenvatinib; Nivolumab; Tremelimumab.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized