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Cerreto M, Cardone F, Cerrito L, Stella L, Santopaolo F, Pallozzi M, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. The New Era of Systemic Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From the First Line to the Optimal Sequence. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8774-8792. [PMID: 37887533 PMCID: PMC10605429 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most common primary liver cancer and is considered a major global health problem as one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the world. Due to the increase in life expectancy and the epidemiological growth of specific risk factors, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the incidence of HCC is growing globally, and mortality rates are still high. Moreover, patients frequently present at an intermediate or advanced tumor stage, when curative treatments, such as surgical resection, liver transplantation or ablation are no longer applicable. In these cases, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE), and systemic therapy are the only suitable options to achieve disease control. The multi-kinase inhibitor Sorafenib has been the only systemic treatment available for unresectable advanced HCC for almost a decade, but in the last couple of years new therapeutic options have emerged. Recent advances in understanding the interactions between the tumor and its microenvironment, especially cancer immune escape, led to the advent of immunotherapy. Currently, first-line systemic treatment for HCC is represented by the combination of the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, but many other ICIs have been investigated, such as Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Durvalumab and Ipilimumab. However, the problem of second- and third-line therapies, and the correct sequence of treatments remains open and is not addressed in most studies. This explains the urge to find new systemic treatments that can improve the survival and quality of life in patients that can go beyond the first line of treatment. The aim of this paper is to offer a complete overview of the most recent innovations in systemic treatments for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic HCC, including emerging therapies, with a particular focus on treatment sequences. Moreover, we will provide an outlook on possible future approaches to patients who progress beyond first-line therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cerreto
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Ferdinando Cardone
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Leonardo Stella
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Systemic treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1407-1424. [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i10.1407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most commonly found in the context of liver cirrhosis and, in rare cases, in a healthy liver. Its prevalence has risen in recent years, particularly in Western nations, due to the increasing frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced HCC has a poor prognosis. For many years, the only proven therapy for unresectable HCC (uHCC) was sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Recently, the synergistic effect of an immune checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab outperformed sorafenib alone in terms of survival, making it the recommended first-line therapy. Other multikinase inhibitors, lenvatinib and regorafenib, were also recommended as first and second-line drugs, respectively. Intermediate-stage HCC patients with retained liver function, particularly uHCC without extrahepatic metastasis, may benefit from trans-arterial chemoembolization. The current problem in uHCC is selecting a patient for the best treatment while considering the preexisting liver condition and liver function. Indeed, all study patients had a Child-Pugh class A, and the best therapy for other individuals is unknown. Additionally, in the absence of a medical contraindication, atezolizumab could be combined with bevacizumab for uHCC systemic therapy. Several studies are now underway to evaluate immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with anti-angiogenic drugs, and the first findings are encouraging. The paradigm of uHCC therapy is changing dramatically, and many obstacles remain for optimum patient management in the near future. The purpose of this commentary review was to give an insight into current systemic treatment options for patients with uHCC who are not candidates for surgery to cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - PathompThep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Systemic treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1551-1568. [PMID: 36970588 PMCID: PMC10037251 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i10.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most commonly found in the context of liver cirrhosis and, in rare cases, in a healthy liver. Its prevalence has risen in recent years, particularly in Western nations, due to the increasing frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced HCC has a poor prognosis. For many years, the only proven therapy for unresectable HCC (uHCC) was sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Recently, the synergistic effect of an immune checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab outperformed sorafenib alone in terms of survival, making it the recommended first-line therapy. Other multikinase inhibitors, lenvatinib and regorafenib, were also recommended as first and second-line drugs, respectively. Intermediate-stage HCC patients with retained liver function, particularly uHCC without extrahepatic metastasis, may benefit from trans-arterial chemoembolization. The current problem in uHCC is selecting a patient for the best treatment while considering the preexisting liver condition and liver function. Indeed, all study patients had a Child-Pugh class A, and the best therapy for other individuals is unknown. Additionally, in the absence of a medical contraindication, atezolizumab could be combined with bevacizumab for uHCC systemic therapy. Several studies are now underway to evaluate immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with anti-angiogenic drugs, and the first findings are encouraging. The paradigm of uHCC therapy is changing dramatically, and many obstacles remain for optimum patient management in the near future. The purpose of this commentary review was to give an insight into current systemic treatment options for patients with uHCC who are not candidates for surgery to cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - PathompThep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Lin H, Yiu DCY, Chin S, Liu K, Yip TCF. Metformin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving immunotherapy. J Hepatol 2022; 78:e180-e182. [PMID: 36572351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huapeng Lin
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dorothy Cheuk-Yan Yiu
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Simone Chin
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ken Liu
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Terry Cheuk-Fung Yip
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Gutiérrez-Cuevas J, Lucano-Landeros S, López-Cifuentes D, Santos A, Armendariz-Borunda J. Epidemiologic, Genetic, Pathogenic, Metabolic, Epigenetic Aspects Involved in NASH-HCC: Current Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15. [PMID: 36612019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the sixth most frequent cancer in the world, being the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by fatty infiltration, oxidative stress and necroinflammation of the liver, with or without fibrosis, which can progress to advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes exacerbates the course of NASH, which elevate the risk of HCC. The growing prevalence of obesity are related with increasing incidence of NASH, which may play a growing role in HCC epidemiology worldwide. In addition, HCC initiation and progression is driven by reprogramming of metabolism, which indicates growing appreciation of metabolism in the pathogenesis of this disease. Although no specific preventive pharmacological treatments have recommended for NASH, dietary restriction and exercise are recommended. This review focuses on the molecular connections between HCC and NASH, including genetic and risk factors, highlighting the metabolic reprogramming and aberrant epigenetic alterations in the development of HCC in NASH. Current therapeutic aspects of NASH/HCC are also reviewed.
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Feng MY, Chan LL, Chan SL. Drug Treatment for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: First-Line and Beyond. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:5489-5507. [PMID: 36005172 PMCID: PMC9406660 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29080434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high mortality. The option of systemic therapy has increased significantly over the past five years. Sorafenib was the first multikinase inhibitor, introduced in 2007, as a treatment option for HCC, and it was the only effective systemic treatment for more than ten years. It was not until 2017 that several breakthroughs were made in the development of systemic strategies. Lenvatinib, another multikinase inhibitor, stood out successfully after sorafenib, and has been applied to clinical use in the first-line setting. Other multikinase inhibitors such as regorafenib, ramucirumab and cabozantinib, were approved in quick succession as second-line therapies. Concurrently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have readily become established treatments for many solid tumors, including HCC. The most studied ICIs to date, target programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), its ligand PD-L1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). These ICIs have demonstrated efficacy in treating advanced HCC. More recently, combination of bevacizumab and atezolizumab (ICI targeting PD-L1) was approved as the gold-standard first-line therapy. Combination of ICIs with nivolumab and ipilimumab was also approved in the second-line setting for those who failed sorafenib. At the moment, numerous clinical trials in advanced HCC are underway, which will bring continuous change to the management, and increase the survival, for patients with advanced HCC. Our review article: (1) summarizes United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approved systemic therapies in advanced HCC, (2) reports the evidence of currently approved treatments, (3) discusses potential drugs/drug combinations being currently tested in phase III clinical trials, and (4) proposes possible future directions in drug development for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maple Ye Feng
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Landon L. Chan
- Department of Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Lam Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3505-2166; Fax: +852-2648-7097
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