Issue on combined locoregional and systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been challenging as most patients present with late, advanced disease, where curative options are limited. For years, locoregional therapy (LRT) has been the first-line therapy for intermediate-stage HCC and sorafenib for advanced HCC. However, these treatments are often palliative since they are plagued by tumor recurrence or progression. Therefore, there is growing interest in combined therapy to utilize their respective strengths to produce synergistic effects. This review outlines past and current research on the efficacy and safety of combined LRT and systemic therapy.