Progress and perspectives on adjuvant therapy after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Tumor recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is a major challenge to patient survival. Postoperative adjuvant therapy has been proved to be an effective method in tackling tumor recurrence. However,its role in HCC remains unclear. First,there are many differences between Chinese and foreign guidelines in recommendations on adjuvant therapy of HCC. Chinese guidelines have made many recommendations on various modalities of adjuvant therapy of HCC,including anti-viral therapy,transarterial chemoembolization,and herbs. On the contrary,foreign guidelines don't make any recommendation on adjuvant therapy of HCC,except for anti-viral therapy. Second,clear definition of patients who have a higher risk of tumor recurrence is still unknown. In other words,patients who will benefit from adjuvant therapy is unclear. Although various kinds of adjuvant therapies have been proved to be efficient in preventing tumor recurrence and prolonging patient survival,a standard protocol is still lacking. There are many ongoing clinical trials investigating the value of adjuvant therapy in HCC. Emerging evidences will answer questions on the role of adjuvant therapy and how to perform it.