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Emerging Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

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Primary Liver Cancer

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

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Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health problem due to its increasing incidence and high lethality [1]. In fact, HCC is the third most common cause of cancer deaths and the leading complication in patients with cirrhosis [2]. The rising incidence poses challenges to the clinician since the majority of patients present with advanced disease when they are no longer candidates for a definitive cure. Further, the coexistence of cirrhosis and HCC adds two competing causes of death, each one critical to consider since both influence management. Unfortunately, only 5–37% of HCC patients are actually eligible for curative treatments with orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) or surgical resection [3, 4]. When curative treatments are no longer options due to advanced-stage disease, the treatment options are limited. However, we have had some recent advances in the treatment of unresectable HCC with the advent of novel locoregional and targeted systemic therapy [5–7]. The clinical success of the oral multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, showing a survival benefit in the management of advanced HCC, has opened the floodgates of research in the field of molecular-targeted therapies for HCC. These recent advances in treatment, along with surveillance programs, will lead to improved overall survival for our patients with HCC [8]. In this chapter, we review the major recent advancements and emerging therapies being evaluated for the treatment of HCC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL, USA

    Renumathy Dhanasekaran MD

  2. Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Roniel Cabrera MD, MS

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  1. Renumathy Dhanasekaran MD
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  2. Roniel Cabrera MD, MS
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Correspondence to Roniel Cabrera MD, MS .

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  1. Medical Center, Center for Liver Disease, The University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave. MC 7120, Chicago, 60637, Illinois, USA

    Nancy Reau

  2. , Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas, 621 Camden St, #202, San Antonio, 78215, Texas, USA

    Fred Poordad

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Dhanasekaran, R., Cabrera, R. (2012). Emerging Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. In: Reau, N., Poordad, F. (eds) Primary Liver Cancer. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-863-4_14

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