Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Radiological Perspective

Korean J Radiol. 2021 Nov;22(11):1822-1833. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2021.0229. Epub 2021 Aug 19.

Abstract

This is a narrative review of various treatment modalities for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a focus on recent updates in radiological treatments, as well as novel treatment concepts related to immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapies with locoregional treatments. Interventional radiologists have made efforts toward developing alternative and/or combination treatments for first-line systemic treatment of patients with advanced HCC. Locoregional treatments with or without systemic therapy may be considered in the selected patients. Various treatment modalities for advanced HCC are emerging, and several randomized controlled trials, including those of combination treatments with immunotherapy, are ongoing.

Keywords: Combined modality therapy; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Immunotherapy; Locoregional therapy; Transarterial chemoembolization; Transarterial radioembolization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / therapy
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms* / therapy