Advances in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: An overview of the current and evolving therapeutic landscape for clinicians

D Dimitrios Moris (Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) A Alessandro Martinino (Division of Abdominal Transplantation Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) S Sarah Schiltz (Patient Advocate Steering Committee National Cancer Institute Hepatobiliary Task Force Los Gatos California USA) P Peter J. Allen (Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) A Andrew Barbas (Division of Abdominal Transplantation Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) D Debra Sudan (Division of Abdominal Transplantation Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) L Lindsay King (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) C Carl Berg (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) C Charles Kim (Department of Radiology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) M Mustafa Bashir (Department of Radiology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) M Manisha Palta (Department of Radiation Oncology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) M Michael A. Morse (Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA) M Michael E. Lidsky (Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA)

Abstract

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Contemporary advances in systemic and locoregional therapies have led to changes in peer‐reviewed guidelines regarding systemic therapy as well as the possibility of downstaging disease that may enable some patients with advanced disease to ultimately undergo partial hepatectomy or transplantation with curative intent. This review focuses on all modalities of therapy for HCC, guided by modern‐day practice‐changing randomized data where available. The surgical management of HCC, including resection and transplantation, both of which have evolving criteria for what is considered biologically resectable and transplantable, as well as locoregional therapy (i.e., therapeutic embolization, ablation, radiation, and hepatic arterial infusion), are discussed. Historical and modern‐day practice‐changing trials evaluating immunotherapy with targeted therapies for advanced disease, as well as adjuvant systemic therapy, are also summarized. In addition, this article examines the critical dimension of toxicities and patient‐oriented considerations to ensure a comprehensive and balanced discourse on treatment implications.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 75, Issue 6
Published December 01, 2025
Pages 498-527
ISSN 0007-9235
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians

Wiley

ISSN: 0007-9235 Open Access Q1 Medicine

Authors (13)

D

Dimitrios Moris

Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

A

Alessandro Martinino

Division of Abdominal Transplantation Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

S

Sarah Schiltz

Patient Advocate Steering Committee National Cancer Institute Hepatobiliary Task Force Los Gatos California USA

P

Peter J. Allen

Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

A

Andrew Barbas

Division of Abdominal Transplantation Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

D

Debra Sudan

Division of Abdominal Transplantation Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

L

Lindsay King

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

C

Carl Berg

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

C

Charles Kim

Department of Radiology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

M

Mustafa Bashir

Department of Radiology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

M

Manisha Palta

Department of Radiation Oncology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

M

Michael A. Morse

Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA

M

Michael E. Lidsky

Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA