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Wu et al. Hepatoma Res 2023;9:6 Hepatoma Research
DOI: 10.20517/2394-5079.2022.37

Review Open Access

Issue on combined locoregional and systemic

treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

2
2
1
Yi-Chia (Jasmine) Wu , Ali Wakil , Fayssa Salomon , Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos 2
1
Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, NJ 08901, USA.
2
Rutgers New Jersey Medical school, Newark, New Jersey, NJ 07103, USA.
Correspondence to: Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos, MD, PhD, MBA, FAASLD, AGAF, FRCP, Chief and Professor, Department of
Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 S. Orange Avenue MSB H Rm-536, Newark, NJ
07103, United States. E-mail: pyrsopni@njms.rutgers.edu
How to cite this article: Wu Y, Wakil A, Salomon F, Pyrsopoulos N. Issue on combined locoregional and systemic treatment
for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatoma Res 2023;9:6. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-5079.2022.37
Received: 8 Jul 2022 First Decision: 11 Jan 2023 Revised: 19 Feb 2023 Accepted: 2 Mar 2023 Published: 16 Mar 2023

Academic Editors: Giuliano Ramadori, Guang-Wen Cao Copy Editor: Ying Han Production Editor: Ying Han

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.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic therapy, locoregional therapy

INTRODUCTION
Primary liver cancer is the seventh most occurring cancer and the second most common cause of cancer
mortality worldwide . Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75% of all liver cancers and is often
[1]
diagnosed at an advanced stage associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate .
[2]

Liver transplantation (LT) is the best treatment option and is potentially curative, but it is only
recommended in early-stage HCC. Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are also options

© The Author(s) 2023. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, for any purpose, even commercially, as
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