title: Evolution of systemic therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly occurs in hepatitis B endemic areas, especially in Asian countries. HCC is highly refractory to cytotoxic chemotherapy. This resistance is partly related to its tumor biology, pharmacokinetic properties, and both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. There is no convincing evidence thus far that systemic chemotherapy improves overall survival in advanced HCC patients. Other systemic approaches, such as hormonal therapy and immunotherapy, have also disappointing results. Recently, encouraging results have been shown in using sorafenib in the treatment of advanced HCC patients. In this review, we concisely summarize the evolution of developments in the systemic therapy of advanced HCC.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yau
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: Ronnie-T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Poon
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001557:Benzenesulfonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077157:Sorafenib; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; D009536:Niacinamide; D013792:Thalidomide; D013004:Somatostatin; D000077157:Sorafenib