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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent types of liver cancer, and it usually develops in patients with underlying cirrhosis or chronic liver disease and metabolic syndrome.[1] HCC can spread to other body parts and affect patients' survival rates and outcomes severely. In this blog post, we will provide essential insights into HCC metastases and delve into the therapeutic options.
Over 60% of patients with HCC are diagnosed in advanced stages, leading to an overall 5-year survival rate of 21%. However, this rate is between 60% and 70% in patients with early diagnosis who undergo liver transplants.[2] Patients diagnosed with advanced-stage HCC, defined by the presence of vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastases, have a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than 1 year. [3] Early detection of HCC is vital in increasing therapeutic opportunities and improving patients’ outcomes, and new diagnostic biomarkers are under investigation to enhance HCC screening.[4]
Available treatments for HCC metastases depend on the tumor's location, the extent of the cancer, and the patient's general condition. Surgical resection, liver transplant, radiofrequency, and microwave ablation are all first-line treatments for tumors that have not spread to other body parts. Chemoembolization is commonly used and improves survival in asymptomatic patients with multifocal regional disease. [5]
Systemic therapies, such as sorafenib and lenvatinib have been shown to be effective in prolonging survival rates and outcomes in patients with advanced HCC. These agents are multikinase inhibitors that block tyrosine kinases involved in angiogenesis, cancer development and growth, and tumor microenvironment regulation. 
They are used as first-line therapy in advanced HCC with contraindications to VEGF and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are instead used together with bevacizumab in patients without contraindication. Alternative tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab are used as second-line treatments.[6]
Scientists are also researching new therapies for advanced HCC, including novel molecular-targeted therapies (such as STAT3 and CDK4 inhibitors) and immunotherapies to use as single agents or in combination. Several clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the efficacy and safety of these new therapies for advanced and metastatic HCC.[7]
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a critical concern for clinicians and patients, given the cancer progression and severity. Validating new diagnostic biomarkers and developing new therapeutic approaches to overcome drug resistance will be paramount in improving patients’ survival and quality of life.
