Advanced Liver Cancer Treatment with Targeted Therapy

In the treatment of advanced liver cancer, targeted therapy has become a key approach, especially through anti-angiogenic drugs that inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in tumors. These targeted medications work by blocking critical pathways such as VEGF and FGF2, which are essential for the development of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tumor. By cutting off this nutrient supply, tumor growth can be significantly slowed or even halted.

There are now a variety of targeted drugs available, including both imported and domestically produced options. Some are designed for first-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, while others are used as second-line therapies when initial treatments are no longer effective. Targeted therapy can be combined with immunotherapy or systemic chemotherapy to enhance outcomes, and it can also be integrated with localized treatments such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiation therapy, ablation, and even surgical interventions.

The goal of combining these therapies is to control tumor progression, delay recurrence, and potentially convert inoperable tumors into resectable ones. Recent advances in combining targeted therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly improved survival rates and quality of life for many patients with advanced liver cancer. This multimodal approach is reshaping the treatment landscape and offering new hope to patients who previously had limited options.