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World J Hepatol. Feb 27, 2011; 3(2): 38-44
Published online Feb 27, 2011. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v3.i2.38
Liver cancer: Targeted future options
Andreas Pircher, Michael Medinger, Joachim Drevs
Andreas Pircher, Department for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
Michael Medinger, Hematology Department, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, Basel 4031, Switzerland
Joachim Drevs, Department for Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, Herdecke 58313, Germany
Author contributions: Pircher A reviewed literature, drafted the paper; Medinger M reviewed literature, drafted the paper; ang Drevs J drafted the paper, made revisions, and gave intellectual input.
Correspondence to: Joachim Drevs, Professor, Department for Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, Herdecke 58313, Germany.prof.dr.drevs@t-online.de
Telephone: +49-2330-623426
Received: October 12, 2010
Revised: December 13, 2010
Accepted: December 20, 2010
Published online: February 27, 2011
Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis and systemic chemotherapies have disappointing results. The increasing knowledge of the molecular biology of HCC has resulted in novel targets, with the vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-related pathways being of special interest. New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) is essential for the growth of solid tumors. Anti-angiogenic strategies have become an important therapeutic modality for solid tumors. Several agents targeting angiogenesis-related pathways have entered clinical trials or have been already approved for the treatment of solid tumors. These include monoclonal antibodies, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. HCC is a highly vascular tumor, and angiogenesis is believed to play an important role in its development and progression. This review summarizes recent advances in the basic understanding of the role of angiogenesis in HCC as well as clinical trials with novel therapeutic approaches targeting angiogenesis and EGFR-related pathways.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Epidermal growth factor receptor; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Targeted therapy; Vascular endothelial growth factor