Research progress regarding programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors combined with targeted therapy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

In recent years, a number of targeted therapeutic agents have achieved success in phase III trials in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including sorafenib, lenvatinib, and regorafenib. Immunotherapy is considered to be an effective treatment for advanced HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are important antitumor immunotherapy agents that represent breakthroughs in the treatment of advanced HCC. However, treating advanced HCC is still a great challenge, and the need for new treatments remains urgent. This review briefly summarizes the research progress in the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with targeted therapy for treating HCC.

Keywords: Programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors; Targeted therapy; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Programmed cell death 1; Programmed cell death ligand 1

Core Tip: The incidence of liver cancer is high. Because the disease can develop rapidly, most patients progress to the intermediate or advanced stages and lose the opportunity to undergo radical hepatectomy. Targeted therapy brings a glimmer of hope for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunotherapy is a major focus in the field of tumor therapy, and it represents a breakthrough in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The combination of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors and targeted therapy, to potentially achieve the superposition of 1 + 1 > 2 effects, is a promising strategy for treating cancer.