Neoadjuvant treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains high globally. Surgical treatment is the best treatment for improving the prognosis of patients with HCC. Neoadjuvant therapy plays a key role in preventing tumor progression and even downstaging HCC. The liver transplantation rate and resectability rate have increased for neoadjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy is effective in different stages of HCC. In this review, we summarized the definition, methods, effects, indications and contraindications of neoadjuvant therapy in HCC, which have significance for guiding treatment.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Neoadjuvant therapy; Prognosis; Indications; Contraindications

Core Tip: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. A considerable number of patients cannot receive radical therapy due to advanced HCC at the first diagnosis, leading to a poor prognosis. Neoadjuvant treatment enables more patients with HCC inside or outside the Milan criteria to receive surgical treatment, such as partial liver resection and liver transplantation. In this study, we reviewed the current status of neoadjuvant therapy in HCC.