Dr. Bendell on Exciting Advancements in the Field of HCC

Johanna C. Bendell, MD, director of GI Oncology Research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, discusses exciting research and advancements in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Researchers in the field have known that drugs that block the angiogenesis pathway for patients with HCC, such as sorafenib (Nexavar), do work for these patients, Bendell explains. However, data presented from the phase III RESORCE trial show that the multikinase inhibitor regorafenib (Stivarga) also has a benefit in this population.

Immunotherapies are also agents with potential, she adds. In liver cancer, investigators have looked at checkpoint inhibitors like anti­—PD-1/PD-L1 agents alone and in combination with CTLA-4 inhibitors. These types of combinations are currently being explored in clinical trials; moreover, they are showing particular potential in patients with hepatitis C.