What drugs are used to treat liver cancer?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
The primary drug for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the targeted therapy sorafenib, which has become a first-line treatment for primary liver cancer. Other targeted agents used in HCC treatment include regorafenib and lenvatinib. If sorafenib proves ineffective or if disease progression occurs, regorafenib or lenvatinib may be substituted. In addition to targeted therapy, chemotherapy is also employed in the management of HCC.
In today’s society, unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits predispose individuals to various diseases—particularly cancer, which poses a significant health threat. Among cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a relatively high incidence. What drugs are available for treating liver cancer?
What Drugs Are Used to Treat Liver Cancer?
The primary pharmacological treatment for liver cancer is the targeted therapy drug sorafenib, which has become the first-line treatment for primary liver cancer. Other targeted agents approved for HCC include regorafenib and lenvatinib. If sorafenib proves ineffective or if disease progression occurs, regorafenib or lenvatinib may be used as subsequent-line therapies. In addition to targeted therapy, chemotherapy remains an integral component of liver cancer management.
Commonly used chemotherapeutic agents include oxaliplatin, fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine, and capecitabine. However, systemic chemotherapy generally demonstrates limited efficacy and poor sensitivity in treating HCC. For advanced-stage HCC, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may serve as an adjunctive therapy, exhibiting certain inhibitory effects on tumor growth. Oral TCM preparations such as compound cantharidin capsules and Kanglaite capsules possess notable antitumor activity.
For early-stage liver cancer, conservative drug therapy may be sufficient. Currently, the hospital’s principal anticancer medications include: Cinobufacini oral liquid; Shandan Sanjie capsules; and compound cantharidin capsules. Surgical resection remains an option for eligible patients. In contrast, for patients with advanced disease, anticancer drugs alone often yield suboptimal therapeutic outcomes; most require combination treatment involving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Incorporating more fresh vegetables and fruits into daily diet is also recommended. We hope this information proves helpful to you!
