Novel inhibitors in development for hepatocellular carcinoma

Areas covered in this review: This article aims to review novel inhibitors emerging in the field of advanced HCC. An Internet-based search was performed to identify abstracts, clinical trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov, last accessed 30 November 2009), and original research and review articles. What the reader will gain: Readers will gain a comprehensive survey of current molecularly targeted therapy approaches in advanced HCC. In addition, challenges such as the design of clinical trials, the assessment of radiological response, the role of combination therapy, and future developments in molecularly targeted therapy are discussed. Take home message: Sorafenib is the standard of care in patients with advanced HCC. However, promising novel inhibitors are under investigation. Combined molecularly targeted therapies according to an individual genomic and proteomic profiling will probably lead to more personalised medicine in advanced HCC.