Current research status and future directions of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

The rapid evolution of systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common types of liver cancer, has attracted significant attention especially to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) as a highly promising treatment approach. This method, which delivers chemotherapy directly into the liver's arterial supply, is designed to maximize the concentration of anti-cancer drugs at the tumor site while minimizing systemic side effects. Despite the potential and the encouraging results observed in various studies, HAIC has not yet achieved widespread acceptance and utilization. Sorafenib is a widely used systemic therapy that targets multiple pathways involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis, while transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a locoregional therapy that combines arterial embolization with chemotherapy. These treatments have been the mainstay of HCC management, yet they have limitations that HAIC may potentially overcome. This article specifically comments on the network meta-analysis that examined the current research status of HAIC, highlighting its effectiveness and safety profile in comparison to established standard treatments such as Sorafenib and TACE. Through an extensive review of existing studies, the authors conclude that patients receiving HAIC often experience better survival rates and longer periods without disease progression compared to those receiving Sorafenib or TACE.

Keywords: Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Network meta-analysis; Interventional therapy; Systemic treatment

Core Tip: Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been shown to offer significantly superior efficacy and safety compared to traditional treatments such as Sorafenib and transarterial chemoembolization for patients suffering from advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. By directly delivering high concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents to the liver tumor through the hepatic artery, HAIC maximizes tumoricidal effects while minimizing systemic side effects. This article underscores the promising clinical outcomes associated with HAIC. Through continued investigation and validation, HAIC has the potential to become a cornerstone in the treatment paradigm for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, providing patients with a more effective and safer therapeutic option.