Advancing Personalized Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Integrating Targeted Therapies, Precision Medicine, and Bioengineering for Improved Outcomes

Md Mahedi Hasan Shabuj¹, Bulbul Ahmed², Md Moshiur Rahman³, Syeda Anjuman Ara Aunni⁴, Abdullah Al Numan¹, Mst. Shahana Akter⁵, Tufael^1*

Targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma offer personalized treatment options, improving efficacy, reducing side effects, and overcoming drug resistance.

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, ranking as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, HCC is often diagnosed at advanced stages where curative treatments are limited. Systemic therapies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, have become essential in managing advanced HCC. Methods: This review explores the latest progress in HCC treatment, focusing on the development and integration of targeted therapies and immunotherapy into personalized treatment strategies. We analyze the molecular mechanisms of HCC, highlighting key genetic drivers and signaling pathways, and discuss the role of bioengineering models in improving drug resistance and personalized treatment approaches. Results: Targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, and cabozantinib, have shown varying degrees of success in prolonging survival. Recent studies emphasize combination therapies, including immunotherapy with anti-angiogenic agents, as promising approaches for enhancing treatment efficacy. Bioengineered patient-derived liver cancer models have emerged as valuable tools for improving the precision of these therapies by reflecting HCC's molecular and phenotypic diversity. Conclusion: The future of HCC treatment lies in the integration of targeted therapies with precision medicine, guided by molecular profiling and advanced bioengineering models. These strategies promise to improve patient outcomes by addressing tumor heterogeneity and overcoming drug resistance, with bioengineering platforms and next-generation sequencing offering critical insights into personalized treatment regimens.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Targeted therapy, Molecular profiling, Anti-angiogenic therapy, Bioengineering technology, Precision medicine

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