AI Summary Targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma includes Nexavar, Lenvima, Stivarga, Cabometyx, and Avastin, which block pathways that drive tumor growth.
Medically reviewed.
Targeted therapy is a group of prescription medications used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, when surgery or local treatments are not appropriate or the cancer has spread. These medicines block signals and proteins that help tumors grow and form new blood vessels.
This page introduces five targeted therapies for liver cancer: Nexavar (sorafenib), Lenvima (lenvatinib), Stivarga (regorafenib), Cabometyx (cabozantinib), and Avastin (bevacizumab). You can also connect with a liver specialist to discuss whether one fits your care plan.
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TARGETED THERAPY OVERVIEW
Targeted therapy uses medicines that block specific proteins involved in tumor growth and in the blood vessels that feed a tumor. In liver cancer, these medicines are used when surgery or local treatments are not appropriate or when the cancer has spread. The best choice depends on the stage of the cancer, liver function, and overall health, so plans differ from person to person.
Explore each therapy below to learn how it works, who may be considered, and what treatment involves. Because the right option depends on your diagnosis and any earlier treatment, a liver specialist can help you understand which one fits your care plan.
Nexavar is an oral multikinase inhibitor used for adults with unresectable or advanced HCC who need systemic treatment and have adequate liver function. It blocks kinases involved in cancer cell growth and in the formation of tumor blood vessels.
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Lenvima is an oral multikinase inhibitor used as first-line systemic treatment for unresectable HCC. It blocks several receptor tyrosine kinases and limits the growth of tumor blood vessels.
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Stivarga is an oral multikinase inhibitor for HCC that was previously treated with sorafenib. Providers may consider it when the cancer has progressed despite earlier therapy and second-line systemic treatment is needed.
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Cabometyx is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for advanced HCC previously treated with sorafenib. It blocks signals involved in tumor growth, spread, and blood vessel formation.
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Avastin is a monoclonal antibody that blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes tumor blood vessel formation. For HCC, it is used together with Tecentriq, and a healthcare professional gives it by IV infusion.
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Providers typically consider targeted therapy for adults with unresectable or advanced HCC whose cancer cannot be treated with surgery or local therapies alone. They also look for liver function and overall health that are suitable for systemic therapy.
DIET & LIFESTYLE SUPPORT
Daily habits can help you manage treatment and its side effects. Nutrition, hydration, skin care, blood pressure checks, and paced activity all matter for people taking these medicines.
Keep up good nutrition and stay hydrated during treatment, and follow a liver-healthy diet with Nexavar. Loss of appetite and diarrhea are common side effects, so tell your care team if eating or drinking becomes hard.
Several of these medicines can cause hand-foot skin reaction and high blood pressure. Practice regular skin and foot care, check your blood pressure at home when advised, and promptly report severe diarrhea, skin changes, swelling, bleeding, or unusual bruising.
Fatigue is common during treatment. Pace your activity and rest as needed, avoid smoking, and avoid or limit alcohol when appropriate.
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of these medicines. A nutrition bar designed for liver health can be one easy option on low-appetite days. Ask your care team what is right for you.
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TARGETED THERAPY AND LIVER CANCER CARE
Liver cancer therapies treat HCC when surgery or local treatments are not appropriate or when the cancer has spread. Targeted therapies are one group of systemic options, alongside immunotherapy and other medicines. Which one fits depends on the stage of the cancer, liver function, overall health, and earlier treatment.
These medicines are long-term treatment. Providers usually continue them until the cancer progresses or side effects become unacceptable. Your provider individualizes how long you stay on treatment based on your response and how well you tolerate it.
Lenvima is used as first-line systemic treatment for unresectable HCC, and Nexavar is used for unresectable or advanced HCC that needs systemic treatment. Both are oral medicines taken by mouth as prescribed.
Stivarga and Cabometyx are second-line options for advanced HCC that was previously treated with sorafenib (Nexavar), including cancer that progressed despite earlier therapy.
Avastin is used for unresectable or metastatic HCC together with Tecentriq, an immunotherapy. A healthcare professional gives both by IV infusion.
Your provider weighs your liver function, cancer stage, and past treatment when choosing a therapy. Other liver cancer treatments, such as surgery or local procedures, may be used instead of or alongside these medicines.
TREATMENT MONITORING
Regular monitoring helps your healthcare provider see how your body is responding to targeted therapy and catch side effects early. Ongoing checks of liver function, blood pressure, and treatment response are recommended for these medicines.
Liver function tests show how your liver is coping during treatment. They are recommended for Nexavar, Lenvima, Stivarga, and Cabometyx, with kidney function checks added for Lenvima.
High blood pressure is a common side effect of these medicines. Your care team checks it at visits and may ask you to check it at home. With Avastin, your team also watches for bleeding and protein in the urine.
Your provider regularly reviews how the cancer is responding and how well you tolerate the medicine. Treatment continues until the cancer progresses or side effects become unacceptable.
Only a qualified healthcare provider can adjust your treatment plan based on your test results and health history.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Targeted therapy is a group of prescription medicines used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when surgery or local treatments are not appropriate or the cancer has spread. These medicines block proteins and signals that help tumors grow and form blood vessels. The five liver cancer options covered here are Nexavar, Lenvima, Stivarga, Cabometyx, and Avastin. Talk with your liver specialist about whether one fits your treatment plan.
Targeted therapies block specific pathways that cancer uses to grow. Nexavar, Lenvima, Stivarga, and Cabometyx are oral multikinase or tyrosine kinase inhibitors that block kinases involved in tumor growth and in angiogenesis, the formation of tumor blood vessels. Avastin is an antibody that blocks VEGF, a protein that promotes blood vessel formation, which reduces the blood supply to tumors. Together, these actions help slow tumor growth and progression.
Providers typically consider targeted therapy for adults with unresectable or advanced HCC that surgery or local therapies alone cannot treat. Your liver function and overall health also matter. Stivarga and Cabometyx are used after sorafenib, and Avastin is used with Tecentriq. Only a qualified healthcare provider can decide which option is right for you.
Lenvima is described as first-line systemic treatment for unresectable HCC. Nexavar is used for unresectable or advanced HCC that needs systemic treatment. Stivarga and Cabometyx are second-line options for HCC previously treated with sorafenib. Avastin is used together with Tecentriq. Your provider chooses based on your cancer stage, liver function, and earlier treatment.
Side effects vary by medicine. Nexavar, Stivarga, and Cabometyx each list fatigue, diarrhea, hand-foot skin reaction, loss of appetite, and high blood pressure. Avastin lists high blood pressure, fatigue, protein in the urine, bleeding events, and abdominal discomfort. With Lenvima, report swelling or severe diarrhea promptly. Tell your care team about severe diarrhea, skin changes, bleeding, or severe headaches right away.
Treatment is usually long-term. These medicines are continued until the cancer progresses or side effects become unacceptable. Your provider individualizes the length of treatment based on your response and how well you tolerate it. Do not stop or change your medicine without talking with your healthcare provider.
No, targeted therapy is one option among several. Liver cancer care can also include immunotherapy, surgery, and locoregional procedures, and some people receive a combination. Avastin, for example, is used together with the immunotherapy Tecentriq. Your care team builds a plan around your cancer stage, liver function, and overall health.
Medical disclaimer: LiverDirectory provides educational information and a directory of providers. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition.
