Horizons of development of immunotherapy for malignant liver tumors

Abstract

Primary liver tumors are one of the most common types of malignant neoplasms. Surgical excision is still the most effective treatment in the early stages of the disease, however in most cases early diagnosis is difficult. Moreover, even if the treatment is carried out according to a radical program, the risk of relapse remains extremely high. In this regard, the search for new strategies for the treatment of liver malignancies that differ from traditional methods of treatment is not terminated. One of such promising approaches is immunotherapy. The present review is devoted to the current understanding of the mechanisms of action and the available clinical experience in the use of immunotherapy approaches in the treatment of liver malignancies. Combining different types of immunotherapy or combining immunotherapy with traditional therapeutic approaches can facilitate a synergistic effect and contribute to the development of personalized medicine.