Biomarkers for novel targeted therapies of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Increasing insights into molecular alterations of signalling pathways have led to the development of specific targeted therapies for cancer. Due to the high specificity of monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors, identification of patients who will benefit from these therapeutics is crucial for treatment success. Furthermore, as classical endpoints of clinical trials are not fully applicable to targeted therapies, biomarkers for monitoring treatment response have to be identified. The recent introduction of a multi-kinase inhibitor for the treatment of liver cancer has accelerated efforts in the field of biomarker research. As further novel targeted therapies are on the horizon for liver cancer therapy, we will here review candidate markers for new hepatocellular carcinoma therapies, with a focus on EGF- and VEGF-receptor related pathways.