Mechanistic Insights about Sorafenib-, Valproic Acid- and Metformin-Induced Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the main causes of death by cancer worldwide, representing about 80–90% of all liver cancers. Treatments available for advanced HCC include atezolizumab, bevacizumab, sorafenib, among others. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab are immunological options recently incorporated into first-line treatments, along with sorafenib, for which great treatment achievements have been reached. However, sorafenib resistance is developed in most patients, and therapeutical combinations targeting cancer hallmark mechanisms and intracellular signaling have been proposed. In this review, we compiled evidence of the mechanisms of cell death caused by sorafenib administered alone or in combination with valproic acid and metformin and discussed them from a molecular perspective.

Keywords

• hepatocellular carcinoma
• sorafenib
• apoptosis
• autophagy
• metformin
• valproic acid