Abstract: Aberrant mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling has a critical role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is a potential target. The effects of mTOR inhibitors used as single agent on HCC are limited due to immunosuppression and resistance induced by paradoxical activation of Akt. Combined use of mTOR inhibitors and other anticancer agents synergistically improves the therapy for HCC, and may be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Key words: hepatocellular carcinoma, mTOR, targeting