Despite its low incidence in the Netherlands, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common form of cancer in the world.

The general prognosis of HCC is poor; only 30% of patients are eligible for curative treatments.

Criteria for radical, curative treatments have been well established and have remained unchanged over the last decade.

Chemoembolisation improves survival in a small selection of patients with advanced HCC and now has a secure place in the treatment schedule for HCC.

Until recently, systemic treatments have been ineffective for HCC. However, recent studies have shown convincing evidence that sorafenib is effective for patients with advanced HCC.

The place of sorafenib in the current treatment schedule for HCC is discussed.