Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

• Published in: Medical principles and practice Vol. 33; no. 5; pp. 414 - 423
• Main Authors: Feng, Fei, Zhao, Yue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland S. Karger AG 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Alcohol; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - therapy; Cell cycle; Cell growth; Diabetes; Disease prevention; DNA damage; Gene amplification; Genomes; Growth factors; Humans; Immune system; Industrialized nations; Infections; Inflammation; Liver cancer; Liver cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms - diagnosis; Liver Neoplasms - therapy; Medical prognosis; Metabolism; Mutation; Obesity; Oxidative stress; Prognosis; Proteins; Review; Risk Factors; Surveillance; Telomerase; Viral infections; Southeast Asia; Africa; Prevention; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Ultrasound; Risk factors; Early detection
• ISSN: 1011-7571; 1423-0151; 1423-0151
• DOI: 10.1159/000539349

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of liver cancer globally, poses a substantial health burden. Influenced by risk factors such as hepatitis B or C virus infections, chronic consumption of alcohol, and metabolic dysfunction, its exact etiology likely involves a complex interplay between viral infection, hepatocyte mutations, and chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, and demographic variables like sex, race, and age. Disease stage significantly impacts the prognosis of HCC. There is significant potential for life-saving and socioeconomic benefits through the implementation of surveillance programs and the introduction of low-cost screening measures for high-risk groups; these screening measures include ultrasound imaging and blood tests. Treatment options for HCC encompass liver resection, transplantation, transarterial chemoembolization, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Despite therapeutic advances, treating advanced HCC remains challenging, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in prevention, early detection, and development of treatments to improve prognosis and long-term survival.