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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
12:24
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Chronic hepatitis C and screening for hepatocellular carcinoma
1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada. morris.sherman@uhn.on.ca
Clinics in Liver Disease
|December 14, 2006
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) deaths are preventable with early screening and effective treatments like radiofrequency ablation. Advanced HCC management may reduce the need for liver transplants, benefiting other liver disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Oncology
- Medical Diagnostics and Treatment
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Effective screening and diagnostic strategies are crucial for early detection and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of current medical advancements to prevent mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To assess the impact of early detection and novel treatment modalities on HCC management paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Review of screening protocols for identifying early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Analysis of diagnostic algorithms for efficient HCC investigation.
- Evaluation of radiofrequency ablation efficacy for small HCC lesions (<2 cm).
- Assessment of strategies for managing secondary primary cancers in HCC patients.
Main Results:
- Screening effectively identifies small, curable HCC lesions.
- Radiofrequency ablation achieves complete ablation in over 95% of lesions smaller than 2 cm.
- Established protocols allow for efficient diagnosis and management of HCC and secondary cancers.
Conclusions:
- Preventing deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is theoretically achievable with current technologies.
- Liver transplantation may transition from a primary treatment to a last resort for HCC.
- Improved HCC management can increase organ availability for patients with other liver diseases, such as hepatitis C.
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