Hepatocellular carcinoma: current management and perspectives for the future

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent global malignancy with increasing incidence in Western nations.
• Significant advancements in surgical and medical treatments for HCC have occurred over the past two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on the current management strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• To grade evidence and formulate practice recommendations for HCC treatment based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine classification.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was performed using the MEDLINE database.
• Studies focusing on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were identified and analyzed.
• Evidence grading and practice recommendations were developed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine classification.

Main Results:

• Surgical resection and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are established curative therapies for HCC in non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients, respectively.
• Transarterial chemoembolization is the primary treatment for inoperable HCC with compensated liver function.
• Molecular targeted therapies show promise for advanced HCC, with ongoing research into neoadjuvant and adjuvant applications.

Conclusions:

• Recent surgical and medical therapeutic developments have substantially improved outcomes for both operable and advanced HCC patients.
• A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for further enhancing patient prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management.