Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Current management of hepatocellular carcinoma: an Eastern perspective
Hyung Joon Yim1, Sang Jun Suh1, Soon Ho Um1
1Hyung Joon Yim, Sang Jun Suh, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan-si 425-707, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment in Asia expands beyond Western guidelines, utilizing combined therapies and expanded criteria for liver transplantation. Research is ongoing to incorporate these advancements into global treatment protocols for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, particularly in Eastern regions.
- Despite global efforts for standardized protocols, HCC treatment patterns vary significantly across geographical areas.
- Advancements in diagnosis and treatment are improving survival rates for HCC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolving landscape of HCC treatment strategies in Asian countries.
- To highlight the adoption and adaptation of existing guidelines and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
- To discuss the potential for incorporating these region-specific advancements into broader clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current treatment practices and emerging therapies for HCC in Asian healthcare settings.
- Analysis of expanded criteria for liver transplantation and the role of living donors.
- Evaluation of combined therapeutic modalities, including ablation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and radiotherapy.
Main Results:
- Asian countries are developing expanded criteria for liver transplantation, often utilizing living donors and down-staging techniques.
- Combination therapies, such as local ablation with TACE, show outcomes comparable to surgical resection.
- Transarterial therapies, including drug-eluting beads and radioembolization, are gaining popularity due to better tolerability and response rates.
- Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and radiotherapy, not standard in Western guidelines, are actively used in Asia.
- Combination therapies involving TACE, radiotherapy, and sorafenib show promise for advanced HCC.
Conclusions:
- HCC treatment in Asia is characterized by innovative adaptations and combinations of therapies, expanding beyond traditional guidelines.
- Living donor liver transplantation and multimodal approaches are key features of Asian HCC management.
- Further research and studies are needed to validate these evolving treatment paradigms for potential inclusion in international guidelines.
