Genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma: An update

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
• Despite therapeutic advances, poor survival rates are linked to late diagnosis.
• Early detection and novel therapeutic strategies require a deeper understanding of HCC's molecular mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent advances in understanding the genetic alterations in HCC.
• To elucidate molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis for early diagnosis.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for molecularly targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Analysis of genomic instability, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and somatic mutations in HCC.
• Examination of deregulated signaling pathways implicated in HCC.

Main Results:

• Next-generation sequencing has identified numerous genetic alterations in HCC.
• Recurrently mutated genes and dysregulated signaling pathways are key features of HCC.
• Understanding genetic alterations can identify driver mutations and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

• Genetic alterations play a critical role in HCC initiation and progression.
• Elucidating these mechanisms is vital for improving early diagnosis of HCC.
• Discovering genetic alterations facilitates the development of novel molecularly targeted therapies for HCC.