Dissecting intratumor heterogeneity in HCC: new research strategies and clinical implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of liver cancers and is driven by a multitude of viral, metabolic, and lifestyle factors initiating liver injury that subsequently progresses to cancer. Despite significant medical advancements, current treatment options are limited in their efficacy and overall survival remains poor. Recent studies have suggested that intratumor heterogeneity may play a significant role in treatment response, resistance, and overall prognosis. In this review, we will outline new techniques that utilize both human samples and non-human models to evaluate intratumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we will provide an overview of the clinical implications of intratumor heterogeneity on patients with HCC.