A review on hepatocellular carcinoma: etiology, treatment strategies, and therapeutic advances

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant health burden globally, with its intricate etiology and diverse risk factors contributing to its formidable challenge in clinical management. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the multifaceted nature of HCC, spanning its origins, predisposing factors, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and recent therapeutic breakthroughs. The genesis of HCC involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and viral infections, notably chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and genetic susceptibilities. Timely detection through vigilant screening programs employing advanced imaging techniques and serum biomarkers is imperative for enhancing patient outcomes. Surgical resection, liver transplantation, locoregional therapies, targeted pharmacotherapy, and immunomodulation represent pivotal pillars in HCC management, offering prospects of cure, disease control, and symptomatic relief. Recent therapeutic strides, including the advent of targeted agents like sorafenib, lenvatinib, and immunotherapy utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors, have revolutionized treatment paradigms, offering newfound optimism for patients grappling with advanced HCC. Concomitantly, comprehensive supportive care interventions encompassing pain alleviation, nutritional optimization, and psychosocial support play an integral role in augmenting patient well-being and overall quality of life. Nevertheless, formidable challenges persist in refining screening protocols, elucidating predictive biomarkers, and mitigating treatment-associated adverse effects. Hence, sustained research endeavors are imperative to propel the frontiers of HCC management, fostering continual advancements aimed at ameliorating outcomes for individuals confronted with this relentless malignancy.