Liver Cancer Progresses, but Treatments Are Evolving
Liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma, is one of the deadliest tumors in the world. It ranks among the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Its distribution varies by region, with a high prevalence in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where infections with hepatitis B and C viruses are common. In Western countries such as the United States or certain European nations, its incidence is rising due to the increase in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cases, linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
This cancer often develops in the context of chronic liver disease. The main risk factors include infections with hepatitis B and C viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, and metabolic steatohepatitis. Symptoms appear late, which delays diagnosis. However, recent advances in medical imaging, such as CT scans and MRIs, as well as the use of blood markers, enable earlier detection. Suspected liver nodules are analyzed using dynamic imaging tests. Lesions larger than one centimeter with typical contrast uptake can be diagnosed without a biopsy.
Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, surgery and liver transplantation offer the best chances of survival. For intermediate stages, arterial embolization with chemotherapy, known as chemoembolization, remains the standard treatment. In advanced stages, systemic therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibody immunotherapies show promising results. The latter, such as combinations of atezolizumab and bevacizumab, significantly improve patient survival.
Gene therapy is emerging as an innovative approach. It uses techniques to specifically target tumor cells, such as CRISPR gene editing, oncolytic viruses, or the replacement of tumor suppressor genes. These methods enable personalized treatment tailored to the molecular characteristics of each patient. However, their development still requires improvements, particularly to optimize gene delivery and limit adverse effects.
Challenges persist, especially in low- or middle-income countries, where access to care remains unequal. High costs, lack of awareness, and diagnostic delays prevent many patients from receiving appropriate treatments. Despite these obstacles, progress in early detection, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy is transforming the management of this disease. The integration of artificial intelligence and radiogenomics could soon further refine therapeutic strategies.
Current treatments often combine multiple approaches to maximize effectiveness. Surgery, local ablation, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies are tailored based on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall condition. Supportive care remains essential for terminal-stage patients, where aggressive treatments are no longer beneficial. The goal is to improve quality of life while extending survival.
Precision medicine, based on the genomic profiling of tumors, opens new perspectives. It allows the identification of specific mutations and the adaptation of treatments accordingly. Clinical trials are exploring innovative therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates or mRNA vaccines. These advances could overcome the resistances observed with conventional treatments.
Liver cancer remains a major public health challenge, but therapeutic innovations offer growing hope for patients. The combination of early detection, targeted therapies, and personalized approaches could reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes.
About Our Sources
Original Publication
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53941/jmnp.2026.100012
Title: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Focus: A Comprehensive Review of Its Epidemiology, Diagnostic Advances, and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies
Journal: Journal of Medicinal Natural Products
Publisher: Scilight Press Pty Ltd
Authors: Bulbul Shaikat; Md. Shohayeb Hossain Saif