Hepatocellular carcinoma: latest developments.
OBJECTIVE
This review primarily focuses on new developments in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma.


RESULTS
Potential preventive strategies in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma are being recognized. Novel molecular markers identified may aid in the diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus. Prognostic information gained by preoperative tumor biopsy is being investigated. Treatment of early hepatocellular carcinoma with resection versus primary or salvage transplantation continues to be debated. Expansion of selection criteria beyond the Milan criteria appears feasible. The role of living donor liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma will require further study to determine the risk of recurrence. Improvements in chemoembolization with drug eluting beads appear promising.


CONCLUSIONS
Further insight into the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma will result in the continued evolution of our approach and management of the disease. Tailored therapies based on tumor biology are needed to improve treatment response and ultimately patient survival.
Walzer
Natasha
N
Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Kulik
Laura M
LM
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents