What to do about hepatocellular carcinoma: Recommendations for health authorities from the International Liver Cancer Association

JHEP Rep. 2022 Sep 8;4(12):100578. doi: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100578. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health problem worldwide for which the incidence and mortality are similar, pointing to the lack of effective treatment options. Knowing the different issues involved in the management of HCC, from risk factors to screening and management, is essential to improve the prognosis and quality of life of affected individuals. This document summarises the current state of knowledge and the unmet needs for all the different stakeholders in the care of liver cancer, meaning patients, relatives, physicians, regulatory agencies and health authorities so that optimal care can be delivered to patients. The document was commissioned by the International Liver Cancer Association and was reviewed by senior members, including two ex-presidents of the Association. This document lays out the recommended approaches to the societal management of HCC based on the economic status of a given region.

Keywords: AASLD, American Association for the Study of Liver Disease; AFP, alpha-fetoprotein; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; APRI, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index; Alcohol consumption; BCLC, Barcelona clinic liver cancer; DCP, des-gammacarboxy prothrombin; DEB-TACE, TACE with drug-eluting beads; EASL, European Association for the study of the Liver; EBRT, external beam radiation therapy; ELF, enhanced liver fibrosis; GGT, gamma-glutamyltransferase; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance; Hepatocellular carcinoma treatment; Li-RADS, Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Obesity; RFA, radiofrequency ablation; TACE, transarterial chemoembolisation; TARE, transarterial radioembolisation; TKI, tyrosine kinase inhibitor; Viral hepatitis; cTACE, conventional TACE.

Publication types

  • Review