Risk Factors and Current Therapeutic Approaches for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma, known as HCC, is known to be the most common liver cancer. Currently, there is ongoing research on discovering the risk factors and treatment methods for HCC to find out new treatment methods for HCC that are more effective and have fewer side effects. In this research paper, the risk factors that can cause HCC and their mechanism, as well as current treatment methods for HCC, are listed. The risk factors include biological factors such as HBV, HCV, and NAFLD, chemical factors such as vinyl chloride, arsenic, and thorotrast, physical factors such as cirrhosis, excess iron absorption, and type 2 diabetes, and other factors such as gender can all cause HCC to develop. These factors can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally HCC. Nowadays, the treatment methods for HCC include surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablative therapies, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. However, all these therapies have their limitations and none of the therapies can ensure that they cannot only cure HCC but also not lead to recurrence. This paper aims to provide an overview of the development process of HCC and the ways to treat HCC. In addition, this paper also provides inspiration for future treatment.