Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a growing health problem in humans. HCC is considered the most common of internal malignancy which cause the death of human, but in the developed Western world, HCC is less common accompanied by increasing essentially in incidence, due to it occurs specially in chronic liver disease. HCC associated with various risk factors including hepatitis B virus infection; hepatitis C virus infection; prolonged aflatoxin exposure; and alcoholic cirrhosis. Overall, one-third of cirrhosis patients will develop HCC during their life time. Also, chemical carcinogens cause tumor promotions through free radical metabolites result in many biochemical and molecular changes that induces oxidative stress. The identify of HCC stage and underlying liver status then choosing the most appropriate line of therapy (surgical, loco regional, radiological and medical) can be improve the survival and/or the quality of life of the patient. Taken into the account of the nutritional value of some natural antioxidant agents that support the function of the body resulting an improvement of the health and protection from different diseases, our review will provide an up-dated status of the different aspects of HCC management through covering the efficacy and the beneficial effects of different natural agents and their mechanism of action against HCC for the future therapy modalities.

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses need a host cell to provide a milieu favorable to viral replication. Consequently, viruses often adopt mechanisms to subvert host cellular signaling processes. While beneficial for the viral replication cycle, virus-induced deregulation of host cellular signaling processes can be detrimental to host cell physiology and can lead to virus-associated pathogenesis, including, for oncogenic viruses, cell transformation and cancer progression. Included among these oncogenic viruses is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Despite the availability of an HBV vaccine, 350-500 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV, and a significant number of these chronically infected individuals will develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epidemiological studies indicate that chronic infection with HBV is the leading risk factor for the development of HCC. Globally, HCC is the second highest cause of cancer-associated deaths, underscoring the need for understanding mechanisms that regulate HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated HCC. HBV is the prototype member of the Hepadnaviridae family; members of this family of viruses have a narrow host range and predominately infect hepatocytes in their respective hosts. The extremely small and compact hepadnaviral genome, the unique arrangement of open reading frames, and a replication strategy utilizing reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate to generate the DNA genome are distinguishing features of the Hepadnaviridae. In this review, the authors provide a comprehensive description of HBV biology, summarize the model systems used for studying HBV infections, and highlight potential mechanisms that link a chronic HBV-infection to the development of HCC. For example, the HBV X protein (HBx), a key regulatory HBV protein that is important for HBV replication, is thought to play a cofactor role in the development of HBV-induced HCC, and the authors highlight the functions of HBx that may contribute to the development of HBV-associated HCC.

A selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for surgical resection is crucial and algorithms/staging systems help surgeons to decide on a standard treatment for each patient and each HCC stage. However, there are always difficulties in remembering and/or recalling the contents of the algorithms/staging systems. Moreover, most algorithms/staging systems don’t include data about the extent of hepatectomy, intra-hepatic distribution of tumor(s), and technical feasibility of resection, all of which are vital in the surgeons’ decision-making process. Here, we aimed to present a simple and handy mnemonic acronym for selecting resectable HCCs in surgical practice. This was reproduced from the existing well-known staging systems. The designed mnemonic acronym is a phrase “PERISH” and it includes asking for Performance of patient, Extra-hepatic disease, Reserve of liver, Intra-hepatic distribution, Stratifying risk factors, and Hepatectomy size in order. Performance based on whether the patient is mostly bedridden or not, should be the first step of evaluation. Next, asking for suspicious metastasis as bone pain and radiological evaluation of abdomen/thorax is mandatory. The calculation of Child-Pugh score is only the third step. Good candidates for surgical resection should be Child-Pugh “A” with normal bilirubin levels. Technical feasibility of resection according to the intra-hepatic distribution of tumor(s) should be done later and the candidates preferably should not have portal hypertension (no splenomegaly, no thrombocytopenia). If the patient fulfils all the previous steps, the surgeon may perform indo-cyanine green clearance test. Consequently, following the PERISH flowchart may prevent “perish” of the surgeons while selecting the appropriate resectable HCCs.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arising in non-cirrhotic livers is relatively rare. Compared with HCC arising in cirrhotic livers they have some quirks. HCC in healthy livers are large tumors at diagnosis, and are detected due to the onset of abdominal symptoms, outside of any scheduled monitoring program. In non-cirrhotic patients, HCC has the same appearance as the classic image of cirrhotic HCC substrate. The presence of capsule, extensive intratumoral necrosis and typical behavior in the dynamic study after administration of intravenous contrast are present in most of the non-cirrhotic livers. In the presence of a suspicious lesion of HCC, we must assess the existence of underlying chronic liver disease. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and conventional magnetic resonance are imaging techniques that have a high specificity for the diagnosis of cirrhosis, but exhibit low sensitivity for diagnosis in the early stages of the disease. In recent years, new imaging methods are being developed to assess emerging liver fibrosis. In particular, in patients without chronic liver disease it is imperative to consider the differential diagnosis with other tumors that may settle in healthy livers with similar radiological characteristics as HCC. Therefore, in the presence of a lesion with pathognomonic radiological characteristics of HCC in the absence of cirrhosis, biopsy is required.

Cytokines are soluble extracellular small molecular weight protein or peptide. They are produced by virtually every nucleated cell type in response to injurious stimuli to control body metabolism, infection, inflammation and tissue or neuronal damage; therefore acting as messengers between tissues and the immune system; and participating in many physiological processes through their either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory characteristics. Many cytokines have multiple cellular sources and targets, as well as many natural inducers and inhibitors. In pathophysiological conditions and during the early phase of chronic liver diseases, agent like virus, bacteria, parasites, ethanol, or toxins, induce secretion of cytokines at high levels. The presence of cytokine antagonists and soluble cytokine receptors, often released in concert with their respective cytokine agonist, presents additional complexity to interpretation.

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses need a host cell to provide a milieu favorable to viral replication. Consequently, viruses often adopt mechanisms to subvert host cellular signaling processes. While beneficial for the viral replication cycle, virus-induced deregulation of host cellular signaling processes can be detrimental to host cell physiology and can lead to virus-associated pathogenesis, including, for oncogenic viruses, cell transformation and cancer progression. Included among these oncogenic viruses is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Despite the availability of an HBV vaccine, 350-500 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV, and a significant number of these chronically infected individuals will develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epidemiological studies indicate that chronic infection with HBV is the leading risk factor for the development of HCC. Globally, HCC is the second highest cause of cancer-associated deaths, underscoring the need for understanding mechanisms that regulate HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated HCC. HBV is the prototype member of the Hepadnaviridae family; members of this family of viruses have a narrow host range and predominately infect hepatocytes in their respective hosts. The extremely small and compact hepadnaviral genome, the unique arrangement of open reading frames, and a replication strategy utilizing reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate to generate the DNA genome are distinguishing features of the Hepadnaviridae. In this review, the authors provide a comprehensive description of HBV biology, summarize the model systems used for studying HBV infections, and highlight potential mechanisms that link a chronic HBV-infection to the development of HCC. For example, the HBV X protein (HBx), a key regulatory HBV protein that is important for HBV replication, is thought to play a cofactor role in the development of HBV-induced HCC, and the authors highlight the functions of HBx that may contribute to the development of HBV-associated HCC.

Systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been disappointing. The only drug approved by Food and Drug Administration recently has been sorafenib. Sorafenib has modest benefits with a low response rate and an improvement in time to progression of only 2-3 months. Multiple randomized trials, which compare the new agent to sorafenib as either first line or second line therapy, have been negative, showing no improved clinical benefit. Recently, in a large phase III randomized trial, regorafenib has shown superiority to placebo as a second line treatment for HCC. However, this drug has multiple side effects and is not well tolerated by many patients. The clinical benefit is also modest. Clearly, new approaches to treat advanced HCC are still needed. There is data showing that HCC is immunogenic and the immune system can be stimulated to attack these cancer cells. This article will briefly review immunotherapy as a promising treatment for HCC.

Over the past few years, despite improvement in screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), advanced stage remains the most common presentation at diagnosis, with limited management options, especially options available to patients in limited resource countries. There is currently no effective systemic chemotherapy, targeted, or immunologic therapy for advanced stage HCC. Sorafenib is the only approved front-line molecular-targeted treatment,with slight survival benefit. Regorafenib has recently been approved as second line therapy for HCC after failure of sorafenib. Ongoing research on molecular agents targeting different pathways, combination therapies, and immunotherapy, represent hope for new treatment modalities. This manuscript reviews current treatment, ongoing research, and potential future treatments for advanced HCC.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies that could develop at any level from the biliary tree. CCA is currently classified into intrahepatic (iCCA), perihilar and distal on the basis of its anatomical location. Of note, these three CCA subtypes have common features but also important inter-tumor and intra-tumor differences that can affect the pathogenesis and outcome. A unique feature of iCCA is that it recognizes as origin tissues, the hepatic parenchyma or large intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, which are furnished by two distinct stem cell niches, the canals of Hering and the peribiliary glands, respectively. The complexity of iCCA pathogenesis highlights the need of a multidisciplinary, translational and systemic approach to this malignancy. This review will focus on the advances of iCCA epidemiology, histo-morphology, risk factors, molecular pathogenesis, revealing the existence of multiple subsets of iCCA.

Hepatorenal syndrome is not an uncommon life-threatening complication arising from liver cirrhosis. The diagnostic criteria for this syndrome have been revised throughout the years, with recent revisions aimed at improving earlier diagnosis and treatment. Liver transplantation remains the only definitive treatment for hepatorenal syndrome. Due to the scarcity of liver grafts, many patients die waiting. This review focuses on the different strategies to bridge patients to liver transplantation and to improve the postoperative outcome.

Cytokines are soluble extracellular small molecular weight protein or peptide. They are produced by virtually every nucleated cell type in response to injurious stimuli to control body metabolism, infection, inflammation and tissue or neuronal damage; therefore acting as messengers between tissues and the immune system; and participating in many physiological processes through their either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory characteristics. Many cytokines have multiple cellular sources and targets, as well as many natural inducers and inhibitors. In pathophysiological conditions and during the early phase of chronic liver diseases, agent like virus, bacteria, parasites, ethanol, or toxins, induce secretion of cytokines at high levels. The presence of cytokine antagonists and soluble cytokine receptors, often released in concert with their respective cytokine agonist, presents additional complexity to interpretation.

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses need a host cell to provide a milieu favorable to viral replication. Consequently, viruses often adopt mechanisms to subvert host cellular signaling processes. While beneficial for the viral replication cycle, virus-induced deregulation of host cellular signaling processes can be detrimental to host cell physiology and can lead to virus-associated pathogenesis, including, for oncogenic viruses, cell transformation and cancer progression. Included among these oncogenic viruses is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Despite the availability of an HBV vaccine, 350-500 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV, and a significant number of these chronically infected individuals will develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epidemiological studies indicate that chronic infection with HBV is the leading risk factor for the development of HCC. Globally, HCC is the second highest cause of cancer-associated deaths, underscoring the need for understanding mechanisms that regulate HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated HCC. HBV is the prototype member of the Hepadnaviridae family; members of this family of viruses have a narrow host range and predominately infect hepatocytes in their respective hosts. The extremely small and compact hepadnaviral genome, the unique arrangement of open reading frames, and a replication strategy utilizing reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate to generate the DNA genome are distinguishing features of the Hepadnaviridae. In this review, the authors provide a comprehensive description of HBV biology, summarize the model systems used for studying HBV infections, and highlight potential mechanisms that link a chronic HBV-infection to the development of HCC. For example, the HBV X protein (HBx), a key regulatory HBV protein that is important for HBV replication, is thought to play a cofactor role in the development of HBV-induced HCC, and the authors highlight the functions of HBx that may contribute to the development of HBV-associated HCC.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the potential of detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated DNA markers, TP53 249T mutations and aberrant methylation of RASSF1A and GSTP1 genes, for monitoring HCC recurrence. HCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with one of the fastest growing incidence rates in the US. While treatment options are available and new ones emerging, there remains a poor prognosis of this disease mostly due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. Although there are no specific guidelines addressing how HCC recurrence should be monitored, recurrence is usually monitored by serum-alpha fetal protein and imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, early detection of recurrent HCC remains limited, particularly at the site of treated lesion.

Methods: Here, the authors followed 10 patients that were treated for a primary HCC, and monitored for months or years later. At these follow-up visits, urine was collected and tested retrospectively for 3 DNA biomarkers that associate with HCC development.

Results: This 10-patient study compared detection of urine DNA markers with MRI for monitoring HCC recurrence. Five patients were confirmed by MRI for recurrence, and all 5 had detectable DNA biomarkers up to 9 months before recurrence confirmation by MRI.

Conclusion: Overall, this suggests that detection of HCC-associated DNA markers in urine could provide a promising tool to complement detection of recurrent HCC by imaging.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two major challenges for HCC, the first being that early detection is generally not applicable, and secondly, it is usually fatal within several months after diagnosis. HCC is an inflammation-induced cancer. It is known that chronic inflammation leads to oxidative/nitrosative stress and lipid peroxidation, generating excess oxidative stress, together with aldehydes which can react with DNA bases to form promutagenic DNA adducts. In this review, the evidence between oxidative stress and liver carcinogenesis is summarized. We focused on the potential of using DNA adducts as oxidative stress biomarkers for liver carcinogenesis.

Aim: Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression has been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but few results are consistent. The objective of this study is to investigate “HCC tumor type specific” and “tumor common” miRNA panels.

Methods: The authors integrate and analyze clinical, etiologic and miRNA profiles data from 9 types of solid tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and HCC data from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC).

Results: Levels of 33 miRNAs were significant different between HCC tumor and paired non-tumor tissues (over 2-fold changes) after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, and most (28 miRNAs) were down-regulated in HCC tumors. Using this panel, the authors well classified HCC tumor tissues with 4 misclassifications among 48 paired tissues. Validating this panel in an additional 302 HCC tumor tissues, the authors almost perfectly distinguished tumor from non-tumor tissues with only two misclassifications (99% of HCC tissues correctly classified). Evaluating miRNA profiles in 32 independent HCC paired tissues from CUMC, the authors observed 40 miRNAs significantly deregulated in HCC with over 2-fold changes; 14 overlapped with those identified in TCGA. Subgroup analyses by HCC etiology found that 4 upregulated and 8 downregulated miRNAs were significantly associated with alcohol-related HCC. There were 7 and 4 miRNAs significantly associated with hepatitis B virus- and hepatitis C virus-related HCC, respectively. Data for the first time revealed that miR-24-1, miR-130a and miR-505 were significantly down-regulated only in HCC tumors; miR-142 and miR-455 were significantly down-regulated in HCC, but up-regulated in 5 other solid tumors; suggesting their HCC “tumor type specific” characteristics. A panel of 8 miRNAs was significant in at least 5 tumor types, including HCC, and was identified as “tumor common” marker.

Conclusion: The authors concluded that aberrant miRNA panels have HCC “tumor type specificity” and may be affected by etiologic factors.

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant form of primary liver cancer and is histologically and etiologically distinct from other forms of primary liver cancer. The objective of this study was to elucidate the synergistic effect and the role of chicory extract [inulin (IN)] as a chemo-sensitizer for cisplatin (CIS) treatment of HCC.

Methods: Five groups of rats were treated for 4 months. These groups consisted of the control group, a group receiving thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg b.w) in drinking water, a group injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of CIS (7.5 mg/kg b.w) in addition to TAA for 4 months, a group receiving oral doses of IN (10 mg/kg b.w) in addition to TAA for 4 months, a group injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of CIS (7.5 mg/kg b.w) and IN (10 mg/kg b.w) plus TAA for 4 months.

Results: The current data exhibited increment of serum and liver enzyme (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase) activity, serum lipid profile levels (total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein), and a significant increase in α-fetoprotein and bilirubin, accompanied with reduced total serum protein and albumin levels in a HCC rat model. Histopathologically, numerous alterations were detected in hepatic tissues of HCC rats, such as lymphocytic cell infiltration, damage of hepatocytes, dilated congested central vein with degenerated endothelial cells, and congested blood sinusoids in addition to Masson’s trichrome staining blue collagen fibers in hepatocytes and central vein indicating hepatic fibrosis. Treatment of HCC rats with CIS or IN improved such deleterious effects, where IN is more effective than cisplatin and the best effect can be observed in rats that received both cisplatin and IN.

Conclusion: It could be concluded that IN in chicory extract acts as a chemo-sensitizer to CIS for treatment in a HCC rat model.

Systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been disappointing. The only drug approved by Food and Drug Administration recently has been sorafenib. Sorafenib has modest benefits with a low response rate and an improvement in time to progression of only 2-3 months. Multiple randomized trials, which compare the new agent to sorafenib as either first line or second line therapy, have been negative, showing no improved clinical benefit. Recently, in a large phase III randomized trial, regorafenib has shown superiority to placebo as a second line treatment for HCC. However, this drug has multiple side effects and is not well tolerated by many patients. The clinical benefit is also modest. Clearly, new approaches to treat advanced HCC are still needed. There is data showing that HCC is immunogenic and the immune system can be stimulated to attack these cancer cells. This article will briefly review immunotherapy as a promising treatment for HCC.

Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In men, it is the fifth most common cancer and seventh most common in women; HCC is the second highest cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It is less prevalent in the USA and Northern Europe and more prevalent in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia. Over 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year - half of which occur in China - and result in roughly the same number of deaths per year. HCC significantly impairs quality of life and is associated with great costs to society. It is estimated that half of the deaths from HCC are associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Fortunately, HBV vaccination and antiviral therapy have shown excellent efficacy in decreasing the incidence of HCC. We will discuss the relationship of HBV to HCC, address available treatments for HBV and the impact of treatment on the development of HCC.

In Hong Kong, surgical resection is the core curative treatment for huge and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For tumors measuring 10 cm or above, major hepatectomy is usually required, but a future liver remnant not large enough will preclude the operation. Hypertrophy of future liver remnant is a way to render more patients operable, and measures include portal vein embolization and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy. For HCC that has invaded a major vessel, en bloc resection with immediate vessel reconstruction is necessary if thrombectomy would not suffice. In case of bilobar involvement, radiofrequency ablation is a useful adjuctive therapy. In the treatment of extrahepatic metastasis, metastasectomy offers a cure to properly selected patients.

Aim: The short and long term outcomes of patients who underwent emergency and interval hepatectomy for ruptured and resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were analysed.

Methods: The data of patients with ruptured HCC presenting between April 2004 and October 2015 were analysed. Emergency hepatectomy was defined as hepatectomy within 48 h of the clinico-radiological diagnosis of HCC rupture.

Results: Thirty patients underwent hepatectomy for ruptured HCC. Nine (30%) patients underwent emergency hepatectomy. The median age was 56 and 54 years (P = 0.13) with a similar gender distribution. The mean HCC size (10.5 vs. 8.3 cm, P = 0.17), total blood loss (3,000 vs. 850 mL, P = 0.002) and total units of red blood cell transfusion (1.9 vs. 0.5 units, P = 0.27) were greater in the emergency hepatectomy group. The complication rate was 44% and 38% (P = 0.53), with median length of hospital stay of 10 and 12 days (P = 0.07) in the emergency and interval hepatectomy groups, respectively, and no 30-day mortality in both groups. The median overall survival was 29 and 15.7 months (P = 0.25), with survival rates of 78%, 45%, 0% and 85%, 43% and 5% at 1, 3 and 5 years in the emergency and interval hepatectomy groups, respectively.

Conclusion: Hepatectomy should be considered for ruptured HCC provided the patient could tolerate curative resection.

The robotic surgical system was developed to overcome the disadvantages of conventional laparoscopic surgery. The use of robots in liver surgery was not well evaluated. This article aimed at reviewing robotic partial hepatectomy to conventional laparoscopic or open partial hepatectomy in terms of perioperative, oncologic, and healthcare costs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE and PubMed databases for articles from January 2004 to June 2017 using the keywords "laparoscopic hepatectomy", "robotic surgery", "robotic hepatectomy", and "hepatocellular carcinoma". Case reports were not included. The open conversion rate, overall morbidity rate, and mortality rate of robotic partial hepatectomy were reported as 0-14.3%, 0-27%, and 0-3%, respectively. Although little data regarding robotic approach for HCC have been reported, it appears to be better than open approach, particularly blood loss and hospital stay, and similar to conventional laparoscopic approach in terms of short term outcomes. The oncological outcomes were comparable to open or laparoscopic approach. Well-known advantages of the robotic system allow resection of tumor location over posterior and superior segments or major hepatectomy with more ease. The main disadvantage of robotic approach was its high cost. In conclusion, oncological data from homogenous series of HCC after robotic partial hepatectomy was needed. Robotic approach was safe to be an alternative option of minimally invasive hepatectomy for HCC. Its future implementation will depend on the advantages that it can provide over open or conventional laparoscopy approach.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in places where chronic hepatitis B infection is endemic. Oral nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy can reduce the risk of HCC, but cannot completely prevent its development. For HBV-related HCCs, viral inhibition by NAs can preserve or improve liver function, thereby increasing the chance of therapeutic intervention. After surgical resection, NAs can prevent reactivation of HBV, and also reduce the chance of de novo development of HCC in the remnant liver. For those who undergo liver transplantation, NAs are essential to prevent reactivation and graft hepatitis, but is not likely to prevent HCC recurrence, which is due to metastatic disease. The role of NAs for non-curable advanced HCC is less well defined. These include patients undergoing locoregional therapy, chemotherapy, or palliation. Although antiviral therapy can preserve liver function, which may be compromised by HBV, it is unable to prevent disease progression from HCC. At the time of HCC diagnosis, most patients will already be receiving NAs, and these patients should be maintained on therapy. For patients not on antiviral therapy at the time of HCC diagnosis, the decision to commence therapy is often determined by the stage of HCC and life expectancy. Patients undergoing curative therapy, or locoregional therapy/chemotherapy with reasonable life expectancy, should be commenced on antiviral therapy.