Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a key factor in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy response

Abstract

The conceptual evolution of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to what, since 2023, is called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) not only represents a change in the classification and definition of the disease but also reflects a broader understanding of this heterogeneous condition, which still with many aspects to refine. Although the definition of NAFLD can be interchanged to a high percentage with the new MASLD concept in different aspects, MASLD has been proposed as a relevant factor that influences the response to new immunotherapeutic treatments in the management of MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), compared to HCC of other etiologies. This indicates that the etiology of HCC plays a relevant role in the prognosis, highlighting the urgency of evaluating treatment regimens for this subgroup of patients in upcoming clinical trials. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of MASLD generates strategies that not only aid in its management but also provide strategies to directly intervene in the carcinogenesis of HCC.