Molecular Genetics and Genomics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of liver cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and hence typically has a poor prognosis. The advances in high-throughput “omics” technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) parallel to the availability of high-density microarrays and next-generation sequencing technologies feature important advances in understanding of the complex biological processes underlying tumorigenesis and metastasis of HCC, and uncovering promising biomarkers with clinical potential. Ultimately, the trend will be toward a personalized medicine that will improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of primary liver cancer. In this chapter, we present an overview of most up-todate developments regarding these approaches toward an understanding of molecular mechanisms of HCC and for the development of novel biomarkers and cancer therapeutics targets.