Molecular aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for over 90% of primary liver cancer and is more prevalent in Africa, South East Asia and China. Epidemiological data indicate that the incidence of HCC in Western countries has been on the rise over the past two decades and it has been predicted that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future. On a global scale, HCC is the fifth most common malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Curative therapy for HCC is possible in less than 20% of patients, with the vast majority receiving only noncurative or palliative treatments. Conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy are of little value in extending patient survival. Clearly, more effective therapeutic approaches, informed by an understanding of tumor biology and progression, is required for the management of this devastating malignancy. © 2012 Bentham Science Publishers. All rights reserved.