Topic: Updates on Diagnosis and Clinical Management of HCC

Traditionally linked to HBV and HCV infection, alcohol-related diseases, and cirrhosis, the epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has markedly changed in the past two decades, reflecting an evolving scenario of etiologies and risk factors for severe hepatic diseases and cirrhosis. In the last decade, the development of cancer immunotherapy has brought a significant breakthrough in the treatment of advanced HCC. This breakthrough suggests potential roles in adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, which are expected to significantly influence future decision-making algorithms for HCC. Alongside these epidemiological shifts, the current clinical landscape is experiencing upheavals with reference to the selection of optimal diagnostic and treatment protocols for patients with HCC. Issues such as screening policies in general and at-risk populations, the role of inflammation and immunity, (bio)molecular diagnosis, radiologic imaging, combinations of radiologic and systemic treatments, adjuvant treatments, treatment sequences, combination treatments, and expansion of indications for liver transplantation are among the modern-day research areas.

The Special Issue “Updates on Diagnosis and Clinical Management of HCC” seeks to stimulate scientific interest in this area, contribute to the evolution of knowledge, and improve standards of care.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Etiology-specific risk of HCC;
2. HCC and MASLD;
3. The role of diabetes mellitus in HCC;
4. HCC in non-cirrhotic livers;
5. HCC biomarkers: AFP, PIVKA, SPIK;
6. The role of inflammation and immunity;
7. Standards of HCC diagnosis;
8. Novel radiologic tools for HCC diagnosis;
9. Diagnostic algorithms for HCC diagnosis;
10. Screening and prevention;
11. Advantages and pitfalls of existing staging systems;
12. Adjuvant treatments;
13. Treatment sequences;
14. Treatment combinations;
15. Treatment strategies beyond recommendations.

15 Jul 2024