Topic: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) (variably renamed to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease “MAFLD” and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease “MASLD”) describes the spectrum of hepatic lipotoxicity, starting from uncomplicated fatty liver, i.e., simple steatosis (NAFL), to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which, in a proportion of cases, can progress to advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

With an estimated incidence of > 1 million cases by 2025, liver cancer remains a significant global health challenge. HCC, the most common hepatic primary malignancy, carries a high lethality rate. A decline of chronic viral hepatitis paralleled by an increase in chronic liver disease due to metabolic dysfunction has resulted in an increased prevalence of (often non-cirrhotic) NAFLD-HCC/NASH-HCC in many areas of the world.

This evolving epidemiology calls for increased awareness of metabolic risk factors accruing the risks of HCC development and progression through complex mechanisms impacting immunity, inflammation, and cell biology.

Aiming to offer a comprehensive exploration of the latest research findings, clinical insights, and therapeutic advancements, this Special Issue attempts to shed light on all aspects of NAFLD-HCC, spanning from the epidemiological risk factors to clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, cellular and molecular pathogenic connections, and therapeutic interventions.

To this end, experts from diverse medical fields, including hepatology, oncology, radiology, ultrasonography, and molecular biology, are invited to contribute their original, review, and perspective articles to provide a holistic understanding of NAFLD-HCC, ultimately contributing to mitigating the burden of HCC specifically in the context of NAFLD/MAFLD, and MASLD.