HCC

Clinical knowledge base written and curated by GastroAGI Team from primary medical literatureLast updated September 1, 2026

Overview

Awareness saves lives. Early action matters.

What Comes After Atezolizumab–Bevacizumab in HCC: JHEP Reports | September 2026

Introduction: Immunotherapy-based combinations have transformed first-line treatment of unresectable HCC, but the optimal strategy after progression remains uncertain because no phase III trial has yet defined a standard second-line sequence after atezolizumab–bevacizumab. The French CHIEF/STRETCH...

EMERALD-3- STRIDE-Based Therapy Improves PFS in TACE-Eligible HCC: The Lancet | September 2026

Introduction: TACE remains a standard treatment for embolisation-eligible HCC, but recurrence and progression are common. Because TACE can enhance tumor antigen release and immune activation, combining it with systemic immunotherapy—and potentially antiangiogenic therapy—may improve disease...

Liver Resection After Atezo–Bev Improves Disease Control in Selected Advanced HCC (TALENTOP Trial): The Lancet | August 2026

Introduction: Systemic therapy has traditionally been the mainstay for HCC with macrovascular invasion. However, increasingly effective immunotherapy-based regimens can produce substantial tumor regression, raising an important question: should selected responders subsequently undergo curative-intent liver resection...

Atezolizumab–Bevacizumab in HCC - Real-World Benefit Extends Beyond Two Years: Hepatology | September 2026

Introduction: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo–Bev) transformed first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but long-term follow-up from the pivotal IMbrave150 trial was limited. The prospective Italian ARTE study provides important real-world evidence on long-term survival,...

Can Blood-Based Biomarkers Replace Ultrasound for HCC Surveillance?: Hepatology Communications | August 2026

Introduction: Current HCC surveillance relies on ultrasound with AFP every 6 months, but ultrasound has limited sensitivity in patients with obesity or steatosis and real-world adherence remains suboptimal. This cost-effectiveness analysis evaluated whether blood-based algorithms...

Integrating Portal Hypertension Into HCC Management: Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology | August 2026

Introduction: Cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are closely interconnected, yet clinical guidelines frequently approach portal hypertension and HCC as separate entities. This review proposes an integrated, stage-based framework combining the severity of underlying...

Proportion of Time Covered (PTC) is A Better Measure of HCC Surveillance Quality: Gut | August 2026

Introduction: Regular surveillance is essential for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients, increasing the likelihood of curative treatment. However, real-world adherence to surveillance remains suboptimal, and current methods for measuring adherence...

Methylation Plus AFP for Early HCC Detection: Hepatology Communications | July 2026

Introduction: Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is critical for improving access to curative therapies, yet current surveillance with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has suboptimal sensitivity, particularly in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease...

VETC Phenotype and Advanced HCC: JHEP Reports | July 2026

Introduction: Choosing the optimal first-line immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains challenging because reliable predictive biomarkers are lacking. This study evaluated whether the Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters (VETC) histological pattern could predict response to...

Liver Stiffness for HCC Risk in MASLD: Hepatology | July 2026

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the fastest-growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because a substantial proportion of MASLD-related HCC develops before cirrhosis, better tools are needed to identify high-risk patients who...

Durvalumab Plus Tremelimumab in Real-World HCC: JGH | May 2026

Introduction: The HIMALAYA trial established durvalumab plus tremelimumab (STRIDE) as a first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, many real-world patients do not meet the strict eligibility criteria of clinical trials. This multicenter study...

ALBI Grade and Sarcopenia in Unresectable HCC: IJG | July 2026

Introduction: Prognosis in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends not only on tumor burden but also on liver function and nutritional status. This study evaluated the prognostic value of ALBI grade, EZ-ALBI grade, and sarcopenia in...

HCC Surveillance Saves Lives: Frontline Gastroenterology | July 2026

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance enables earlier diagnosis and improves survival. This largest UK multicenter study evaluated how patients are diagnosed in routine clinical practice and identified major gaps in the surveillance pathway. Why was...

Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for HCC: The Lancet Regional Health | July 2026

Introduction: Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) using yttrium-90 (Y90) glass microspheres is an established locoregional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but guideline recommendations remain inconsistent. This large prospective multicenter study evaluated the real-world effectiveness, safety,...

Bleeding Risk with Immunotherapy in Advanced HCC: JHEP Reports | July 2026

Introduction: Atezolizumab–bevacizumab (A/B) and durvalumab–tremelimumab (STRIDE) are preferred first-line treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because bevacizumab inhibits VEGF, concerns remain regarding bleeding and thromboembolic complications in patients with underlying cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Why...

AGA Updates HCC Risk Stratification and Surveillance : Gastroenterology | Jun 2026

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Outcomes are substantially better when HCC is detected at an early stage, allowing access to potentially...

PRISM Study: Real-World Outcomes for Unresectable HCC: Liver Cancer | May 2026

PRISM is one of the largest prospective real-world studies evaluating systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in routine clinical practice across Japan. This analysis reports outcomes from the first 1,000 prospectively enrolled patients, providing important...

ICI Before Liver Transplant in HCC: irAEs Signal Rejection Risk: Gut | June 2026

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly used in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation, but post-transplant allograft rejection remains a major concern. This multicenter Chinese retrospective study evaluated 209 patients with HCC who received immune...

CRAFITY Score May Guide First-Line Therapy Selection in Unresectable HCC: Liver Cancer | June 2026

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab remains the most widely used first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, while lenvatinib continues to be an important alternative. This international multicenter study evaluated whether the CRAFITY score can help identify which...

PRISM Study: Real-World Outcomes of First-Line Systemic Therapy for Unresectable HCC: Liver Cancer | May 2026

ARTE Score Predicts Decompensation on Atezo-Bev : J Hepatol | May 2026

Introduction: Introduction: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo-Bev) is the standard first-line systemic therapy for many patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, treatment success depends not only on tumor control but also on preservation of liver...

Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy Matches Surgery in Early HCC : Hepatol Commun | June 2026

Introduction: Hepatocellular Carcinoma surgical resection remains a standard curative treatment for early-stage disease, but many patients are poor surgical candidates because of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, advanced age, or comorbidities. Carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT), an advanced particle...

Immune-Related Adverse Events Strongly Predict Post-Transplant Rejection After Pretransplant Immunotherapy in HCC : Gut | May 2026

Introduction Hepatocellular Carcinoma management increasingly incorporates Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for downstaging and bridging prior to Liver Transplantation. Although checkpoint inhibitors can successfully expand transplant eligibility and improve tumor control, they also create a major immunological...

Liver Transplantation Defines Long-Term Survival in HCC : Hepatol Commun | May 2026

Introduction Hepatocellular Carcinoma remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although curative-intent therapies such as liver transplantation, surgical resection and ablation can achieve durable disease control, long-term survival remains limited by tumor...

IMbrave050 Update Questions Adjuvant Atezo-Bev in HCC : J Hepatol | May 2026

Introduction Recurrence after curative-intent resection or ablation remains one of the greatest challenges in Hepatocellular Carcinoma management, with early relapse rates remaining high even after apparently successful treatment. Following the landmark IMbrave150 study, the combination...

EBRT Achieves Competitive Survival in Early HCC : J Clin Oncol | May 2026

Introduction External Beam Radiation Therapy has historically played a limited role in the management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma because of concerns regarding radiation-induced liver injury and limited survival data. However, advances in image guidance, stereotactic body...

Precision Genomics in Refractory PLC : J Hepatol | May 2026

Introduction Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma and rare primary liver cancers remain therapeutically challenging after progression on standard systemic therapy. Conventional targeted next-generation sequencing panels identify actionable alterations in only a minority of patients, particularly outside...

Liver Function Dominates Risk Prediction After HCC Locoregional Therapy : Liver Transpl | May 2026

Introduction Locoregional therapy (LRT) remains a cornerstone treatment strategy for patients with early- and intermediate-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Although procedures such as transarterial chemoembolization and ablative therapies are routinely performed, post-procedural hepatic decompensation remains a major...

Multinational EBRT Data Support Curative-Intent Role in Early HCC : J Clin Oncol | May 2026

Introduction External Beam Radiation Therapy has historically played a limited role in the management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma because of concerns regarding hepatic toxicity and limited survival data. However, advances in stereotactic body radiation therapy, image...

Sintilimab–Lenvatinib Enables Conversion Surgery in Advanced HCC : Signal Transduct Target Ther | May 2026

Introduction Most patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma present with advanced unresectable disease, limiting curative-intent treatment opportunities. Although systemic therapy remains the standard for advanced-stage HCC, modern immunotherapy-based combinations have raised the possibility of “conversion therapy,” where...

Real-World STRIDE Validates Survival Benefit in Advanced HCC : JHEP Report | Mar 2026

Introduction Durvalumab plus Tremelimumab (STRIDE regimen) has emerged as a first-line immunotherapy option for unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma following the pivotal HIMALAYA trial. However, real-world evidence regarding efficacy, safety and applicability in patients outside strict clinical...

FAP CAR-T Therapy Emerges as a Novel Antifibrotic Strategy in Liver Disease : JHEP Report | May 2026

Introduction Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy has revolutionized hematologic oncology and is increasingly being explored beyond cancer. In chronic liver disease, progressive fibrosis driven by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remains a central pathogenic mechanism...

Propranolol Adds No Benefit to Band Ligation in HCC-Related Variceal Bleeding | Gut

Introduction Secondary prevention of oesophageal variceal bleeding traditionally relies on combination therapy with non-selective beta-blockers and endoscopic band ligation in patients with cirrhosis. However, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represent a distinct high-risk population with...

Biomarkers in HCC Surveillance: Gastroenterology | May 2026

Introduction and Summary This commentary discusses the role of serum biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, particularly after a randomised trial by Hirode et al. evaluated whether adding AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP to routine ultrasound improves...

AGA Guidelines on HCC Surveillance: Gastroenterology | May 2026

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Despite advances in treatment, outcomes are largely determined by stage at diagnosis, making surveillance critical. Current strategies rely on ultrasound...

HCC with PVTT: Liver Cancer | April 2026

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus represents one of the most aggressive forms of liver cancer, associated with poor prognosis and limited survival. Standard treatment relies on systemic therapy, including targeted agents and...

Nutrition in MASLD: Frontline Gastroenterology | 2026

Introduction Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and closely parallels the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modification remains the first-line, evidence-based treatment,...

Adjuvant Immunotherapy in HCC: JGH | March 2026

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a major global cancer burden, with high recurrence rates even after curative therapies such as resection or ablation. Historically, effective adjuvant treatments have been lacking, and surveillance has been the standard...

Bridging the Gap in HCC Care: CGH | April 2026

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) outcomes are critically dependent on stage at diagnosis, with early-stage disease offering opportunities for curative therapies such as resection, ablation, or transplantation. Despite advances in imaging, surveillance strategies, and treatment modalities,...

Fibrolamellar Carcinoma: Hepatology | March 2026

Introduction Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare and biologically distinct primary liver cancer that predominantly affects adolescents and young adults without cirrhosis or other chronic liver disease. Unlike conventional hepatocellular carcinoma, FLC usually presents with...

Microbial Metabolism follwoing TACE: Journal of Hepatology | April 2026

Introduction Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains one of the most important treatments for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, but its clinical benefit is often limited by post-procedural liver injury. Traditionally, this injury has been attributed mainly to ischemia...

BCLC Classification and AI-Based Image Quantification in HCC: Journal of Hepatology | March 2026

Introduction The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification has remained the cornerstone for staging, prognosis, and treatment allocation in hepatocellular carcinoma for more than two decades. Its strength lies in its simplicity and clinical applicability,...

Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion Reduces HCC Recurrence After LT: JHEP March 2026

Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation occurs in 15–20% of patients and remains a major determinant of post-transplant survival. This international matched cohort study evaluated whether hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) of donor...

Biomarkers + USG and HCC Detection: Gastroenterology | March 2026

Introduction: The Biomarkers Used for HCC Surveillance Ultrasound (US) is the backbone of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance, but its sensitivity for early-stage HCC is imperfect. Blood-based biomarkers are attractive adjuncts because they are easy to...

AFP Thresholds for HCC Screening: Gastroenterology | March 2026

Introduction Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) remains the most widely used biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance. Although AFP alone is insufficient for screening, its combination with ultrasound improves early HCC detection. However, the optimal AFP cutoff remains...

Ancestry-Linked Genomic Signatures in HCC and cHCC–CCA - ESMO Open, Feb. 2026

This landmark genomic analysis presents one of the largest real-world datasets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC–CCA), encompassing 2,372 HCC and 150 mixed histology cases profiled using clinical-grade next-generation sequencing (FoundationOne platform). What...

CHANCE2202 for HCC- eClinicalMedicine Feb. 2026

The CHANCE2202 study evaluated whether combining TACE with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) plus VEGF inhibitors or TKIs improves outcomes compared to TACE alone in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using a rigorous target trial emulation framework,...

Real-World Evidence Favours Immunotherapy Over Lenvatinib in Advanced HCC- Hepatology Feb.26

Immune checkpoint inhibitor–based regimens have become central to the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but comparative effectiveness against tyrosine kinase inhibitors in real-world practice remains an important clinical question. This study used a target...

SBRT for Extensive Macrovascular Invasion in HCC- J Hepatol Feb.26

Macrovascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly involving the hepatic veins, inferior vena cava, or right atrium, is associated with extremely poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Systemic therapy is the standard of care,...

Neoadjuvant Nivolumab–Ipilimumab in Resectable HCC- J Hepatol Feb.26

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their role in potentially resectable disease remains under active investigation. This single-arm study evaluated nivolumab plus ipilimumab as neoadjuvant therapy, followed by...

Lenvatinib After Atezolizumab–Bevacizumab Failure in Advanced HCC- J Hepatol Feb.26

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is the established first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, most patients eventually progress, and the optimal second-line therapy after atezo-bev failure remains uncertain, with limited prospective data to guide clinical...

HBV Reactivation Risk With ICIs vs TKIs in Liver Cancer

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a recognized risk during systemic therapy for liver cancer, particularly in high-endemic regions where HBV is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The comparison of HBV reactivation risk...

CARES-009 phase 2/3 trial

The CARES-009 phase 2/3 trial investigated the efficacy of perioperative camrelizumab plus rivoceranib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at intermediate or high risk of relapse. The trial aimed to determine whether combining immunotherapy and...

Recurrent HCC followingTACE

Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is a significant clinical challenge. TACE is widely used as a treatment modality for HCC, particularly for patients with intermediate-stage disease or as an adjuvant therapy after...

Nutrition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma - J of JGH - Jan,26

The topic of nutrition in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly relevant and extensively studied due to the profound impact of malnutrition on patient outcomes. While I cannot access specific articles such as "Nutrition in Hepatocellular...

Engineered T-Cell Therapy and HCC - J of Hepatology. Jan 26

Engineered T-cell therapy is a precision immunotherapy approach designed to treat cancer by modifying a patient's T cells to enhance their ability to target and destroy cancer cells. This therapy involves genetic engineering of T...

Serum N-Glycomics analysis and HBV - Hepatology Jan.2026

Serum N-glycomics analysis refers to the study of N-linked glycans (complex sugar molecules attached to proteins) present in serum. This analytical approach focuses on profiling and identifying specific glycan structures that may be associated with...

HCC risk in PSC (Hepatology Jan. 26)

Introduction: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease that can lead to complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the actual risk of developing HCC in PSC patients has been unclear, leading to questions...

MASLD and HCC

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are closely interconnected, with MASLD emerging as a significant risk factor and contributor to the development of HCC. Below is a detailed explanation of MASLD...

AHCTF1 Promotes Tumor Progression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Yes, AHCTF1 plays a significant role in promoting tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Below is a detailed explanation of how AHCTF1 contributes to HCC progression based on the provided context: Upregulation of AHCTF1 in...

Liver Decompensation With Atezolizumab–Bevacizumab in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The study on atezolizumab–bevacizumab treatment for advanced or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provides valuable insights into liver decompensation as a key clinical consideration. Below is a detailed analysis of liver decompensation in this context: Incidence...

Perioperative nursing coordination and complication management in Yttrium-90 radioactive microsphere therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Perioperative nursing coordination and complication management in Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioactive microsphere therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly structured and multidisciplinary process aimed at ensuring patient safety, optimizing treatment outcomes, and minimizing complications. Y-90...

HCC surveillance: minimum standards

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is crucial for early detection and improved survival rates, particularly in at-risk populations such as those with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. To ensure effective surveillance, minimum standards have been established...

Therapeutic targets of SphK1 and SphK2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

SphK1 and SphK2 are critical therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to their involvement in tumor progression, survival, and resistance mechanisms. Below is a detailed overview of their therapeutic implications: 1. SphK1 as a...

Key Differences in Y90 vs. SBRT Dosing in HCC

Role of Radiotherapy in HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Radiotherapy plays a critical role in treating HCC, particularly for patients who are not candidates for surgery or liver transplantation. It aims to deliver targeted radiation to destroy...

Chemoprevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refers to the use of medications, vaccines, or supplements to prevent or delay the development of HCC, particularly in individuals at high risk due to chronic liver disease (CLD). This...

Phosphatidylethanol Testing in Clinical Practice for the Identification of MASLD Subtypes

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) testing is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in clinical practice for distinguishing subtypes of steatotic liver disease (SLD), particularly in the context of the updated 2023 nomenclature. Accurate identification of SLD subtypes...

GUIDANCE001 study

The GUIDANCE001 study appears to be a research initiative focused on evaluating the efficacy and safety of combining transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of...

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Classification Systems

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is closely linked to chronic liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, previously referred to...

Benign liver masses - Management strategies

Management strategies for benign liver masses depend on the type of lesion, its size, symptoms, and associated risks (e.g., bleeding, malignant transformation). Below is a detailed overview of the management approaches for the most common...