Quick Reference
Overview and Recommendations
Background
- •Recognize that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related death, with the majority of cases occurring in the setting of underlying . While viral hepatitis remains the most prevalent risk factor, MASLD is the fastest-growing etiology and is notable for its ability to cause HCC in non-cirrhotic livers, particularly in patients with and obesity.
- •Understand the molecular drivers of hepatocarcinogenesis, which include chronic inflammatory stress, oxidative damage, and specific genetic alterations. The most frequent early event is a mutation in the TERT promoter, which facilitates telomere maintenance and cellular immortality, followed by mutations in TP53 (found in ~27% of cases) and activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
- •Identify high-risk populations requiring surveillance, specifically all patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A or B) and certain non-cirrhotic HBV carriers (e.g., Asian males >40, Asian females >50, or those with a family history of HCC). In these groups, the annual incidence of HCC exceeds the 0.2% to 1.5% threshold where surveillance becomes cost-effective.
- •Note the impact of viral integration in HBV-related disease, where the virus can integrate into the host genome to drive malignancy even in the absence of advanced fibrosis. Low-level viremia (HBV DNA 20–2000 IU/mL) independently predicts poor outcomes, suggesting that viral suppression is critical for cancer prevention.
- •Consider the role of the gut-liver axis and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in disease progression. The TME in HCC is profoundly immunosuppressive, characterized by the recruitment of M2-polarized macrophages and the exhaustion of CD8+ T cells, which provides the rationale for modern immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies.
Evaluation
- •Suspect HCC in any patient with known or chronic HBV who presents with new-onset hepatic decompensation, such as worsening , jaundice, or . Unexplained weight loss or right upper quadrant pain should also prompt immediate investigation.
- •Initiate surveillance with biannual (every 6 months) abdominal (US) combined with serum (AFP) levels. While US is the standard, its sensitivity is limited in patients with high BMI or advanced macronodular cirrhosis; in such cases, consider abbreviated MRI protocols.
- •Interpret AFP levels with caution; while a threshold of AFP >20 ng/mL is often used for screening, a level >100 ng/mL is highly suggestive of malignancy in high-risk individuals. Note that approximately 30-40% of HCCs are non-secretory and will present with normal AFP levels.
- •Order multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT or MRI (the preferred modality) if a screening US identifies a nodule ≥10 mm or if the AFP is rising. The imaging must include late arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases to capture the characteristic vascular signatures of HCC.
- •Apply the LI-RADS (Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System) criteria to standardize diagnosis. A lesion is classified as LR-5 (definitely HCC) if it demonstrates arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) plus one or more of the following: non-peripheral washout, an enhancing capsule, or threshold growth (≥50% increase in size within 6 months).
- •Differentiate HCC from other malignancies using the LR-M category. Lesions that appear malignant but lack the specific hallmarks of HCC (e.g., rim enhancement or targetoid appearance) may represent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or combined HCC-cholangiocarcinoma and typically require biopsy.
- •Utilize the GALAD score (Gender, Age, AFP-L3, AFP, DCP) or the GAAD algorithm (Gender, Age, AFP, DCP) to refine risk stratification, especially in MASLD patients where ultrasound sensitivity is poor. Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is particularly useful as it reflects abnormal prothrombin production by malignant cells.
- •Assess liver functional reserve objectively using the Child-Pugh score and the ALBI (Albumin-Bilirubin) grade. The ALBI grade is calculated as (log10 bilirubin [µmol/L] × 0.66) + (albumin [g/L] × -0.085) and provides a more granular assessment of liver reserve than Child-Pugh, which relies on subjective measures like ascites.
- •Evaluate for macrovascular invasion (MVI) and extrahepatic spread. Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a critical prognostic factor that shifts the patient to an advanced stage (BCLC C) and usually precludes curative-intent surgery.
- •Rule out other causes of elevated AFP, including acute viral hepatitis flares or germ cell tumors, by correlating with liver enzymes and clinical history. If the diagnosis remains uncertain after high-quality imaging (LR-3 or LR-4), discuss the case in a multidisciplinary tumor board to decide between short-interval follow-up (3 months) or percutaneous biopsy.
- •Perform a baseline upper endoscopy to screen for in all patients being considered for systemic therapy with bevacizumab, as this agent increases the risk of variceal hemorrhage.
- •Obtain a chest CT and bone scan (or PET/CT in selected cases) if the primary liver lesion is large or if the patient is being considered for to ensure no extrahepatic disease is present.
Management
- •Adopt the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system to guide treatment. Patients with BCLC 0 (very early) or A (early) are candidates for curative therapies, while BCLC B (intermediate) and C (advanced) require locoregional or systemic interventions.
- •Perform surgical resection for patients with a single tumor of any size, preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A), and no clinically significant portal (hepatic venous pressure gradient <10 mmHg). Aim for anatomical resection to eliminate potential micrometastases within the portal territory.
- •Refer for if the patient meets the Milan criteria (one lesion ≤5 cm or up to three lesions each ≤3 cm) and has decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B/C). Transplantation is the only therapy that treats both the tumor and the underlying pre-malignant cirrhotic environment.
- •Utilize thermal ablation, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA), for BCLC 0 or A patients who are not surgical candidates. Ablation is highly effective for tumors ≤3 cm, though resection generally offers superior long-term recurrence-free survival.
- •Administer Atezolizumab 1200 mg IV plus Bevacizumab 15 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks as the first-line systemic therapy for unresectable HCC (BCLC C or TACE-refractory BCLC B). This combination has demonstrated superior overall survival compared to sorafenib.
- •Consider Durvalumab 1500 mg plus a single priming dose of Tremelimumab 300 mg (the STRIDE regimen) as an alternative first-line therapy, particularly in patients with a high risk of bleeding or contraindications to anti-angiogenic agents like bevacizumab.
- •Prescribe Lenvatinib as first-line monotherapy for patients who cannot receive immunotherapy. The dose is weight-based: 12 mg daily for patients ≥60 kg and 8 mg daily for those <60 kg. Monitor closely for hypertension and proteinuria.
- •Employ transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for intermediate-stage (BCLC B) patients with multinodular disease and preserved liver function. TACE should be avoided in patients with portal vein thrombosis or Child-Pugh C cirrhosis due to the risk of hepatic infarction.
- •Implement Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) as a bridging therapy for patients on the transplant waitlist or as a curative-intent option for small lesions (≤5 cm) in locations difficult to reach by ablation. A common dose is 40–50 Gy in 5 fractions.
- •Manage portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) with systemic therapy or, in selected cases, a combination of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy (HAIC) and radiotherapy. HAIC using the FOLFOX regimen has shown high response rates in locally advanced disease.
- •Monitor for treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) with immunotherapy, including immune-mediated hepatitis, colitis, and pneumonitis. If grade 3/4 toxicity occurs, hold the ICI and initiate high-dose corticosteroids (prednisone 1–2 mg/kg/day).
- •Avoid the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients who have recently undergone liver transplantation, as there is a high risk of acute T cell-mediated allograft rejection and graft failure.
- •Achieve viral suppression in all patients with HBV-related HCC using tenofovir or entecavir, and treat HCV-related HCC with direct-acting antivirals (e.g., Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir 400/100 mg daily) after achieving local tumor control to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- •Provide aggressive palliative care for BCLC D (terminal) patients, focusing on symptom management for ascites (diuretics or paracentesis), encephalopathy (lactulose/rifaximin), and pain. Median survival in this group is typically <3 months.
- •Schedule follow-up imaging every 3–6 months post-treatment to monitor for recurrence. Recurrence rates after resection are high (~70% at 5 years), often requiring salvage transplantation or repeat locoregional therapy.
Board Review — High Yield
- •Arterial Phase Hyperenhancement (APHE) — The classic imaging hallmark of HCC, reflecting the recruitment of unpaired arteries during hepatocarcinogenesis.
- •Milan Criteria — Defines transplant eligibility: 1 lesion ≤5 cm or up to 3 lesions each ≤3 cm, with no vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread.
- •Aflatoxin B1 — A potent carcinogen from Aspergillus fungi that causes a specific R249S mutation in the TP53 gene, common in sub-Saharan Africa and China.
- •LI-RADS 5 — A standardized imaging category that is 100% specific for HCC in high-risk patients, making biopsy unnecessary for diagnosis.
- •TERT Promoter Mutation — The most common genetic alteration in HCC, occurring early in the transition from dysplastic nodule to malignancy.
- •Fibrolamellar HCC — A rare variant occurring in young patients without cirrhosis, characterized by a DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion and a central stellate scar.
- •Heat-Sink Effect — The phenomenon where blood flow in large adjacent vessels carries away thermal energy, reducing the efficacy of RFA for perivascular tumors.
- •Sustained Virological Response (SVR) — Eradication of HCV reduces but does not eliminate HCC risk, necessitating continued surveillance in patients with advanced fibrosis.
Deep Dive — Evidence Details
References
- [1]
Lee SY, Shin HD. “Meta-Analysis of Genetic Variants Associated With HBV Infection Susceptibility and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk.” Journal of viral hepatitis (2026). PMID: 41937404 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [2]
Yu W, Zhang J, Xia Q. “The clinical utility of serum prealbumin levels as a prognostic marker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: a meta-analysis of 2,996 patients.” Frontiers in oncology (2026). PMID: 41907645 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [3]
Herrero JI, Agüero F, Manzardo C et al.. “De Novo Cancer in Liver Transplant Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Multicenter Nationwide Cohort Study.” Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (2026). PMID: 41989878 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [4]
Brandl M, Nurmatov Z, Sattarova G et al.. “Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma attributable to hepatitis B and C in Kyrgyzstan, 2019-2024: a prospective and retrospective study.” The Lancet regional health. Europe (2026). PMID: 41971035 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [5]
Lei J, Ma H, Chen X et al.. “Low-level HBV viremia independently predicts poor outcomes in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma receiving systemic therapy: a multicenter retrospective study.” Therapeutic advances in medical oncology (2026). PMID: 41970939 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [6]
Wang Y, Li Y, Yu Y et al.. “Long-term Dynamic Virological Response Patterns and Clinical Outcomes in Hepatitis B Virus-related Cirrhosis: A Real-world 10-year Cohort Study.” Journal of clinical and translational hepatology (2026). PMID: 41970187 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [7]
Kornerup LS, Kraglund F, Vilstrup H et al.. “Risk and prognosis of HCC in patients with thyroid disease: A nationwide cohort study.” Hepatology communications (2025). PMID: 41961637 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [8]
Ji J, Zhang Y, Yan L et al.. “Tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with PD-1 inhibitors reduce peritoneal metastasis risk for patients with ruptured HCC receiving TACE/TAE: a multicenter retrospective study.” World journal of surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41957798 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [9]
Al-Shuaili HH, Al-Busafi SA, Al Busafi SS et al.. “Impact of Hepatitis B Exposure and/or HIV Co-Infection on Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients in Oman: An Ambidirectional Cohort Study.” Journal of medical virology (2026). PMID: 41949324 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors, Surveillance and Early Detection, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [10]
Kakizaki S, Ikegami T, Hatanaka T et al.. “Long-Term Outcomes of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus-Related Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study.” Hepatology research : the official journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology (2026). PMID: 41918474 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [11]
Dai Z, Wong KT, Chow E et al.. “Mass hepatitis C virus screening among persons in custody in Hong Kong: a modelling cost-effectiveness analysis based on a prospective cohort study.” The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific (2026). PMID: 41909163 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [12]
Zhang R, Zong D, Liu R et al.. “TRMT6-Mediated m1A Modification of CDK9 mRNA Is a Dual-Pronged Pathogenic Driver for HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) (2026). PMID: 42003777 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [13]
Asero C, Franzè MS, Maltese T et al.. “From Cure to Complexity: Post-SVR Liver and Metabolic Trajectories in Diabetic Patients.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41999061 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [14]
Ran C, Gao X, Zhou Y et al.. “Critical role of interleukin-33 in pathogenesis and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.” Frontiers in medicine (2026). PMID: 41987776 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [15]
Carboni G, Concatto NH, Vanceta R et al.. “MRI risk stratification in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): from diffuse liver disease to focal lesions.” Abdominal radiology (New York) (2026). PMID: 41986476 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [16]
Mitten EK, Portincasa P, Baffy G. “Risk Assessment and Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Noncirrhotic Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.” International journal of molecular sciences (2026). PMID: 41977422 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors, Surveillance and Early Detection - [17]
Hefner M, Hia RA, Nguyen T et al.. “Reproducibility and Sex Differences in a STZ-High-Fat Diet Model of MASLD and Early Hepatocarcinogenesis.” International journal of molecular sciences (2026). PMID: 41977383 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [18]
Karachaliou GS, Perkins AM, Dorn C et al.. “Association of Statin Use with Reduced Primary Liver Cancer Risk, Independent of Age and Cirrhosis Protection in MASLD.” Cancers (2026). PMID: 41976355 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [19]
Choi J, Mitchell G, Nguyen VH et al.. “GLP-1RA plus SGLT2i combination therapy and liver fibrosis progression in MASLD with type 2 diabetes.” Hepatology communications (2026). PMID: 41974037 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [20]
Kim D, Woo BH, Kim SH et al.. “Molecular insights into CRIP1 as an immunometabolic regulator revealed by CRIP1 knockout and single-cell transcriptomics.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41972184 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [21]
Yu Z, Gunalan SZ, Tang NSY et al.. “Dynamic Risk Modelling of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41968538 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors, Surveillance and Early Detection, Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [22]
Zou J, Dai Y, Yu Y et al.. “Integrated analysis of network pharmacology and multi-omics reveals the mechanisms of Zuogui Jiangtang Qinggan formula ameliorates MASLD via fatty acid metabolic reprogramming.” Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2026). PMID: 41962267 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [23]
Kozlitina J, Romeo S, Hobbs HH. “Genetic risk of steatotic liver disease: Pathogenesis, prognosis, and implications for treatment.” Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (2026). PMID: 41962050 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [24]
Li T, Chen H, Zhao P et al.. “A tale of dual role: HECT‑type E3 ubiquitin ligase mechanisms in liver diseases (Review).” International journal of molecular medicine (2026). PMID: 41952501 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [25]
Van Renne N, Ballet F, Van Hees S et al.. “A liver gene signature links liver cancer risk in chronic viral hepatitis to intrahepatic IgA plasma cells.” JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology (2026). PMID: 41951276 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [26]
Lin Q, Miao G, Wang L et al.. “Clinical and MRI features for differentiating reactive lymphoid hyperplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic chronic HBV patients.” European journal of radiology (2026). PMID: 41950865 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [27]
Yuan J, He J, Liu W et al.. “Hepatitis C virus core promotes hepatic cancer stem cell formation via β-catenin-mediated EpCAM upregulation.” Microbiology spectrum (2026). PMID: 41949305 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [28]
Martini A, Iavarone M, D'Ambrosio R et al.. “Impact of Hepatocellular Carcinoma on the risk of liver decompensation: a comparative analysis of patients with and without HCC: Role of HCC in liver decompensation.” JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology (2026). PMID: 41942035 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [29]
Lin L, Yang S, Zhang J et al.. “GPX2+ tumor cells recruit LGALS1+ B cells via CCL26-CCR3 axis to promote immunosuppression and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41939890 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [30]
Hu Z, Tian D, Yang Z et al.. “The mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists in liver diseases: their multifaceted impact on immune response and metabolic regulation.” Frontiers in pharmacology (2026). PMID: 41939830 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Epidemiology and Global Risk Factors - [31]
Li YX, Wang RY, Hao YL. “Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) following atezolizumab and bevacizumab treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.” Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology (2025). PMID: 41405648 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [32]
Liava C, Venkatesh S, Torbenson MS et al.. “A Clinical Guidance for the Management of Patients With Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma and A Case Series.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41641648 ↗
L4CASE_REPORTCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [33]
Haennel Y, Baumert TF, Lupberger J. “Hepatitis D Virus Pathogenesis: A Sense of Complications.” Viruses (2026). PMID: 41902186 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics, Surveillance and Early Detection, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [34]
Lin YC, Li WY, Chen YA. “GNMT and Its Regulatory MicroRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” International journal of molecular sciences (2026). PMID: 41828318 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [35]
Alawi MMK, Raahim M, Kumar M et al.. “Therapeutic Potential of Silver Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Clinical Perspectives.” International journal of nanomedicine (2026). PMID: 41822854 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [36]
Chen Q, Feng X, Wang J et al.. “Impact of gut microbiota on hepatocellular carcinoma: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic prospective.” European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) (2026). PMID: 41785672 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [37]
Xiong S, Hu L, Sun YY et al.. “RNA splicing dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma: Molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and intervention strategies-A comprehensive review.” Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2026). PMID: 41570787 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [38]
Lopes XGDCF, Silva Júnior RRD, Fernandes FL et al.. “Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in Hcv Infection and Human HCC.” International journal of molecular sciences (2025). PMID: 41465470 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [39]
Krishnan A, Kadakia KC, Rudnick SR et al.. “Modern Diets, Metabolic Inequity, and Race-Ethnic Disparities: Unraveling the Associations With MASLD and Cancer Risk.” Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2026). PMID: 41435869 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [40]
Belmer A, Luci C, Gual P. “Role of central and peripheral serotonin in liver physiology and diseases.” Theranostics (2026). PMID: 41424854 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [41]
Ştefan AG, Mitrea A, Clenciu D et al.. “MASH in Type 2 Diabetes: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Management-A Narrative Review.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (2026). PMID: 41752724 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [42]
Machado MV. “Hepatocellular Carcinoma Around the Clock.” Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) (2026). PMID: 41590352 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [43]
Zhou F, Chen T, Tan X et al.. “G2E3 Suppresses the Tumor-Killing Function of CD8+ T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Boosting CLCN2 Ubiquitination.” FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (2026). PMID: 41999244 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [44]
Sabeel Z, Chen R, Liu Y et al.. “Preclinical Evaluation of Triptophenolide-Induced Apoptosis in Hepatoblastoma (HepG2) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HuH7) Cell Lines.” International journal of molecular sciences (2026). PMID: 41977432 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [45]
Ma S, Li Y, Fei T. “Functional CRISPR Screens Define Genetic Drivers for Cancer Transformation and Progression from Non-Cancerous Cells.” International journal of molecular sciences (2026). PMID: 41977403 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [46]
Lin KH, Lin YJ, Hong YB et al.. “Glutamic Acid-Chelated Cobalt Stabilizes G-Quadruplexes and Selectively Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth.” Oncology research (2026). PMID: 41930173 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [47]
Hu M, Zhang N, Wang YQ et al.. “GNPAT promotes immunosuppression in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the plasmalogen-PPARγ pathway to drive M2 macrophage polarization.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41816340 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [48]
Zhang S, Zhao Y, Geng L et al.. “DNASE1L3 Mediates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Growth and Organoid Models via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway.” Oncology research (2026). PMID: 41799507 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [49]
Xiang X, Zhu J, Jiang J et al.. “Unique gut microbiota and metabolomic profiling as biomarker of post-transplant recovery in acute-on-chronic liver failure after liver transplantation.” Applied microbiology and biotechnology (2026). PMID: 41776098 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics, Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [50]
Gu X, Zhou H, Chen W et al.. “YTHDF1-mediated RNA m1A methylation promotes malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating LRP5/Wnt-β-catenin axis.” Cancer letters (2026). PMID: 41740302 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [51]
Wu YH, Tseng YF, Yang YJ et al.. “Synchronous two-nodule hepatocellular carcinoma without satellite nodules is associated with better survival outcomes compared with satellite-nodule hepatocellular carcinoma.” Journal of clinical pathology (2026). PMID: 41708315 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics, Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [52]
Zhang MY, Sun RQ, Min Q et al.. “Synergistic antitumor effect of oroxylin A and donafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma through tumor protein p53 signaling pathway activation.” World journal of gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41695286 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [53]
Stenbäck JB, Ringlander J, Andersson M et al.. “Novel Long-Read Sequencing Method for Characterisation of Hepatitis B Transcripts Show High Expression of Chimeric HBV/Human RNA.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41684309 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [54]
Yao Y, Song D, Li M et al.. “Integrated Single-Cell and Bulk Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Prognostic Significance and Immune Regulatory Mechanisms of Sialylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (2026). PMID: 41661103 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [55]
Cheng CC, Yeh HZ, Sie ZL et al.. “Radiotherapy enhances M1 macrophage immunogenic activity through IFNs induction and stimulation in TP53-wild type tumors.” Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII (2026). PMID: 41653234 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Molecular Pathogenesis and Genetics - [56]
Akkus E, Yaşar HA. “Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Adjuvant Treatment Versus Surveillance in Curatively Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2026). PMID: 41827017 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [57]
Hirode G, Zangneh HF, Cerocchi O et al.. “Utility of Serum Biomarkers in Addition to Ultrasound for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41556856 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria, Staging and Prognostication Systems, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [58]
Hsiehchen D, Singal AG. “Hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical trials to watch.” Med (New York, N.Y.) (2026). PMID: 41831431 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Staging and Prognostication Systems - [59]
Park HJ, Choi J, Kim DW et al.. “Abbreviated gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI versus ultrasonography for HCC surveillance in high-risk patients: A randomized trial protocol.” Hepatology communications (2025). PMID: 41481895 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Staging and Prognostication Systems, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [60]
Elsaid MI, Loomans-Kropp HA, Kweon Y et al.. “Impacts of Neighborhood Persistent Poverty and Socioeconomic Status on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Outcomes: A Large Population-Based Cohort Study.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41844357 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection - [61]
Kogiso T, Takano S, Ogasawara Y et al.. “Clinical Outcomes of Fontan-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Single-Center Retrospective Study.” Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2026). PMID: 41669856 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection - [62]
Nephew LD, Carter A, Varghese N et al.. “Social Risk Phenotypes Are Strongly Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Outcomes: A Statewide Cohort Study Using Latent Class Analysis.” Clinical and translational gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41537518 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection - [63]
Barakat EMF, Kohla M, Tawheed A et al.. “Outcomes and Survival of Egyptian Patients With Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicentre Retrospective Study.” Journal of viral hepatitis (2026). PMID: 41482807 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [64]
Abidoye O, Pirozzi A, Okano N et al.. “Bespoke Circulating Tumor DNA Testing for Diagnostic Resolution, Disease Surveillance, and Treatment Monitoring in Hepatopancreatobiliary Malignancies: A Real-World Experience.” JCO precision oncology (2026). PMID: 41955548 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection - [65]
Hunold T, Parikh ND. “Risk-stratified surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma.” Hepatology communications (2026). PMID: 41921193 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [66]
Duan Y, Yang M, Li M et al.. “Microbiome and metabolite signatures for cirrhosis to HCC risk stratification: progress, controversies, and gaps.” Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology (2026). PMID: 41918873 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [67]
Hui S, Le S, Dev A et al.. “Psychosocial impact of false-positive surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma: a qualitative study.” Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (2026). PMID: 41876867 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [68]
Naves GG, Dantas PP, Júnior AEDS et al.. “CT and MRI LI-RADS Treatment Response Assessment 2024: Core Concepts for Clinical Practice.” Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc (2026). PMID: 41855078 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [69]
Sheng X, Mi C, Shi G et al.. “Targeting copper death-related long non-coding RNAs: a novel strategy to overcome immunotherapy resistance in liver cancer.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41846915 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surveillance and Early Detection - [70]
Li Z, Gong Y, Ye L et al.. “The dual roles of natural killer cells in liver immunity and tolerance: Implications for health and disease.” Hepatology communications (2026). PMID: 41824635 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surveillance and Early Detection - [71]
El-Kassas M, Khalifa R, Kohla M et al.. “Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egypt in the Post HCV Elimination Era: Changing Aetiology, Surveillance, and Management Pathways.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41823042 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surveillance and Early Detection, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [72]
Lim MC, Quek EJW, Chan TYH et al.. “Systematic Review: Imaging-Based Morphological Criteria for Liver Cirrhosis-A Call to Standardise.” Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (2026). PMID: 41882492 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [73]
Feng W, Qu B, Han S. “Accuracy of Medical Image-Based Deep Learning for Detecting Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of medical Internet research (2026). PMID: 41814977 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [74]
Zhu D, Zhu Y, Zou S et al.. “Radioactive Distribution Patterns of [ 68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 in Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Clinical nuclear medicine (2026). PMID: 41649855 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [75]
Doi Y, Aikata H, Kosaka Y et al.. “Multidisciplinary Treatment With Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Immunotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Major Vascular Invasion: Prospective Registry Protocol.” JMIR research protocols (2026). PMID: 41915762 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [76]
Wu P, Erxiding N, Yang J. “Laparoscopic Anatomical S4/5/8+S3v Hepatectomy: Umbilical Fissure Approach Combined with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging.” Annals of surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41688835 ↗
L4CASE_REPORTCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria, Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [77]
Yu H, Kong D, Mo X et al.. “Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI radiomics-clinical nomogram for preoperatively predicting dual-positive Ki-67/MVI status in hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study.” Medicine (2026). PMID: 41790668 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [78]
Cui Y, Wang L, Li X et al.. “Radiomics and blood biomarkers for predicting efficacy of sintilimab plus lenvatinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41972186 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [79]
Cho SH, Jung YJ, Hong SB et al.. “Gadoxetate-enhanced MRI Transitional Phase Parenchymal Signal: Effect on Washout and LI-RADS Diagnostic Performance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Radiology (2026). PMID: 41914861 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [80]
Jung YJ, Kim S, Song IH et al.. “Prognostic Significance of Intraindividual CT and MRI LI-RADS Agreement and Discordance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Radiology. Imaging cancer (2026). PMID: 41891826 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [81]
Liu K, Zheng B, Zhang Y et al.. “Clinical Utility of Deep Learning-based Multiple Arterial Phase MRI in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Radiology. Imaging cancer (2026). PMID: 41860367 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [82]
Ou Y, Yan P, Liang T et al.. “Multimodal therapeutic efficacy model for predicting early treatment response to TACE-HAIC combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.” European journal of radiology (2026). PMID: 41846065 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [83]
Zhu J, Du Y, Hu Y et al.. “Effects of cirrhosis on 3.0 T MRI DWI features of hepatocellular carcinoma, peri-tumoral sub-zones, and background liver: clinical implications for surgical planning.” European journal of radiology (2026). PMID: 41833232 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [84]
Choi ES, Koo B, Kim S et al.. “MRI-based Risk Scoring System to Predict Early Recurrence after Resection of Solitary Hepatocellular Carcinoma 5 cm or Smaller.” Radiology (2026). PMID: 41805416 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [85]
Liang X, Li L, Wang Y et al.. “A Look Behind the Paper: Glypican-3-targeted US Molecular Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Radiology. Imaging cancer (2026). PMID: 41790019 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [86]
Liang X, Li L, Wang Y et al.. “US Molecular Imaging of Glypican-3 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Targeted Biosynthetic Gas Vesicles.” Radiology. Imaging cancer (2026). PMID: 41790017 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [87]
Huaroc Moquillaza E, Steinhelfer L, Weiss K et al.. “Clinical feasibility of accelerated whole liver water T1 mapping with T2*-compensation.” European radiology experimental (2026). PMID: 41779069 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [88]
Yoon JH, Choi JY, Kim YK et al.. “Diagnostic Performance and Clinical Implications of the "Probable Hepatocellular Carcinoma" Category in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Guidelines v2022.” Korean journal of radiology (2026). PMID: 41776851 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [89]
Li Y, Lu S, Mao S et al.. “Contrast-Enhanced US Using Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Small HCC in High-Risk Patients: Comparison with MRI LI-RADS Version 2018.” Radiology (2026). PMID: 41773972 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [90]
Dong W, Wei Y, Cao C et al.. “Cell membranes-encapsulated gadolinium-doped carbon dots for the efficient photothermal and immunotherapeutic synergistic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.” Journal of nanobiotechnology (2026). PMID: 41723470 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [91]
Pan Y, Ye R, Li J et al.. “Impact of Annotation Level on Multisequence MRI Models for Preoperative Microvascular Invasion Prediction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Radiology. Imaging cancer (2026). PMID: 41718534 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [92]
Porta C, Pradelli L, Cirotto G et al.. “Cost-effectiveness of the GAAD algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance of patients with compensated cirrhosis: a model-based analysis using Italian real-world data.” Journal of medical economics (2026). PMID: 41701165 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [93]
Prakash HS, Sehrawat A, Swamy AM et al.. “Refining early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: The promise of the GALAD score.” World journal of gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41694485 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [94]
Chen Y, Zhang Q, Zhang MY. “Deep learning techniques for using computed tomography imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.” World journal of gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41693978 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [95]
Park HJ, Kim SY, Lim YS. “Updates in Abbreviated MRI-Based HCC Surveillance.” Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2026). PMID: 41685897 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [96]
Lewis S, Wildman-Tobriner B, Cuevas J et al.. “Quality of Gadoxetate-enhanced MRI versus US during Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening in Participants with Cirrhosis.” Radiology (2026). PMID: 41665498 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [97]
Zhang Y, Qian X, Zhou C et al.. “Virtual Multi-Phase Contrast Enhanced Liver MRI Using Deep Learning for Evaluating Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” NMR in biomedicine (2026). PMID: 41629748 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Diagnostic Imaging and LI-RADS Criteria - [98]
Smith EN, Bashir MR, Fung A et al.. “ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging and Follow-Up of Primary Liver Cancer.” Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR (2025). PMID: 41193053 ↗
L1cGUIDELINECited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [99]
Su J, Su Y, Mai R et al.. “Comparative efficacy of combination regimens based on interventional therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with intermediate- and advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis.” Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII (2026). PMID: 41653198 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [100]
Khan S, Younas M, Khalid AA et al.. “Evaluating robotic vs. laparoscopic liver resection for BCLC stage 0-I hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies on perioperative outcomes.” Journal of robotic surgery (2025). PMID: 41286224 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [101]
Li Z, Xiong M, Xiang Y et al.. “Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with sequential or concurrent systemic targeted immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study.” World journal of surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41749226 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [102]
Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Matilla A, Lledo JL et al.. “Clinical Trial: Early Nivolumab Addition to Regorafenib in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Second-Line (The GOING Trial).” Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (2026). PMID: 41725391 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [103]
Fang Y, Zhang M, Chen J et al.. “Efficacy and safety of adjuvant short-course immune checkpoint inhibitors following TACE combined with MWA in patients with BCLC A-B hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-arm, prospective, phase II study protocol.” BMJ open (2025). PMID: 41469053 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [104]
Ueshima K, Tsuchiya K, Yamashita T et al.. “Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab for TACE-Unsuitable Intermediate-Stage HCC Beyond Up-To-7 Criteria: Final Analysis of REPLACEMENT.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2025). PMID: 41178454 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [105]
Guan MC, Li N, Ding Q et al.. “Survival benefits of different immunotherapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis highlighting age, gender, etiology, and tumor burden.” Frontiers in immunology (2025). PMID: 41451207 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [106]
Niriella MA, Dayananda PM, Ranathunga VS et al.. “Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in South Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” Journal of gastrointestinal cancer (2026). PMID: 41689607 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [107]
Xin L, Li Z, Zhai Y et al.. “Efficacy and Safety of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Combined With Regorafenib With or Without Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as Second-Line Treatment for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Real-World Cohort Study From a Single Center.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41964212 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [108]
Vithayathil M, Manfredi GF, D'Alessio A et al.. “The use of advanced machine learning to predict outcomes after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.” The Lancet. Digital health (2026). PMID: 41688234 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [109]
Taniki N, Ojiro K, Kasuga R et al.. “Advantage of Scheduled Upfront Lenvatinib Administration Followed by Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy Over Lenvatinib Monotherapy in Patients With Unresectable Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter Cohort Study.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41546425 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [110]
Yin L, Li W, Shao W et al.. “TACE-HAlC combined with Donafenib and immune checkpoint inhibitors for BCLC stage C HCC patients (THEME study): a retrospective IPTW-adjusted cohort study.” Frontiers in immunology (2025). PMID: 41357217 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [111]
Xia F, Liu X, Yan J et al.. “Clinical and economic outcomes of robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open liver resection in BCLC 0/A hepatocellular carcinoma: a nationwide cohort study.” International journal of surgery (London, England) (2026). PMID: 41287872 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [112]
Lee TY, Yang SS, Tsai PC et al.. “Survival impact of hepatitis C virus eradication in patients with or without active hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.” European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) (2026). PMID: 41274170 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [113]
Yoon KC, Suh S, Choi Y et al.. “Survival benefit of resectability determined by multiple surgeons in BCLC-C Stage: A single-center cohort study.” Surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41232139 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [114]
Tabrizian P, Chan A, Marino R et al.. “The role of immunotherapy prior to liver transplantation in advanced or down-staged HCC - timing of transplants, selection of patients, and hurdles to overcome with immunosuppression.” International journal of surgery (London, England) (2026). PMID: 41186530 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Staging and Prognostication Systems - [115]
Fu Y, Liu S, Chen J et al.. “Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus hepatic resection for recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma: A post-hoc analysis with propensity score adjustment from two randomized trials.” European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) (2026). PMID: 41833569 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [116]
Kodali S, Connor AA, Victor DW et al.. “Incidental Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Matched Cohort Study.” Transplant international : official journal of the European Society for Organ Transplantation (2025). PMID: 41685088 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [117]
Li PS, Yang GD, Huang XN et al.. “Impact of sustained virological response on prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.” BMC infectious diseases (2026). PMID: 41593527 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [118]
Wang R, Li Y, Zhang X et al.. “Multi-phase CT-based intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics for predicting tertiary lymphoid structures of hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-center retrospective cohort study.” European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology (2026). PMID: 41435687 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [119]
Rahmani R, Minger J, Kaempf A et al.. “Safety and Feasibility of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Advanced Cirrhosis Awaiting Liver Transplantation: A Prospective Pilot Clinical Trial.” International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics (2026). PMID: 41443394 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy, Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [120]
Yen YH, Liu YW, Hung CH et al.. “Survival Outcome Was Better with Liver Resection than with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Very Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.” Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research (2026). PMID: 41660702 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [121]
Stephens KR, Wilson M, Xu M et al.. “Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer as a novel serum biomarker for recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma.” World journal of gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41693972 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [122]
Viana EF, Falcão Araújo D, Ribeiro TF et al.. “Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection as first-line treatment for very early stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review with meta-analysis.” Surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41690098 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [123]
Dai LA, Sun M, Li T et al.. “Comparison of surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 3 cm): an updated meta-analysis.” Systematic reviews (2026). PMID: 41549287 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [124]
Procopio F, Memeo R, Del Fabbro D et al.. “Oncological Adequacy of R1 Vascular Margin in Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Meta-analysis.” Annals of surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41507450 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [125]
Lan TC, Chen J, Yang Z et al.. “Safety and efficacy of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus: A single-arm, multicenter, prospective study.” Hepatobiliary & pancreatic diseases international : HBPD INT (2026). PMID: 41714230 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [126]
Xu R, Su Q, Liao X et al.. “A retrospective study of preoperative HBsAg levels predicting recurrence after curative resection in patients with HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.” Medicine (2026). PMID: 41517784 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [127]
Wei ZW, Cai JQ. “[The perioperative safety analysis of conversion therapy for liver cancer: a single-center retrospective study].” Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery] (2026). PMID: 41771522 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [128]
Cho HS, Lee SK. “Liver Transplantation Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: What Do We Need to Know from Clinical and Immunological Perspective?” International journal of molecular sciences (2026). PMID: 41898542 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [129]
Guo B, Yerken S, Luo C et al.. “Liver resection versus transarterial chemoembolization plus PD-1 inhibitors and lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombus.” BJS open (2025). PMID: 41871372 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation, Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [130]
Shehta A, Kandil TS, AbouEl-Magd ES et al.. “Patterns and predictors of recurrence after curative liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: Insights from a single Egyptian center.” American journal of surgery (2026). PMID: 41855733 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [131]
Komatsu S, Tada T, Ishihara N et al.. “Impact of Borderline Resectable Criteria on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment From the Perspective of Tumor Burden.” World journal of surgery (2026). PMID: 41814915 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [132]
Ferrarese A, Vivian LM, Martino L et al.. “Transplant hepatology: New epidemiology and indications.” Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41796485 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [133]
Deng H, Tong XQ, Jiang ZA et al.. “Practical Application of ERAS Protocols in Older Adults with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hepatectomy: A Propensity Score Matching Study.” Clinical interventions in aging (2026). PMID: 41726180 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [134]
Feng W, Ye QW, Wang QL et al.. “Predictors of one-year adverse outcomes after laparoscopic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: Development and validation of an early-warning model.” World journal of gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41695284 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [135]
Li J, Liang YB, Chen XM et al.. “Prognostic value of lymphatic vessel density in the capsule of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for postoperative recurrence risk.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41685307 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [136]
Takeda Y, Imamura H, Ichida H et al.. “Re-evaluating the diagnostic value of α-fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma in the direct-acting antiviral era.” Cancer (2026). PMID: 41665927 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [137]
Nakayama Y, Takeishi K, Itoh S et al.. “Patatin-Like Phospholipase Domain Containing 3 I148M Variant Affects Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Resection.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41637660 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [138]
Demirors B, Kaltenmeier C, Abdullah A et al.. “Traditional clinical predictors outperform ALBI, NLR, and PLR after curative hepatic resection for HCC in a Western cohort.” HPB : the official journal of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association (2026). PMID: 41617570 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [139]
Eng N, Taute E, Dang H et al.. “Identification of high functioning hepatocellular carcinoma transplant centers in the modern allocation system.” HPB : the official journal of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association (2026). PMID: 41577502 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Surgical Management: Resection and Transplantation - [140]
Zhu HD, Fan WJ, Zhao C et al.. “Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined With Camrelizumab and Rivoceranib for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (CHANCE2005/CARES-005): A Randomized Phase II Trial.” Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2026). PMID: 41734362 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [141]
Chen CJ, Chen WY, Lin CY et al.. “The Effects of Lidocaine Patches on Post-Radiofrequency Ablation Pain in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41692439 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [142]
Chen X, Huang M, Liu R et al.. “Clinical efficacy of immunotherapy in combination of locoregional therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41836382 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [143]
Liu X, Wang Z, Lv X et al.. “Immune effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in treatment of liver cancer: a meta-analysis.” BMC cancer (2026). PMID: 41566457 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [144]
Ya H, Wang K, Wu J et al.. “The PLANES model for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors: a multicenter, retrospective study.” Frontiers in immunology (2025). PMID: 41624866 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [145]
Jin F, Miao H, Wang Y et al.. “Construction and external validation of a prognostic model for survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.” World journal of surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41491485 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [146]
Son SY, Geevarghese R, Valizadeh N et al.. “Advancing the frontiers of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: a comprehensive review of past, ongoing, and future clinical trials.” Chinese clinical oncology (2026). PMID: 41797459 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs, Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [147]
Zhang L, Yuan J, Liu S et al.. “Analysis of survival prognosis and influencing factors in patients with primary liver cancer after D-TACE: a retrospective cohort study.” BMC gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41491932 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [148]
Qin L, Zhu L, Wang Y et al.. “Longitudinal Monitoring of GRIm and HCC-GRIm Scores Reveals Immunologically Relevant Prognostic Indicators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing TACE Plus ICIs and Anti-VEGF Antibodies/TKIs.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41992524 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization, Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [149]
Zhao Y, Liu Y, Shan J et al.. “A trimodal combination therapy utilizing cryogel microparticles for hepatocellular carcinoma.” Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces (2026). PMID: 41825284 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [150]
Wang S, Wang Y, Zhang Y et al.. “Multimodal tumor thermal therapy enhances antitumor immunity by expanding tumor-reactive CX3CR1⁺GPR56⁺ T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma.” Theranostics (2026). PMID: 41799205 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [151]
Li K, Shi W, Li Y et al.. “Dynamics of peripheral immune signature identified by multi-omics and its impact on recurrence after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41798944 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [152]
Guo J, Huang J, Wang Y et al.. “Absorbable microspheres co-delivering HIF-1α inhibitor augment transarterial chemoembolization by reversing tumor hypoxia and immunosuppression.” Acta biomaterialia (2026). PMID: 41796928 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [153]
Jeon K, Kim U, Azzi S et al.. “Bead bed microfluidic device for testing mechanical embolization of shear-thinning hydrogels.” Acta biomaterialia (2026). PMID: 41796923 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [154]
Li Z, Wu H, Xu R et al.. “Retrospective analysis of transarterial chemoembolization or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with lenvatinib with or without PD-1 inhibitor as first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with high tumor burden: a propensity score-matched study.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41777890 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [155]
Klubien J, Knøfler LA, Larsen PN et al.. “Nationwide study on survival and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation as first treatment.” Surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41764872 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [156]
Ya H, Wang K, Qin H et al.. “Comparing of Efficacy and Safety Between Sintilimab Plus IBI305 and PD-1 Inhibitor Plus TKIs in Combination of TACE for uHCC.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41696936 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [157]
Fujita K, Takuma K, Nakahara M et al.. “The Clinical Impact of Cardiovascular Thrombosis on Overall Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Transarterial Chemoembolization.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41656171 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [158]
Zhang S, Han T. “Psychological crisis in patients with primary liver cancer after transarterial chemoembolization: epidemiological characteristics and associated factors.” World journal of surgical oncology (2026). PMID: 41630011 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [159]
Tang L, Que K, Lan Y et al.. “Prognostic value of functional MRI and liver function synergy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving combined locoregional-systemic therapy: A multicenter scoring model.” European journal of radiology (2026). PMID: 41621377 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Locoregional Therapies: Ablation and Embolization - [160]
Dawson LA, Winter KA, Knox JJ et al.. “Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy vs Sorafenib Alone in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The NRG Oncology/RTOG 1112 Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA oncology (2025). PMID: 39699905 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [161]
Xi M, Yang Z, Hu L et al.. “Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Recurrent Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Randomized, Open-Label, Controlled Trial.” Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2025). PMID: 39693584 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [162]
Hsu SJ, Chao YC, Wang SW et al.. “Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy With Continued First-Line PD-1 Inhibitor-based Therapy as a Resistance-Overcoming Strategy in Oligoprogressive Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective Phase 2 Clinical Study.” International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics (2026). PMID: 41520893 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [163]
Mo N, Hu K, Zeng Z et al.. “Stereotactic body radiation therapy combined with cadonilimab and lenvatinib in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with Vp3 or Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombus: a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, phase II clinical trial.” Frontiers in immunology (2025). PMID: 41293180 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [164]
Sanuki N, Kimura T, Takeda A et al.. “Final Results of a Multicenter Prospective Study of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Previously Untreated Solitary Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma (The STRSPH Study).” International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics (2025). PMID: 39706374 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [165]
Komiyama S, Takeda A, Tateishi Y et al.. “Comparison of stereotactic body radiotherapy and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.” Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (2025). PMID: 39515381 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [166]
Abe T, Iwanaga M, Igari M et al.. “Stereotactic body radiotherapy with CyberKnife for liver-confined hepatocellular carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of radiation research (2025). PMID: 40702656 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [167]
Mizumoto M, Shibuya K, Terashima K et al.. “Prospective Registry and Meta-Analysis of Particle Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Outcomes and Real-World Impact.” Cancer medicine (2026). PMID: 41717812 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [168]
Lukez A, Zhang L, Horwitz EM et al.. “Computed Tomography-Guided Online Adaptive Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Liver Tumors: A Retrospective Study.” International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics (2025). PMID: 40189074 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [169]
Renan A, Bruand M, Jolnerovski M et al.. “Local control and recurrence patterns after stereotactic irradiation delivered in more than 4 fractions for hepatocellular carcinomas and liver metastases: a retrospective study.” Radiation oncology (London, England) (2025). PMID: 39915761 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [170]
Tang J, Yang Y, Liu D et al.. “Stereotactic body radiotherapy with sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar in anti-PD-1 refractory hepatocellular carcinoma: the ReUNION-1 phase 2 trial.” Nature communications (2025). PMID: 41413036 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [171]
Dudzinski SO, Newman NB, McIntyre J et al.. “Emerging evidence-based role for external-beam radiation therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.” The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology (2025). PMID: 39993402 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [172]
Harmath C, Fung A, Aslam A et al.. “LI-RADS radiation-based treatment response algorithm for HCC: what to know and how to use it.” Abdominal radiology (New York) (2025). PMID: 39424663 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [173]
Gholami B, Afrasiabi A, Moon AM et al.. “Safety of Combination TARE and SBRT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of Literature & Single-Center Case Series.” Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) (2025). PMID: 41002557 ↗
L4CASE_REPORTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [174]
Shu P, Wang F, Wang X. “Case Report: Abscopal effect in a patient with refractory metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor.” Frontiers in immunology (2025). PMID: 40386774 ↗
L4CASE_REPORTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [175]
Huesa-Berral C, Terry JF, Kunz L et al.. “Sequencing microsphere selective internal radiotherapy after external beam radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: proof of concept of a synergistic combination.” The British journal of radiology (2025). PMID: 39418205 ↗
L4CASE_REPORTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [176]
Saad E, Abdulla M, Nassef A et al.. “Comparison between Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization Followed by Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization Alone in BCLC Stage B Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study.” Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP (2024). PMID: 39342585 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [177]
Marino R, Hassan AT, Fagenson A et al.. “Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma following immunotherapy.” Current opinion in organ transplantation (2025). PMID: 40326429 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Radiation Oncology: SBRT and Proton Therapy - [178]
Luo J, Li Z, Ge J et al.. “Exploring the optimal regimen in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a protocol of individual patient data network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41988192 ↗
L1aSR_MA_RCTCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [179]
Wang X, Wang S, Lu J et al.. “Lenvatinib Versus Bevacizumab in Combination With Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Therapy for uHCC: A Meta-Analysis of East Asian Studies.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 42003041 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [180]
Petrelli F, Colombo S, Dottorini L et al.. “Viral hepatitis and immunotherapy outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive umbrella review of 15 meta-analyses.” Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (2026). PMID: 41794163 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [181]
Li Y, Tan X, Fang S et al.. “Differential Efficacy of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Aetiology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Clinical oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)) (2026). PMID: 41764966 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [182]
Remitha NPSI, Sasmana IGAP, Kusuma IKWA et al.. “A Network Meta-Analysis Comparing the Efficacy of Lenvatinib, Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab, and Sorafenib in the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP (2026). PMID: 41945955 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [183]
Wu C, Wei T, Ye X et al.. “Cost-effectiveness analysis of toripalimab plus bevacizumab as first-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.” Frontiers in public health (2026). PMID: 41982889 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [184]
Mo Y, Du Z, Liu M. “SLC25A39 Upregulation Is Associated with DNA Methylation, Immune Cell Infiltration, and Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” International journal of molecular sciences (2026). PMID: 41977283 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [185]
Fan TC, Hung TH, Yeh CT et al.. “Targeting ST3GAL1 to downregulate ligands for the glycoimmune checkpoint Siglec-7 and reverse immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma.” Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII (2026). PMID: 41961075 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [186]
Sato Y, Kodama T, Maesaka K et al.. “Carbonic anhydrase 9 as a circulating biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.” Journal for immunotherapy of cancer (2026). PMID: 41956541 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [187]
Dalbeni A, Vicardi M, Natola LA et al.. “The Effect of Metformin on Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab Treatment in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Diabetes.” Oncology research (2026). PMID: 41930153 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [188]
Nishio A, Kodama T, Daiku K et al.. “Systemic immune profiling uncovers divergent mechanisms and predictive biomarkers of response to combination immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma.” Journal for immunotherapy of cancer (2026). PMID: 41912268 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [189]
Liu H, Chen S, Cao M et al.. “The Yin and Yang of tertiary lymphoid structures in primary liver cancer.” Cancer letters (2026). PMID: 41905709 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [190]
Wu Z, Wang Y, Yu B et al.. “Potentiating BSEP-mediated bile acid efflux reverses first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.” Cancer letters (2026). PMID: 41903671 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [191]
Lin PT, Teng W, Hsieh YC et al.. “Low-Dose Bevacizumab Maintains Efficacy With Reduced Adverse Events in Liver Cancer.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41902586 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [192]
Lin CI, Chiu YW, Yen MS et al.. “Liver-directed AAV-IL-10 therapy enhances CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma.” Journal for immunotherapy of cancer (2026). PMID: 41895716 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [193]
Li JR, Pan LX, Su JY et al.. “Construction of TLS-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma.” Hepatology communications (2026). PMID: 41894176 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [194]
Zhou Z, Xu X. “Extracellular matrix stiffness in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and targeted therapeutic strategies.” Frontiers in immunology (2026). PMID: 41890723 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [195]
Yu Y, Zou S, Fan J et al.. “MMP14 is a safe target of CAR-T therapy against liver cancer and metastasis.” Journal of translational medicine (2026). PMID: 41888815 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [196]
Wu D, Xu H, Guo Y et al.. “Malic enzyme 1 contributes to tumorigenesis and lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via FSP1-dependent ferroptosis evasion.” Cell death & disease (2026). PMID: 41881958 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [197]
Zhu Y, Liu M, Fan X et al.. “Targeted inhibition of Nrf2 potentiates antitumor immunity and enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.” Journal for immunotherapy of cancer (2026). PMID: 41876134 ↗
L5OTHERCited in: Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy and TKIs - [198]
Sangro B, Chan SL, Kelley RK et al.. “Four-year overall survival update from the phase III HIMALAYA study of tremelimumab plus durvalumab in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.” Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology (2024). PMID: 38382875 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [199]
Rimassa L, Chan SL, Sangro B et al.. “Five-year overall survival update from the HIMALAYA study of tremelimumab plus durvalumab in unresectable HCC.” Journal of hepatology (2025). PMID: 40222621 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [200]
Llovet JM, Kudo M, Merle P et al.. “Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus lenvatinib plus placebo for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (LEAP-002): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial.” The Lancet. Oncology (2023). PMID: 38039993 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [201]
Kudo M, Ren Z, Guo Y et al.. “Transarterial chemoembolisation combined with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus dual placebo for unresectable, non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (LEAP-012): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study.” Lancet (London, England) (2025). PMID: 39798578 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [202]
Lau G, Abou-Alfa GK, Cheng AL et al.. “Outcomes in the Asian subgroup of the phase III randomised HIMALAYA study of tremelimumab plus durvalumab in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.” Journal of hepatology (2025). PMID: 39089633 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [203]
Xu XQ, Li WM, Shi LC et al.. “Impact of temporary atezolizumab and bevacizumab interruption on survival in advanced HCC: an IMbrave150 analysis.” The oncologist (2025). PMID: 40891895 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [204]
Galle PR, Finn RS, Qin S et al.. “Patient-reported outcomes with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (IMbrave150): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial.” The Lancet. Oncology (2021). PMID: 34051880 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [205]
Yamashita T, Kudo M, Ikeda K et al.. “REFLECT-a phase 3 trial comparing efficacy and safety of lenvatinib to sorafenib for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: an analysis of Japanese subset.” Journal of gastroenterology (2020). PMID: 31720835 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [206]
Salem R, Li D, Sommer N et al.. “Characterization of response to atezolizumab + bevacizumab versus sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from the IMbrave150 trial.” Cancer medicine (2021). PMID: 34189869 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [207]
Cheng AL, Kang YK, Chen Z et al.. “Efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients in the Asia-Pacific region with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” The Lancet. Oncology (2009). PMID: 19095497 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [208]
Sangro B, Galle PR, Kelley RK et al.. “Patient-Reported Outcomes From the Phase III HIMALAYA Study of Tremelimumab Plus Durvalumab in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2024). PMID: 38805668 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [209]
Hattenhauer T, Mispelbaum R, Heine A et al.. “On-treatment modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab provides prognostic information.” Frontiers in immunology (2025). PMID: 41142780 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [210]
Lau G, Sangro B, Cheng AL et al.. “Immune-mediated adverse events and overall survival with tremelimumab plus durvalumab and durvalumab monotherapy in unresectable HCC: HIMALAYA phase III randomized clinical trial.” Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (2026). PMID: 40384092 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [211]
Vogel A, Qin S, Kudo M et al.. “Lenvatinib versus sorafenib for first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: patient-reported outcomes from a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial.” The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology (2021). PMID: 34087115 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [212]
Llovet JM, Peña CE, Lathia CD et al.. “Plasma biomarkers as predictors of outcome in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.” Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (2012). PMID: 22374331 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [213]
Finn RS, Kudo M, Cheng AL et al.. “Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Predictive of Survival Benefit with Lenvatinib in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From the Phase III REFLECT Study.” Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (2021). PMID: 34108184 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [214]
Bruix J, Cheng AL, Meinhardt G et al.. “Prognostic factors and predictors of sorafenib benefit in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of two phase III studies.” Journal of hepatology (2017). PMID: 28687477 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [215]
Briggs A, Daniele B, Dick K et al.. “Covariate-adjusted analysis of the Phase 3 REFLECT study of lenvatinib versus sorafenib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.” British journal of cancer (2020). PMID: 32265508 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [216]
Raoul JL, Bruix J, Greten TF et al.. “Relationship between baseline hepatic status and outcome, and effect of sorafenib on liver function: SHARP trial subanalyses.” Journal of hepatology (2012). PMID: 22245896 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [217]
Bruix J, Raoul JL, Sherman M et al.. “Efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: subanalyses of a phase III trial.” Journal of hepatology (2012). PMID: 22727733 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Landmark Trials and Key Evidence - [218]
Zhang X, Wong VW. “MASH and liver fibrosis: Clinical trials to watch.” Med (New York, N.Y.) (2026). PMID: 41966712 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [219]
Hagström H, Hellmund C, Lazarus JV et al.. “Clinical Outcomes and Non-Invasive Testing in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis With Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41902599 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [220]
Yucuma D, Rakover A, Warsop ZI et al.. “Natural history of chronic hepatitis B in untreated adults without cirrhosis according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology (2026). PMID: 41839199 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [221]
Barrett R, Archer A, Cathcart J et al.. “Progression to Decompensation of Severe Fibrosis Compared to Cirrhosis in MASLD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2026). PMID: 41546486 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [222]
Moraes BF, Leite GAPD, Silveira IB et al.. “Statin Therapy Independently Reduces Mortality and Liver Complications in Patients With Cirrhosis: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (2026). PMID: 41518144 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [223]
Sarker J, Okpara E, De Los Santos B et al.. “Comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors on liver outcomes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A retrospective cohort study.” Diabetes, obesity & metabolism (2026). PMID: 41560595 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [224]
Hill TA, West J, Morling JR et al.. “Identifying subjects at risk of liver cirrhosis via a range of thresholds for common fibrosis markers: A Welsh general population-based cohort study.” Journal of internal medicine (2026). PMID: 41496649 ↗
L2bCOHORTCited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [225]
Neureiter D, Kiesslich T, Ocker M. “Translating Fibrosis to Malignancy: Biomarkers and Therapeutic Opportunities in Liver Fibrosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland) (2026). PMID: 41892825 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [226]
Sohn EJ, Oh SO. “Mechanisms of Action and Biomarker Potential of ncRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Fibrosis: A Review.” Analytical cellular pathology (Amsterdam) (2026). PMID: 41810934 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [227]
Yang Y, He L, Yang W et al.. “Hydroxy Safflower Yellow A: A Natural Compound from Carthamus tinctorius L. with Potent Activity Against Liver Fibrosis and Cancer.” Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2026). PMID: 41764836 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [228]
Wan KR, Qian C, Liu LM. “Mechanism of hepatitis C virus-mediated development and progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.” World journal of gastroenterology (2026). PMID: 41694486 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Management of Complications and Cirrhosis - [229]
Wang Z, Fan J, Zhou S et al.. “Perioperative camrelizumab plus rivoceranib versus surgery alone in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma at intermediate or high risk of recurrence (CARES-009): a randomised phase 2/3 trial.” Lancet (London, England) (2025). PMID: 41125112 ↗
L1bRCTCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [230]
Kong D, Tang Y, Zhou Y et al.. “PERI-START: a phase II trial of perioperative TACE, tislelizumab, and lenvatinib in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.” Future oncology (London, England) (2025). PMID: 41118318 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [231]
Wang Y, Xu J, Zhang L et al.. “Prolonged recurrence-free survival by autologous rectronectin-activated killer (RAK) cells in resected high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma: an experimental single-arm phase II trial (pilot study).” International journal of surgery (London, England) (2025). PMID: 40440678 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [232]
Zhu W, Fan C, Zhao Y et al.. “Breaking bottlenecks: the future of hepatocellular carcinoma clinical trials and therapeutic targets.” Hepatology international (2025). PMID: 40156659 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [233]
Zhou Y, Yao MH, Ma J et al.. “Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive umbrella review of meta-analyses.” International journal of surgery (London, England) (2026). PMID: 41208807 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [234]
Shang ZK, Zhang JH, Zhu JH et al.. “Potential of neoadjuvant hepatic artery perfusion chemotherapy in improving surgical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” World journal of surgical oncology (2025). PMID: 40442678 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [235]
Wu S, Gan X, Huang S et al.. “Application and prospect analysis of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Frontiers in immunology (2025). PMID: 40260256 ↗
L2aSR_OBSCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [236]
Kocheise L, Benmebarek MR, Ho M et al.. “Chimeric antigen receptor therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.” Seminars in immunology (2026). PMID: 41819983 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [237]
Zhang S, Ding L, Hou T et al.. “Hydrogel-Based Immunomodulation of Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies and Future Directions.” International journal of nanomedicine (2026). PMID: 41810002 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [238]
Shen X, Huang H, Sheng J et al.. “HBV reprograms the tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.” Clinical and experimental medicine (2026). PMID: 41673369 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [239]
Jang SH, Kim HS, Eun JW. “RP11-Derived Long Non-Coding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Hidden Treasures in Plain Sight.” Oncology research (2025). PMID: 41502506 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [240]
Usmani A, Siddiqui MA, Mishra A et al.. “Nanovaccines in hepatocellular carcinoma: a new frontier in cancer immunotherapy.” Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England) (2025). PMID: 41452547 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [241]
Nabiyi S, Heiat M, Rezaei E. “Combination therapy strategies targeting glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive review.” Cytokine & growth factor reviews (2026). PMID: 41406864 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [242]
Dirjayanto VJ, Yiu DSM, Chen R et al.. “Nutrition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pathophysiological Insights, Impact, and Implications for Clinical Practice.” Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2026). PMID: 41387249 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [243]
Elahi R, Alami Idrissi Y, Saeed A. “CAR-T cell therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: from mechanistic insights to clinical translation.” Cancer treatment reviews (2025). PMID: 41237439 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [244]
Jia X, Jiang H, Ye Z et al.. “Imaging for molecular and pathological subtyping of hepatocellular carcinoma-a critical appraisal and future directions.” European radiology (2026). PMID: 41168492 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [245]
Liu Y, Zhang M, Huang Y et al.. “Involvement of ferroptosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis-related liver diseases.” Journal of molecular medicine (Berlin, Germany) (2025). PMID: 41051414 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [246]
Xue J, Zhang J, Chen G et al.. “Advances in Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” Oncology research (2025). PMID: 40918452 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [247]
Balsano R, Pino M, Bocchero E et al.. “Combining VEGF and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical trials, real-world evidence, and future directions.” Expert opinion on biological therapy (2025). PMID: 40908790 ↗
L2bTRIAL_NONRANDOMCited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [248]
Zarlashat Y, Ghaffar A, Guerra F et al.. “Immunological Landscape and Molecular Therapeutic Targets of the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” International journal of molecular sciences (2025). PMID: 40869156 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [249]
Li MY, Wu XQ, Lee TKW. “Harnessing the microbiome: unveiling the influence of the gut microbiota on hepatobiliary cancer therapeutic strategies.” Clinical and molecular hepatology (2026). PMID: 40851476 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [250]
Low G, Pfanner T, Qian XJ et al.. “LR-M for CT/MRI on LI-RADS v2018: a review of imaging criteria, performance, challenges and future directions from an end-user perspective.” Abdominal radiology (New York) (2026). PMID: 40810812 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [251]
Philippi Z, Reddy KD, Malik S et al.. “Systemic Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Landscape and Future Directions.” International journal of molecular sciences (2025). PMID: 40649773 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies - [252]
Lewandowski RJ, Serhal M, Padia SA et al.. “The Evolving Application of Radiation Segmentectomy for the Treatment of Hepatic Malignancy.” Radiology (2025). PMID: 40626876 ↗
L5REVIEW_NARRATIVECited in: Future Directions and Emerging Therapies
