Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most widely recognized primary liver malignancy. It is also a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The prognosis remains poor due to a late diagnosis and lack of effective therapy options, despite improvements in surveillance and therapy. This review aims to describe the epidemiology and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the condition at various stages, as well as the increasing role of gene therapy in HCC. A literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of peer-reviewed studies was accessed from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from the year 2000 to 2024. Research involving diagnostics for HCC clinical transarterial experimental gene protocols were the focus of attention. The latest developments in diagnostic practices for HCC focus on imaging (CTs and MRIs), serum biomarkers (AFP and DCP), and molecular profiling (emerging). There are different strategies that are employed for the management of HCC, or hepatocellular carcinoma. The treatment of HCC is based on the BCLC staging system. In the early stages, surgical resection and liver transplantation are used. In the advanced stages, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors can be used. Another possible approach in parallel is gene therapy. These can deliver a targeted, personalized treatment with the use of CRISPR/Cas9, siRNA, oncolytic viruses, tumor suppressor genes, etc. HCC necessitates a multidisciplinary and stage-specific approach. Gene-based onboarding strategies in clinical care will largely depend on the delivery of methods, clinical validation, and personalization in the future.
- Open Access
- Review
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Focus: A Comprehensive Review of Its Epidemiology, Diagnostic Advances, and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies
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Received: 18 Jan 2026 | Revised: 08 May 2026 | Accepted: 11 May 2026 | Published: 04 Jun 2026
Abstract
Keywords
hepatocellular carcinoma | liver malignancy | serum biomarkers | epidemiology | clinical validation | PRISMA
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