Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all liver cancers. It typically arises in the context of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, with major risk factors including chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol-related liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Other contributing factors include aflatoxin exposure, obesity, diabetes, and genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis.

HCC development is often insidious, with symptoms usually manifesting in advanced stages. Early-stage HCC is frequently asymptomatic or presents with non-specific symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice. As the disease progresses, patients may experience more pronounced symptoms. Diagnosis of HCC typically involves a combination of imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI, along with serum biomarkers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Liver biopsy, although not always required, can provide definitive histological confirmation.

Treatment options for HCC depend on the stage of the disease and the underlying liver function. Early-stage HCC may be treated with surgical resection, liver transplantation, or local ablative therapies such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation. Intermediate stages might be managed with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), while advanced stages often require systemic therapies, including targeted therapies like sorafenib and lenvatinib, or immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors.

Despite advances in detection and treatment, the prognosis for HCC remains poor, particularly in advanced stages, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and novel therapeutic approaches. Therefore, this Research Topic will focus on advancement in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. We welcome original research articles, systematic review, meta-analysis, clinical case studies, and review articles within the scope of the research topic. Bioinformatics studies are welcome; however, these should not be based solely on analysis of publicly available datasets such as TCGA. It is essential to have an independent validation cohort for statistically significant confirmation of the findings communicated. The submissions can include but not limited to the following subtopics:

• Identify and validate novel biomarkers for the early detection of HCC.
• Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of HCC, focusing on genetic and epigenetic alterations, signaling pathways, and tumor microenvironment interactions.
• Explore and identify new molecular targets for HCC treatment, leading to the development of targeted therapies.
• Molecular mechanisms and clinical studies related to HCC.

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Frontiers in Genetics

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