Hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease that is extremely difficult to manage and is increasing markedly in incidence. This presents both an oppor tunity and a challenge. At-risk patients can be identified and early detect ion of HCC is feasible. New surgical techniques and postoperative therapies , including hepatic intra-arterial radiation, may improve the outlook for s ome patients with resectable cancer. Unfortunately, the vast majority of patients with HCC will have unresectabl e cancers. Regional treatments may shrink or necrose tumors, but no clear b enefit to such therapies has been demonstrated. Recent evidence suggests co mbination chemotherapy may help some patients, although this needs validati on. Perhaps the best hope is that the further elucidation of the genetic an d molecular features of HCC will lend us insight into innovative strategies to manage this difficult cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2000, 12:357-361 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.