Management of hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside and beyond

There have been remarkable strides in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, thanks to the collaboration between researchers and clinicians. What used to be a straightforward open resection of the tumour can now be performed laparoscopically (1). What used to be an unresectable tumour is now made possible with combined efforts from anesthesiologists, intensivists and oncologists (2). Emergence of immunotherapy also gives patients with advanced disease a new hope of better disease control (3). New technologies such as indocyanine green imaging, high-definition cameras and display modules, as well as 3D laparoscopy all made the development of laparoscopic surgery achievable. All these advancements have improved the survival and the quality of life of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

It is high time for us to review the progress that we have made, and to look into the future. In the first half of this special issue of Translational Gastroenterology and Hepatology, we aim to highlight the changes in management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and how we have stretched the limits in difficult cases. In the latter half, we will look into the laparoscopic era of liver resection, and explore how we can train the younger generation and standardize the techniques. We hope that this issue can give a comprehensive update on the topic, and shed some light on potential developments to researchers and clinicians alike.

It is my honor to have experts from different countries and regions contribute to this special issue, including those from Brazil, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. I hope that this issue can help researchers and clinicians around the world in their work and I look forward to see more exciting breakthroughs in the future.

Acknowledgments

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors is accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

References

1. Kotewall CN, Cheung TT. Optimizing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in Asia-patient selection and special considerations. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018;3:75. [Crossref] [PubMed]
2. Fernandes ES, Rodrigues PD, Álvares-da-Silva MR, et al. Treatment strategies for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019;4:12. [Crossref] [PubMed]
3. Siu EH, Chan AW, Chong CC, et al. Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: immunotherapy from checkpoint blockade to potential of cellular treatment. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018;3:89. [Crossref] [PubMed]

Tan To Cheung