New understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic progress of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy with strong ties to chronic liver diseases and metabolic risks. Its pathogenesis involves complex biological processes where disrupted tumor suppressor genes and activated oncogenes drive aberrant signaling pathways and cellular differentiation. Since most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, only a minority qualify for curative therapies. Although significant therapeutic advances have been made, the overall prognosis remains poor, largely due to high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, a deeper understanding of HCC’s molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing effective targeted treatments. This review summarizes current insights into HCC pathogenesis and systematically elaborates on contemporary therapies, discussing their respective advantages and limitations.