Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Setting of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Recommended Citation
Su A, Clark JM, Kim AK. Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Setting of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Curr Hepatol Rep. 2026;25(1).
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2-2026
Publication Title
Curr Hepatol Rep
Keywords
Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Epidemiology, Risk factors, HCC screening
Abstract
Purpose of Review: There is a rising global prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It aims to summarize risk factors, prediction models, screening guidelines, mechanisms driving progression from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) to HCC, and current management strategies.
Recent Findings: Emerging evidence highlights risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, age, sex, and ethnicity, alongside genetic contributions to HCC progression. Mechanistic pathways involve lipid accumulation, lipotoxicity, metabolic reprogramming, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. While current screening guidelines focus on patients with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis, a substantial proportion of MASLD-related HCC arises in non-cirrhotic patients, emphasizing a need for improved risk stratification.
Summary: MASLD-related HCC survival outcomes and treatment approaches are comparable to other etiologies. Future research should refine screening strategies for non-cirrhotic patients, validate predictive models, and explore tailored therapies, addressing gaps in early detection and immune-based treatments for this growing population.
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
Volume
25
Issue
1
