Genomics of hepatocellular carcinoma. In Gu, J (Ed.), Primary liver cancer : challenges and perspectives, p. 45-78. Heidelberg: Springer, 2012 How to Cite?

Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process developing from a normal liver through chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis to HCC. The pathogenesis of HCC is poorly understood at present. There is insufficient understanding to propose a robust general model of hepatic carcinogenesis, partly because the pathogenic host and environmental factors show significant regional variation, making such generalization difficult. However, with advances in molecular technology, there is a growing understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the development of HCC. In hepatocarcinogenesis, there is a strong link to increases in allelic losses, chromosomal changes, gene mutations, epigenetic alterations and alterations in molecular cellular pathways. In this chapter, special focus is placed on the multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis, genetics, epigenetics and regulation of major signaling pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. A detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis involved in the progression of HCC can improve our prevention and diagnostic tools for HCC and may help identify novel molecular targets for new therapies. How to Cite?