Ethnic differences in hepatocellular carcinoma prevalence and therapeutic outcomes

Abstract

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. The incidence of HCC is affected by genetic and non‐genetic factors. Genetically, mutations in the genes, tumor protein P53 (TP53), catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1), AT‐rich interaction domain 1A (ARIC1A), cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), mannose 6‐phosphate (M6P), smooth muscle action against decapentaplegic (SMAD2), retinoblastoma gene (RB1), cyclin D, antigen presenting cells (APC), AXIN1, and E‐cadherin, have been shown to contribute to the occurrence of HCC. Non‐genetic factors, including alcohol consumption, exposure to aflatoxin, age, gender, presence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), increase the risk of HCC.Recent FindingsThe severity of the disease and its occurrence vary based on geographical location. Furthermore, men and minorities have been shown to be disproportionately affected by HCC, compared with women and non‐minorities. Ethnicity has been reported to significantly affect tumorigenesis and clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with HCC. Generally, differences in gene expression and/or the presence of comorbid medical diseases affect or influence the progression of HCC. Non‐Caucasian HCC patients are significantly more likely to have poorer survival outcomes, compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Finally, there are a number of factors that contribute to the success rate of treatments for HCC.ConclusionAssessment and treatment of HCC must be consistent using evidence‐based guidelines and standardized outcomes, as well as international clinical practice guidelines for global consensus. Standardizing the assessment approach and method will enable comparison and improvement of liver cancer research through collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups. In this review, we will focus on discussing epidemiological factors that result in deviations and changes in treatment approaches for HCC.

Gene Expression Reprogramming by Citrate Supplementation Reduces HepG2 Cell Migration and Invasion

“…Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that predominantly arises in the context of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, mostly caused by viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome or alcohol abuse [ 2 , 3 ]. The etiology of HCC varies significantly by geography, age, ethnicity and the associated disease states [ 4 ]. HCC diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging, biopsy and serologic tests [ 5 ].…”

Bridging racial and ethnic disparities in cancer research

“…Chavda et al emphasize the importance of having consistent, evidence‐based assessment and treatment protocols, supported by international clinical guidelines, to improve the treatment outcome of HCC. Global collaborations between researchers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups can bring about advancements in liver cancer research through such standardized approaches 6 …”

“…Global collaborations between researchers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups can bring about advancements in liver cancer research through such standardized approaches. 6 …”