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Review
. 2024 Nov;28(4):633-646.
doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.06.007. Epub 2024 Jul 23.

Alcohol and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Nghiem B Ha  1 , Francis Yao  2
Affiliations
Review

Alcohol and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Nghiem B Ha et al. Clin Liver Dis. 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) poses a significant risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), comprising various liver conditions from steatosis to cirrhosis. Despite accounting for a third of global HCC cases and deaths, ALD-related HCC lacks characterization compared to viral hepatitis-related HCC. Proposed mechanisms for ALD-related HCC include acetaldehyde toxicity, increased reactive oxygen species, and inflammation. This review examines ALD-associated HCC epidemiology, co-factors like viral hepatitis and metabolic syndrome, surveillance, and treatment challenges. Despite advances in screening and management, ALD-related HCC often presents at advanced stages, limiting treatment options and survival.

Keywords: Cancer; Metabolic; Obesity; Surgery; Surveillance; Treatment; Viral hepatitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors of this review were supported by the NIH, United States5T32DK060414-18 (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, United States, N.B. Ha), AASLD Anna S. Lok Advanced/Transplant Hepatology Award (AASLD Foundation, N.B. Ha). These funding agencies played no role in the analysis of the data or the preparation of this manuscript. Author contribution: N.B. Ha: Study concept and design; drafting of the manuscript; critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. F. Yao: Study concept and design; drafting of the manuscript; critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content.

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