Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Tool for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting Pathophysiological Mechanism

Abstract

Liver cancer is a significant global health concern, with projections indicating that the incidence of morbidity may surpass one million cases by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant subtype of liver cancer, constituting approximately 90% of all liver cancer diagnoses. Infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are recognized as primary risk factors for the development of HCC. However, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is often linked to metabolic syndrome or diabetes, is increasingly being recognized as a prevalent risk factor in Western populations. Furthermore, HCC associated with NASH exhibits distinct molecular pathogenesis. Patients diagnosed with HCC have access to a range of therapeutic interventions, including liver transplantation, surgical resection, percutaneous ablation, radiation therapy, and transarterial and systemic therapies. Consequently, effective clinical decision-making requires a multidisciplinary approach to adapt individualized treatment plans based on the patient's tumor stage, liver function, and overall performance status. The approval of new first- and second-line pharmacological agents, along with the establishment of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies as standard treatment modalities, has contributed to an improved prognosis for patients with HCC. Nevertheless, the optimal sequencing of these therapeutic agents remains to be elucidated, highlighting the urgent need for predictive biomarkers to inform treatment selections. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated potential as a complementary and alternative therapeutic approach for liver cancer, warranting further investigation. This review aimed to examine the comprehensive treatment of HCC through the lens of TCM, informed by the current understanding of its epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathophysiology.

Keywords: HCC; TCM; Wnt signaling pathway; hepatocellular carcinoma.

Figure 1

The mechanism of TCM in the treatment of HCC.