Changing etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma

Gastrointestinal and Pancratohepatobiliary Cancers: A Comprehensive Review on Epidemiology and Risk Factors Worldwide

A significant number of cancer cases are afflicted by gastrointestinal cancers annually. Lifestyle and nutrition have a huge effect on gastrointestinal function, and unhealthy habits have become quite widespread in recent decades, culminating in the rapid growth of gastrointestinal cancers. The most prevalent cancers are lip and mouth cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver and bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. Risk factors such as red meat consumption, alcohol consumption, tea, rice, viruses such as Helicobacter pylori and Ebstein Bar Virus (EBV), along with reduced physical activity, predispose the gastrointestinal tract to damage and cause cancer. According to the rapid increase of cancer incidence and late diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancies, further epidemiological researches remain necessary in order to make appropriate population-based preventive policies. In this study, we reviewed clinical symptoms, risk factors, preventative measures, as well as incidence and mortality rates of gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide with focus on Iranian population.

Treatment Selection for Early to Intermediate Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Many guidelines and standard therapies have been published for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Multiple options for the treatment of early to intermediate-stage HCC have resulted in several differences between the guidelines. In addition, more than a few non-standard therapies have been used in a real-world clinical setting. Radiofrequency ablation or chemotherapy, including hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and molecular target agents, are sometimes selected for the treatment of intermediate HCC, whereas in many guidelines, the recommended therapy for these patients is transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. The present status of these topics is reviewed and summarized.