HEPATIC CARCINOMA: A GLOBAL MENACE

Ashif Iqubal, Kashif Iqubal and Syed Ehtaishamul Haque*

ABSTRACT

Hepatic carcinoma is emerging as a global challenge and is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Fatty liver disease, hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALH), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver cirrhosis and associated metabolic syndromes are some common causes of hepatic sarcoma. Pathogenesis of hepatic sarcoma is multifactorial in origin and problem lies in delayed diagnosis as most of the cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage which is hard to treat. Currently available treatment regimen comprises of curative resection, liver transplant, embolization, ablation and chemotherapy. Among the different treatment options available liver transplant emerges as the most acceptable regimen with maximum acceptance. However, chemotherapy (cisplatin, flurouracil or irinotecan) in combination with sorafenib emerges as another curative regimen. Now-a-days targeted molecular therapy is being used in order to minimize the side effect and increase the success rate. This article provides an overview of epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnostic approach for hepatic sarcoma and also deals with the overall treatment options available.

Keywords: Hepatic sarcoma, hepatitis, cirrhosis, embolization, ablation, transplant, sorafenib, ? catenin, Myc protein.