Advances in clinical and basic research for hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a 2023 review

Primary liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains to be a significant public health challenge in China. Drug therapy continues to be a cornerstone in the treatment of HCC. Notably, recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy, exemplified by immune checkpoint inhibitors, have introduced innovative avenues for pharmacological intervention. Chinese researchers have undertaken extensive investigations into this therapeutic pathway, focusing particularly on its applications in neoadjuvant and transitional therapies, as well as postoperative adjuvant treatments. These endeavors have yielded promising therapeutic outcomes, showcasing the potential of immunotherapy across various aspects of HCC management. In addition to therapeutic advancements, researchers have made notable progress in understanding the complexities of HCC, particularly in deciphering tumor heterogeneity and the mechanisms underlying tumor recurrence and metastasis. Leveraging cutting-edge methodologies such as spatiotemporal omics and clinical cross-omics, these researchers have gained deeper insights into the disease's biology. These fundamental discoveries have solidified the theoretical basis for future precision medicine approaches in HCC treatment. This article aims to comprehensively summarize these pivotal research advancements across both basic and clinical research fields.