Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is increasingly
recognized as a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the
third-leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, driven by the global obesity
epidemic. Projected to become the primary cause of HCC by 2030, MASH-HCC
presents unique clinical challenges. This review examines its clinical
management, including surveillance strategies and treatment advances, and
discusses prospects to overcome existing challenges. MASH-HCC accounts for
10%–20% of HCC cases, particularly in Western countries, with a rising
incidence due to obesity. Risk factors include cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity,
alcohol, smoking, genetic polymorphisms (e.g., PNPLA3), and microbiome
alterations. The pathogenesis involves fibrosis, immune dysfunction (e.g.,
T-cell impairment), and molecular changes. Prevention focuses on lifestyle
modifications. Surveillance in patients with MASH cirrhosis is crucial but is
hindered by poor ultrasound sensitivity in obese patients, necessitating
alternative methods. Treatment mirrors that of other HCC types, but
comorbidities and potentially reduced efficacy of immunotherapy necessitate
tailored approaches. MASH is becoming the leading cause of HCC, necessitating
lifestyle interventions for prevention. Improved surveillance and early
detection are critical but challenging due to obesity-related factors.
Treatments align with those for other HCC types, but comorbidities and potential
differences in immunotherapy efficacy due to T-cell dysfunction require careful
consideration. Key needs include identifying molecular drivers in non-cirrhotic
metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, developing preventive
therapies, refining surveillance methods, and tailoring treatments. Trials
should specifically report MASH-HCC outcomes to enable personalized therapies.
Further research is needed to understand T-cell dysfunction, optimize
immunotherapies, and identify predictive biomarkers.