Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Strategies: Major Guidelines and Screening Advances.

Simple Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and early detection plays a crucial role in improving patient survival. However, the current surveillance guidelines may not fully address the growing number of HCC cases in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), who often develop cancer without liver cirrhosis. Our paper aims to review and compare major international guidelines on HCC surveillance, highlighting key gaps in their criteria such as the exclusion of non-cirrhotic NAFLD patients. By exploring advancements in screening technologies, including imaging and biomarkers, we aim to provide insights that could lead to better detection methods for high-risk populations. These findings have the potential to shape future research and updates to clinical guidelines, ensuring that surveillance strategies become more inclusive and effective. Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with prognosis and treatment outcomes that are significantly influenced by the stage at diagnosis. Early detection through regular surveillance is crucial for improving patient outcomes, especially in high-risk groups such as those with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B. Geographic variations in HCC risk factors, including viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), have led to the development of different international surveillance guidelines. This review aims to compare and evaluate the surveillance strategies proposed by the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and the European Association for the Study of the Liver and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EASL–EORTC). Methods: The review examined and compared major international guidelines on HCC surveillance, focusing on patient selection, imaging modalities, and the integration of biomarkers. We also explored recent advancements in screening techniques, including artificial intelligence and emerging biomarkers, to identify future directions for improving surveillance strategies. Results: Our analysis identified key differences in the guidelines, particularly in imaging modality preferences and the use of biomarkers for early detection. While all guidelines place emphasis on high-risk populations, the inclusion criteria and surveillance intervals vary. Additionally, novel technologies such as artificial intelligence show potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of HCC detection. Conclusions: This review highlights the need to harmonize the international guidelines, particularly in regard to patients with non-cirrhotic NAFLD who remain under-represented in current surveillance protocols. Future research should focus on integrating emerging technologies and biomarkers to improve early detection and overall patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]