Evolution of clinical guidelines for primary liver cancer in China: insights into the development of hepatocellular carcinoma management
10.3760/cma.j.cn112139-20250426-00223
- VernacularTitle:从中国肝癌诊治指南的演变看肝癌诊治的发展
- Author:
Yuan CHENG
1
;
Xiaodong ZHU
;
Huichuan SUN
Author Information
1. 南京大学医学院附属金陵医院肿瘤科，南京 210002
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Liver neoplasms;
Guidebooks;
China liver cancer staging;
Chinese experience
- From:
Chinese Journal of Surgery
2025;63(10):887-891
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Since the publication of Chinese first national “Clinical practice guidelines for primary liver cancer” in 2011,the management of hepatocellular carcinoma has evolved from standardization to individualization,from single-discipline decision-making to multidisciplinary collaboration,and from empirical approaches to evidence-based protocols. This review outlines the progression of China′s liver cancer guidelines from 2011 to 2024, focusing on key updates and trends in high-risk population screening,diagnostic assessment,staging systems,local and systemic treatment strategies,perioperative management,treatment response evaluation,and follow-up models. The evolution of these guidelines reflects Chinese ongoing efforts grounded in changes in disease etiology,therapeutic advancements,and the accumulation of real-world evidence. Notable developments include the establishment of the China liver cancer staging,the first-line recommendation of immune-targeted combination therapies, the integration of multimodal imaging and artificial intelligence,and the expansion of conversion and neoadjuvant treatment strategies. Collectively, these innovations have promoted a more precise, standardized, and globally aligned liver cancer care system. Looking ahead,future guidelines are expected to emphasize intelligent assessment models,liquid biopsy,biomarker-driven therapy,and real-world data integration to further improve early detection and long-term survival outcomes for Chinese patients.
