Copper death-related factors can modulate mitochondrial function, chemotherapy sensitivity, and reshape the immune microenvironment, playing important roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Copper chelators, copper ionophores, and combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors all have significant antitumor effects. Multi-omics analysis reveals that copper death-related genes and cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs can serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This article focused on copper metabolism and copper-induced cell death, reviewing the theoretical foundations of precision therapy for HCC. It delineates the molecular mechanisms by which dysregulated copper homeostasis drives hepatocarcinogenesis and elucidates the translational directions necessary for future research.

Copper death-related factors can modulate mitochondrial function, chemotherapy sensitivity, and reshape the immune microenvironment, playing important roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Copper chelators, copper ionophores, and combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors all have significant antitumor effects. Multi-omics analysis reveals that copper death-related genes and cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs can serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This article focused on copper metabolism and copper-induced cell death, reviewing the theoretical foundations of precision therapy for HCC. It delineates the molecular mechanisms by which dysregulated copper homeostasis drives hepatocarcinogenesis and elucidates the translational directions necessary for future research.