Chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Chronic liver disease (CLD), primarily due to viral hepatitis, alcohol use, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with steatohepatitis (MASLD/MASH), remains the major risk factor for HCC development. Chemoprevention, the use of medications or supplements to prevent or delay cancer, offers a compelling strategy to reduce HCC incidence, especially during the extended latency period between CLD onset and HCC progression. This review evaluates the current evidence for chemopreventive strategies for HCC, including immunizations, pharmacologic therapies, and dietary supplements.