| Abstract: | The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) strongly relates to inflammation, with chronic up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory mediators standing as a potential unifying mechanism that underscores the origin and progression of HCC independent of aetiology. Activation of the diverse pro‐inflammatory mediators either within the tumour or its microenvironment is part of an active cross‐talk between the progressive HCC and the host, which is known to influence clinical outcomes including recurrence after radical treatments and long‐term survival. A number of clinical biomarkers to measure the severity of cancer‐related inflammation are now available, most of which emerge from routine blood parameters including neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet counts, as well as albuminaemia and C‐reactive protein levels. In this review, we summarise the body of evidence supporting the biologic qualification of inflammation‐based scores in HCC and review their potential in facilitating the prognostic assessment and treatment allocation in the individual patient. We also discuss the evidence to suggest modulation of tumour‐promoting inflammation may act as a source of novel therapeutic strategies in liver cancer. |
