The role of next-generation sequencing in genetic screening of liver cancer

Abstract

Liver cancer, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Early detection and personalized treatment strategies are essential for improving patient outcomes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a transformative technology for genetic screening, enabling comprehensive analysis of the genetic landscape of liver cancer. This review explores the role of NGS in genetic screening for liver cancer, focusing on its applications in identifying genetic mutations, biomarkers for early detection, and therapeutic targets. We also discuss the challenges and future directions for implementing NGS in clinical practice for liver cancer management.