Abstract:
The
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer (2026 Edition) were officially finalized and released in April 2026, representing the most up-to-date national guidance for liver cancer management in China. The new edition systematically integrates recent high-quality evidence from both domestic and international studies, with particular emphasis on original research led by Chinese investigators and published in leading international journals, reflecting the growing global impact of China's liver cancer research. A major update of the 2026 guidelines is the establishment of "prevention, screening, and surveillance" as an independent chapter for the first time, providing a comprehensive framework for primary prevention and risk management in high- and moderate-risk populations. This structural innovation signifies a paradigm shift from a treatment-centered approach toward a full-spectrum continuum of care encompassing prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. In therapeutic strategies, the Guidelines further emphasize comprehensive treatment aimed at surgical resection, formally recognizing the roles of conversion therapy and neoadjuvant therapy in improving resectability and curative outcomes. In the field of interventional oncology, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and selective internal radiation therapy are, for the first time, recommended as independent treatment options, together with transarterial chemoembolization, forming a more diversified and precise treatment landscape. In addition, the guidelines underscore the integration of antiviral therapy, hepato-protective measures, and supportive care into the overall management strategy, highlighting the importance of balancing tumor control with preservation of liver function and overall patient health. As a national consensus-based framework, the 2026 guidelines are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing standardized, precise, and individualized liver cancer care in China. Their implementation will contribute to earlier diagnosis, improved long-term survival, and better quality of life for patients, while also offering China's evidence-based experience and insights to the global liver cancer community.