Role and mechanism of intestinal microorganisms in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and its feasibility as a diagnostic index

Although the relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma and intestinal microbiota has been experimentally and clinically confirmed, its ramifications regarding clinical diagnosis and therapy remain unknown. In this review, we elucidated the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and hepatocellular carcinoma as well as the obstacles to its use in the diagnosis of the latter. Moreover, we discuss the feasibility and usefulness of a novel comprehensive indicator of intestinal microbiota for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, even though the bacterial taxa used in this indicator warrant further study. Finally, we provide suggestions for the screening of the bacterial taxa used in the calculation of this indicator.