Tumor Suppressor and Targeted Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Diagnosis to Treatment

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Therapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 8272

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Liver Diseases Prevention and Treatment Center, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chia-Yi and School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
Interests: liver cancer; viral hepatitis; fatty liver; liver cirrhosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Internal Medicine, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 412224, Taiwan
2. Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
Interests: hepatology; liver cancer; liver tumor biopsy and ablation; contrast ultrasound
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
2. School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: hepatocellular carcinoma

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

The carcinogenesis of HCC is a complex process that is associated with the aberrant activation of various cellular and molecular pathways and the disruption of balance between the activation and inactivation of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, respectively. During the past few decades, advancements in molecular cell biology have improved our understanding of the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying tumor initiation and progression‚ contributing to the evolution of strategies for prevention, surveillance, early diagnosis, and treatment. At present, many clinical trials that examine the use of molecular-targeted therapies that inhibit the growth of tumor cells by interfering with the molecular mechanisms of HCC carcinogenesis have shown promising results. In this Special Issue of Cancers, we will include original or review articles concerning “tumor suppressor” or “targeted therapy” in hepatocellular carcinoma. The Editor and Co-editors will monitor and select the best articles regarding subjects such as clinical screening, genetic testing, diagnosis, treatments, and the prevention of complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Prof. Dr. Ching-Sheng Hsu
Dr. Po-Heng Chuang
Dr. I-Cheng Lee
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • tumor suppressor
  • targeted therapy
  • hepatocellular carcinoma
  • human
  • diagnosis
  • surveillance
  • complication
  • early detection
  • carcinogenesis

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 969 KiB  
Article
Histopathological Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis B and D Virus Infection: A Single-Institution Study in Mongolia
by Orgil Jargalsaikhan, Wenhua Shao, Mayuko Ichimura-Shimizu, Soichiro Ishimaru, Takaaki Koma, Masako Nomaguchi, Hirohisa Ogawa, Shotaro Tachibana, Battogtokh Chimeddorj, Khongorzul Batchuluun, Anujin Tseveenjav, Battur Magvan, Bayarmaa Enkhbat, Sayamaa Lkhagvadorj, Adilsaikhan Mendjargal, Lkhagvadulam Ganbaatar, Minoru Irahara, Masashi Akaike, Damdindorj Boldbaatar and Koichi Tsuneyama
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030432 - 27 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Background: Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), is highly prevalent in Mongolia. Moreover, Mongolia has the highest prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) globally, with over 60% of HBV-infected individuals also co-infected with HDV. Since HBV/HDV infections accelerate [...] Read more.
Background: Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), is highly prevalent in Mongolia. Moreover, Mongolia has the highest prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) globally, with over 60% of HBV-infected individuals also co-infected with HDV. Since HBV/HDV infections accelerate liver disease progression more compared to HBV infection alone, urgent national health measures are required. Method: This study presents a clinicopathological analysis of 49 hepatocellular carcinoma cases surgically resected at the Mongolia–Japan Hospital of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Results: HBV infection was found in 27 (55.1%) cases of all HCC cases. Immunohistochemical staining of the liver revealed that 14 (28.6%) cases were HDV antigen-positive in the HCC cases. HDV-positive cases exhibited significantly higher inflammatory activity compared to HDV-negative cases, with lymphocytic infiltrates predominantly composed of CD4-positive cells. Furthermore, HDV-positive cells were spatially distinct from HBs antigen-positive cells, suggesting that HDV-infected cells may interfere with HBV replication. No significant differences in fibrosis or in tumor characteristics were observed between the HDV-positive and negative cases. Early diagnosis of HBV/HDV infections is essential for appropriate treatment and to prevent further domestic transmission of the virus. However, routine testing for HDV infection is rarely conducted in Mongolia. Since HDV-positive cells are morphologically indistinguishable from surrounding HDV-negative cells, routine histopathological analysis may not be sufficient enough to detect HDV infection. Conclusions: Based on this clinicopathological study, CD4 and CD8 immunostaining can be considered an adjunctive diagnostic tool in cases with significant lymphocytic infiltration and hepatocellular damage. Additionally, HDV screening using blood and tissue samples may be recommended to ensure accurate diagnosis. Full article
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14 pages, 1196 KiB  
Article
Integrating Muscle Depletion with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging to Predict Overall Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Tzu-Rong Peng, Chao-Chuan Wu, Jong-Kai Hsiao, Yi-Chun Chou, Yuan-Ling Liao, Yen-Chih Chen, Pei-Jung Shao, Ta-Wei Wu and Ching-Sheng Hsu
Cancers 2025, 17(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010024 - 25 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Background: Muscle depletion (MD) is a critical factor that influences clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its role in cancer prognosis is recognized, its integration into widely used prognostic systems remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact [...] Read more.
Background: Muscle depletion (MD) is a critical factor that influences clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its role in cancer prognosis is recognized, its integration into widely used prognostic systems remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of MD on overall survival (OS) in HCC patients and to improve existing noninvasive prognostic models by incorporating MD-related metrics. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1072 HCC patients treated at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital between January 2006 and December 2016. All patients had follow-up data and computed tomography (CT) scans at vertebral level L3 for MD evaluation. Independent prognostic factors for OS were identified using Cox proportional hazards models, and the predictive performance of various prognostic models was assessed through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: The key independent predictors of OS in HCC patients included hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MD-related metrics (psoas muscle-to-spine ratio, psoas muscle-to-vertebral ratio, and myosteatosis). Among existing models, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) class, and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade demonstrated robust predictive performance for OS. However, incorporating MD significantly improved the predictive accuracy of these models, with the MD–BCLC model showing the highest AUROC (0.804, 95% CI: 0.777–0.832, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MD is an independent and significant prognostic predictor for patients with HCC. Integrating MD metrics into established systems, particularly the BCLC staging system, markedly improves OS prediction, providing a more comprehensive tool for clinical decision-making in the management of HCC. Full article
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14 pages, 1105 KiB  
Systematic Review
Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Cancer
by Ignacio Ventura, Lorena Sanchiz, María Ester Legidos-García, María Teresa Murillo-Llorente and Marcelino Pérez-Bermejo
Cancers 2024, 16(1), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16010197 - 30 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4740
Abstract
Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, is a global concern. This study focuses on the evaluation of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab combination therapy as a promising alternative in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The objectives of this systematic review include evaluating the efficacy of [...] Read more.
Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, is a global concern. This study focuses on the evaluation of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab combination therapy as a promising alternative in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The objectives of this systematic review include evaluating the efficacy of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab combination therapy compared to conventional therapies with Sorafenib and other conventional therapies, analyzing the associated adverse effects, and exploring prognostic factors in the setting of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. A systematic literature review was carried out using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Fifteen related articles were included and evaluated according to their level of evidence and recommendation. Results: The combination therapy of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab, along with Sorafenib, showed positive results in the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Significant adverse effects were identified, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, arterial hypertension, and proteinuria, which require careful attention. In addition, prognostic factors, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and vascular invasion, were highlighted as key indicators of hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Conclusions: The combination of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab is shown to be effective in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, although it is essential to take into consideration the associated adverse effects. The prognostic factors identified may provide valuable information for the clinical management of this disease. This study provides a comprehensive overview of a promising emerging therapy for liver cancer. Full article
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