Models of Experimental Liver Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Primary liver cancer (PLC) ranks among the most frequent and deadly tumors worldwide, with a steadily increasing incidence and few therapeutic options. PLC consists of two main histological subtypes in the adult, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), and of hepatoblastoma (HBL) in children. Due to the paucity of symptoms and the absence of reliable biomarkers for early detection, PLC is most often detected in advanced stages, when curative therapies are not applicable and loco-regional approaches are of limited patient benefit. To overcome this gloomy scenario, a number of in vitro and in vivo experimental models have been generated and are currently under development. These models have been highly useful to understand the genetic predisposition to liver cancer, the malignant properties of chemicals and environmental factors, the histopathological alterations occurring along liver tumor development and progression, the identification of diagnostic and prognostic markers, and the oncogenic potential of aberrantly activated or inactivated signaling pathways. Recent and future models will be extremely helpful to address pivotal unsolved questions, such as intratumor heterogeneity, functional interplay between PLC cells and the tumor microenvironment, the role of signaling pathways crosstalk, metabolic addiction, and response/resistance to conventional and tailored therapies.

Given the importance of PLC in the field of medicine and research, the journal Cancers is launching this Special Issue. Our aim is to bring together a collection of original research articles and incisive reviews providing fertile ground for insightful discussions and new ideas for the understanding and the treatment of this pernicious disease.

Prof. Dr. Diego F. Calvisi
Guest Editor

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