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Bioscience Trends Jan 2024Hepatoblastoma (HB) remains the most common paediatric liver tumour and survival in children with hepatoblastoma has improved considerably since the advent of sequential...
Hepatoblastoma (HB) remains the most common paediatric liver tumour and survival in children with hepatoblastoma has improved considerably since the advent of sequential surgical regimens of chemotherapy based on platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents in the 1980s. With the advent of modern diagnostic imaging and pathology techniques, new preoperative chemotherapy regimens and the maturation of surgical techniques, new diagnostic and treatment options for patients with hepatoblastoma have emerged and international collaborations are investigating the latest diagnostic approaches, chemotherapy drug combinations and surgical strategies. Diagnosis of hepatoblastoma relies on imaging studies (such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and histological confirmation through biopsy. The standard treatment approach involves a multimodal strategy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. In cases where complete resection is not feasible or tumors exhibit invasive characteristics, liver transplantation is considered. The management of metastatic and recurrent hepatoblastoma poses significant challenges, and ongoing research focuses on developing targeted therapies and exploring the potential of immunotherapy. Further studies are necessary to gain a better understanding of the etiology of hepatoblastoma, develop prevention strategies, and personalize treatment approaches. We aim to review the current status of diagnosis and treatment of hepatoblastoma.
Topics: Child; Humans; Infant; Hepatoblastoma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Liver Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Hepatectomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38143081
DOI: 10.5582/bst.2023.01311 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2021This report explores the available curative molecules directed against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Limited efficiency as well as other drawbacks of existing... (Review)
Review
This report explores the available curative molecules directed against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Limited efficiency as well as other drawbacks of existing molecules led to the search for promising potential alternatives. Understanding of the cell signaling mechanisms propelling carcinogenesis and driven by cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis can offer valuable information for the investigation of efficient treatment strategies. The complexity of the mechanisms behind carcinogenesis inspires researchers to explore the ability of various biomolecules to target specific pathways. Natural components occurring mainly in food and medicinal plants, are considered an essential resource for discovering new and promising therapeutic molecules. Novel biomolecules normally have an advantage in terms of biosafety. They are also widely diverse and often possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Based on quantitative structure-activity relationship studies, biomolecules can be used as templates for chemical modifications that improve efficiency, safety, and bioavailability. In this review, we focus on anti-HCC biomolecules that have their molecular targets partially or completely characterized as well as having anti-cancer molecular mechanisms that are fairly described.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Neoplasm Proteins
PubMed: 34639131
DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910774 -
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology Apr 2023Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Taiwan. The Taiwan Liver Cancer Association and... (Review)
Review
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Taiwan. The Taiwan Liver Cancer Association and the Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan developed and updated the guidelines for HCC management in 2020. In clinical practice, we follow these guidelines and the reimbursement policy of the government. In Taiwan, abdominal ultrasonography, alpha-fetoprotein, and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) tests are performed for HCC surveillance every 6 months or every 3 months for high-risk patients. Dynamic computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound have been recommended for HCC surveillance in extremely high-risk patients or those with poor ultrasonographic visualization results. HCC is usually diagnosed through dynamic imaging, and pathological diagnosis is recommended. Staging of HCC is based on a modified version of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system, and the HCC management guidelines in Taiwan actively promote curative treatments including surgery and locoregional therapy for BCLC stage B or C patients. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), drug-eluting bead TACE, transarterial radioembolization, and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy may be administered for patients with BCLC stage B or C HCC. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are reimbursed as systemic therapies, and regorafenib and ramucirumab may be reimbursed in cases of sorafenib failure. First-line atezolizumab with bevacizumab is not yet reimbursed but may be administered in clinical practice. Systemic therapy and external beam radiation therapy may be used in specific patients. Early switching to systemic therapy in TACE-refractory patients is a recent paradigm shift in HCC management.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Sorafenib; Taiwan; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Neoplasm Staging
PubMed: 36710607
DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0421 -
Nutrients Jun 2022The median overall survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer is only 2-3 years, and for patients with untreated liver metastasis, it is as short as 4-8 months.... (Review)
Review
The median overall survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer is only 2-3 years, and for patients with untreated liver metastasis, it is as short as 4-8 months. Improving the survival of women with breast cancer requires more effective anti-cancer strategies, especially for metastatic disease. Nutrients can influence tumor microenvironments, and cancer metabolism can be manipulated via a dietary modification to enhance anti-cancer strategies. Yet, there are no standard evidence-based recommendations for diet therapies before or during cancer treatment, and few studies provide definitive data that certain diets can mediate tumor progression or therapeutic effectiveness in human cancer. This review focuses on metastatic breast cancer, in particular liver metastatic forms, and recent studies on the impact of diets on disease progression and treatment.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Diet; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Metastasis; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35745105
DOI: 10.3390/nu14122376 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2019Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality for which liver resection is an important... (Review)
Review
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality for which liver resection is an important curative-intent treatment option. However, many patients present with advanced disease and with underlying chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis, limiting the proportion of patients who are surgical candidates. In addition, the development of recurrent or cancers following surgical resection is common. These issues have led investigators to evaluate the benefit of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies aimed at improving resectability rates and decreasing recurrence rates. While high-level evidence to guide treatment decision making is lacking, recent advances in locoregional and systemic therapies, including antiviral treatment and immunotherapy, raise the prospect of novel approaches that may improve the outcomes of patients with HCC. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for various neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies and discuss opportunities for future clinical and translational research.
Topics: Ablation Techniques; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Antiviral Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Hepatectomy; Humans; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Radiosurgery; Treatment Outcome; Yttrium Radioisotopes
PubMed: 31391767
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i28.3704 -
Journal of Hepatology Dec 2020Assessing the balance between survival and recurrence after transplantation for secondary liver tumours should be based on the type of cancer in question. For... (Review)
Review
Assessing the balance between survival and recurrence after transplantation for secondary liver tumours should be based on the type of cancer in question. For neuroendocrine liver metastases, high recurrence rates are clearly related to reduced long-term survival. For colorectal liver metastases, experience to date indicates that pulmonary recurrence alone has a modest impact on survival outcomes. Further studies focusing on this group of patients will be important for the development of this field of transplant oncology. Liver transplantation for secondary liver tumours should be implemented in accordance with stringent transplant criteria and preferably in the context of prospective trials. Expansion of the donor pool by utilising extended criteria donors and partial liver transplantation could be considered for this indication.
Topics: Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Liver Transplantation; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Patient Selection; Risk Assessment; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 32896581
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.08.015 -
Cell Death & Disease Aug 2023With technological advancements, radiotherapy (RT) has become an effective non-surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), comprehensively improving the local...
With technological advancements, radiotherapy (RT) has become an effective non-surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), comprehensively improving the local control rate of patients with HCC. However, some patients with HCC still experience radio-resistance, cancer recurrence, and distant metastasis following RT. Our previous study has revealed that hexokinase 2 (HK2), a potent oncogene, was overexpressed in radio-resistant HCC cell lines; however, its role in HCC radio-resistance remains elusive. Here, we confirmed the upregulation of HK2 in HCC tissue, which is related to unfavorable prognosis in patients with HCC, and demonstrated that HK2 exerts a radio-resistant role by attenuating apoptosis and promoting proliferation in HCC cell lines. HK2 downregulation combined with ionizing radiation showed an excellent synergistic lethal effect. Mechanistically, HK2 alleviated ionizing radiation-mediated apoptosis by complexing with pro-apoptotic protein aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2) while enhancing its autophagic lysosomal-dependent degradation, thereby increasing radio-resistance of HCC. Pharmacologically, ketoconazole, an FDA-approved antifungal drug, served as an inhibitor of HK2 and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of RT. Our results indicated that HK2 played a vital role in radio-resistance and could be a potential therapeutic target for improving RT efficacy in HCC.
Topics: Humans; Autophagy; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Hexokinase; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nuclear Proteins
PubMed: 37524692
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06009-2 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2019Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and various pathogenic factors can lead to its occurrence and development. Among all primary liver cancers,... (Review)
Review
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and various pathogenic factors can lead to its occurrence and development. Among all primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common. With extensive studies, an increasing number of molecular mechanisms that promote HCC are being discovered. Surgical resection is still the most effective treatment for patients with early HCC. However, early detection and treatment are difficult for most HCC patients, and the postoperative recurrence rate is high, resulting in poor clinical prognosis of HCC. Although immunotherapy takes longer than conventional chemotherapy to produce therapeutic effects, it persists for longer. In recent years, the emergence of many new immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, has given new hope for the treatment of HCC.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Cancer Vaccines; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease Progression; Humans; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31333308
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i25.3151 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 7% of all malignancies and about 90% of all primary liver malignancies, making it the most common type of malignant liver...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 7% of all malignancies and about 90% of all primary liver malignancies, making it the most common type of malignant liver neoplasm [...].
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms
PubMed: 37628717
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612536 -
Bioscience Trends Jul 2022Over the last three decades, liver transplantation (LT) in China has made breakthroughs from scratch. Now, new techniques are being continuously incorporated. However,... (Review)
Review
Over the last three decades, liver transplantation (LT) in China has made breakthroughs from scratch. Now, new techniques are being continuously incorporated. However, LT in China differs from that in other countries due to cultural differences and the disease burden. The advances made in and the current issues with LT in China need to be summarized. Living donor LT (LDLT) has developed dramatically in China over the last 30 years, with the goal of increasing transplant opportunities and dealing with the shortage of donors. Western candidate selection criteria clearly are not appropriate for Chinese patients. Thus, the current authors reviewed the literature, and this review has focused on the topics of technological advancements in LDLT and Chinese candidate selection. The Milan criteria in wide use emphasize tumor morphology rather than pathology or biomarkers. α-fetoprotein (AFP) and pathology were incorporated as predictors for the first time in the Hangzhou criteria. Moreover, Xu et al. divided the Hangzhou criteria into type A (tumor size ≤ 8 cm or tumor size > 8 cm but AFP ≤ 100 ng/mL) and type B (tumor size > 8 cm but AFP between 100 and 400 ng/mL), with type B serving as a relative contraindication in the event of a liver donor shortage. In addition, surgeons in Chengdu and Shanghai have the ability to perform a laparoscopic hepatectomy for right and left lobe donors, respectively. China has established a complete LT system, including recipient criteria suitable for Chinese people, a fair donor allocation center, a transplant quality monitoring platform, and mature deceased donor or living donor LT techniques.
Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; China; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Liver Transplantation; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; alpha-Fetoproteins
PubMed: 35545501
DOI: 10.5582/bst.2022.01121