Articles tagged with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Researchers found that mTOR stimulates liver tumor formation through increased lipid synthesis. The study shows how mTORC2 promotes the new synthesis of fatty acids and lipids in hepatocytes, enabling rapid cell growth and energy production.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic method for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, based on a simple blood sample containing circulating tumor DNA. The test has been shown to highly correlate with tumor burden, treatment response, and stage of cancer.
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma can start with a lower dose of sorafenib without affecting overall survival, experiencing fewer side effects and lower treatment costs. The reduced dose approach allows patients to ramp up as they show tolerance, while the standard dose may require ramping down due to toxicities.
A compound has been identified that enhances tumor-targeting viruses' ability to selectively kill liver cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The oncolytic virus M1 was boosted by combining it with Eeyarestatin I, increasing its potency 3,600-fold against cancer cells in culture and animal models.
A new study identified over 11,000 miR-122 binding sites in a mouse model and found that three conserved target genes are associated with poor human HCC patient survival. The findings could help doctors predict liver cancer patient survival and develop an anticancer drug.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have successfully defined a rare pediatric malignant liver disease, HEMNOS, which showed positive treatment outcomes when treated like hepatoblastoma. The study found that all patients survived and achieved remission despite being considered high risk.
The SARAH trial found SIRT resulted in higher tumor response rates and controlled tumor progression compared to sorafenib, with better side-effect profiles and quality of life scores. However, it did not increase overall survival in HCC patients.
The CheckMate 040 study found that nivolumab produces durable responses with long-term survival rates of up to 59.9% in sorafenib-experienced patients with advanced HCC, regardless of Hepatitis B or C infection status.
Recent studies present contrasting evidence on DAA therapy's association with liver cancer. A study found a higher recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who received DAAs, while another found no difference in HCC occurrence or recurrence between DAA and interferon-based therapies.
Research reveals liver progenitor cells become activated and expand due to oncogenic signals from malignant hepatocytes. Progenitor cells can lead to benign or aggressive tumours, contributing to tumour heterogeneity.
A new study links protein c-Fos to liver carcinogenesis, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in preventing liver cancer. The research suggests that statins may also prevent deleterious changes in hepatocytes caused by hypercholesterolemia and reduce inflammation.
Researchers developed a novel therapy using iPS-cell derived immune cells that produce interferon-β to combat liver cancer. The treatment was found to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and cause death, with high concentrations of IFN-β detected at targeted sites.
Sanford Simon at Rockefeller University has received a $600,000 grant from the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation to develop a therapy for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. The disease typically affects adolescents and young adults with no history of liver disease, and there is currently no standard treatment regimen.
Following screening guidelines for HCC in cirrhotic patients significantly increases life expectancy, with a 5-month average gain compared to 'real life' monitoring. Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that standardized surveillance is cost-effective at $1754/yr per life year gained in French costs and $32,415/yr in US costs.
A recent study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that the 10-year incidence of liver cancer in UK patients with cirrhosis is as low as 4%. Patients with cirrhosis due to chronic viral hepatitis have the highest risk, but even then, it's lower than expected.
A new digital assay using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been developed to detect liver cancer, showing high specificity and sensitivity. The test can identify HCC in patients with a positive score, even when other methods like AFP screening are negative.
A phase 3 trial found regorafenib significantly improved overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer. The study showed that regorafenib can improve survival in patients whose HCC progressed during treatment with sorafenib, an existing drug.
A new study reveals that RAF1 acts as a negative regulator of hepatocellular carcinoma, while promoting growth in inflammatory cells. This finding highlights the need for a more thorough understanding of the disease at the molecular level to design novel therapies.
Researchers from Charité have found that high blood selenium levels are associated with a decreased risk of developing liver cancer. Selenium deficiency is identified as a major risk factor for liver cancer, with the third of the population having lowest selenium status facing a five- to ten-fold increased risk.
A study found that biphenotypic primary liver carcinoma can be misclassified as hepatocellular carcinoma if only major imaging features are considered. The study suggests using a comprehensive algorithm for liver lesion assessment, such as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (LI-RADS), to accurately classify these malignancies.
Sorafenib treatment reduces immune-suppressive phenotypes in HCC patients, including decreased PD-1 expression and lower regulatory T cells. These responses correlate with increased overall survival.
CNIO researchers reveal that proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A triggers non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), two conditions with no current treatment. Blocking IL-17A or inhibiting cells that secrete it may prevent NASH in high-risk patients.
The phase III RESORCE trial shows regorafenib achieves improved survival rates compared to placebo in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The study demonstrates significant efficacy and safety benefits of the new agent as a second-line treatment option, providing hope for improved patient outcomes.
Recent evidence suggests that AAV vectors used for gene therapy can trigger liver cancer in rare patients. A new article challenges re-interpreted data, reaffirming the link between insertional mutagenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A new study found significant racial disparities in liver cancer survival rates, with black patients facing a 33% increased risk of death and being transplanted less often. The disparity is attributed to factors such as larger tumor sizes at diagnosis, lower access to care, and higher prevalence of viral hepatitis.
A new prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma, ITA.LI.CA, shows superior survival prediction in Italian and Taiwanese cohorts, integrating tumor staging, liver function, functional status, and alpha-fetoprotein level. The resulting score has concordance indices of 0.71 and 0.78 in internal and external validation cohorts.
A new study found that patients with a prior history of hepatocellular carcinoma and treated with direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C have a higher-than-expected early recurrence rate of their liver cancer, with rates exceeding 40% in some subgroups. The recurrences may be due to a weakened immune system following DAA therapy.
A new study found that patients with Hepatitis C virus who took direct-acting antiviral treatments had a 'high rate' of re-developing their illness, including liver cancer. The study suggests that these patients require close monitoring due to the high risk of recurrence.
Researchers aim to develop precision treatment for HCC by targeting genetic abnormalities and chromosomal alterations. Targeted agents such as sorafenib have been developed, but further research is needed to utilize molecular profiles for therapy selection.
Liver cancer experts say following international guidelines is costing lives in Peru due to a lack of tailored treatment. The study suggests that using local knowledge and data can lead to better management of the disease in developing countries.
Researchers in gene therapy challenge a recent study linking adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) to liver cancer development, citing flawed experimental methods and data interpretation. AAV2 is found in up to 90% of humans, yet liver cancer affects only about 10/100,000 people in the US.
Research suggests that retroviral long-terminal-repeat promoters may contribute to the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The study found that these elements are highly activated in liver cancer tumors and non-tumor tissue from patients with different etiologies, including viral hepatitis or alcohol use.
A new study has found that detecting small fragments of tumor DNA in a patient's pre-surgery serum samples can predict early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and guide treatment. This non-invasive method may lead to improved survival rates for liver cancer patients.
A new test for liver cancer is being developed based on analyzing the stable isotope compositions of rocks and minerals. The researchers found that patients with HCC have enriched quantities of certain isotopes, such as copper-63 and sulphur-32, in their blood compared to normal controls.
Researchers found that hepatitis B patients develop HCC at a younger age with more aggressive disease, while hepatitis C patients have underlying cirrhosis and diabetes. The study highlights the need to consider hepatitis status when developing treatment plans for newly diagnosed patients.
BLU-554, a small molecule inhibitor of FGFR4, has been identified as a potential treatment option for up to 30% of HCC patients. The investigational drug was shown to be potent and 'exquisitely selective' for FGFR4 compared to other kinases targeting the FGFR family.
A large cohort study found that long-term use of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir (TDF) results in excellent 5-year survival for Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), with a significant proportion of deaths coming from liver-unrelated causes. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma plays a major role in mortality.
Researchers identified specific molecular profiles and mutational patterns that can help determine which hepatocellular carcinoma patients benefit from targeted anticancer treatments. The study suggests that exome sequencing can be used to identify potential new targets for therapy, leading to optimized personalized patient care.
Scientists from RIKEN have found that chronic hepatitis infection and inflammation can lead to similar genetic mutations in liver tumors, potentially paving the way for targeted therapies. The study identified changes in mutations associated with aggressive biliary-type liver cancers and discovered new targets for future treatments.
A study found that AAV vector integration and microRNA expression influenced liver cancer development after gene therapy. The study highlights the importance of considering vector design features when designing AAV vectors for gene therapy.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with a complex tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), leading to carcinogenic progression. Targeted therapies targeting the microenvironment offer promise for treating this disease.
Researchers from CNIO discovered that a derivative of vitamin B3, nicotinamide riboside, prevents the development of liver tumors and induces tumor regression in mice. The study suggests that boosting NAD+ levels may have beneficial effects on cancer.
Researchers identified CD44 as a potential marker to select patients unresponsive to Sorafenib, a common liver cancer treatment. Patients with a less differentiated mesenchymal phenotype expressing CD44 tend to resist Sorafenib's action, highlighting the need for alternative therapies.
A team of scientists led by Prof. Mathias Heikenwälder found that immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells and NK T cells, play a crucial role in the development of fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver cancer. The study suggests that an existing metabolic imbalance triggers the activation and migration of...
Researchers have found that protein AIM can prevent liver cancer development by triggering the complement cascade to eliminate cancerous cells. AIM accumulates on the surface of HCC cells, leading to their destruction.
A phase II clinical trial combining Sorafenib and Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) achieved improved patient survival, with median overall survival of 20.3 months for intermediate stage HCC patients. The treatment also showed promise in downstaging locally advanced HCC to potentially curative treatment.
A team of scientists has discovered a compound named triptolide, isolated from the thunder god vine, which is far more potent than current therapies against hepatocellular carcinoma. The researchers used nanotechnology to improve delivery and reduce toxicity, showing increased efficacy in tumor accumulation and uptake into cancer cells.
A new mouse model closely resembles human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and demonstrates that interfering with key inflammatory proteins inhibits disease development and cancer progression. The study uses a genetically modified mouse strain to show the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory compounds in preventing NASH.
A phase 3 study of everolimus failed to improve overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. In contrast, sorafenib is the only systemic therapy shown to significantly improve overall survival.
A study of over 2,600 adults with hepatitis B found that antiviral therapy significantly reduced the occurrence of liver cancer (HCC) by 60%. The therapy was more effective than treatment in preventing HCC than untreated patients. Results suggest a potential new approach to preventing a common and deadly form of cancer.
Studies predict improved HCC patient outcomes with new diagnostic approaches. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI shows higher detection sensitivity for early-stage HCC, potentially improving treatment outcomes by ensuring optimum care.
Researchers have discovered an immunotherapeutic approach to treating liver cancer, utilizing isolated T-cell receptors that can recognize and eliminate liver cancer cells. This new treatment option holds promise for patients with limited treatment options, including those with advanced stage HCC.
A systematic review of 47 studies found that surveillance screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis patients led to earlier detection, curative treatment, and longer survival. The pooled 3-year survival rate among screened patients was 50.8%, compared to 27.9% among unscreened patients.
A novel simulation-based approach has been used to find and evaluate new potential drugs for liver cancer, identifying 101 compounds predicted to prevent cancer growth in most patients. The researchers simulated the effect of over 3,000 antimetabolites on healthy cells to predict their toxic effects.
Michigan State University researchers discovered a genetic deficiency in male mice that triggers the development of liver cancer and type 2 diabetes. The study found altered NCOA5 gene levels led to glucose intolerance and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A new study has found a significant association between diabetes and an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as liver cancer, in various ethnic groups. The study revealed that people with diabetes have a two- to threefold higher risk for liver cancer compared to those without the condition.
A study by IDIBELL researchers has identified a mechanism inducing tumor cell migration in liver cancer, suggesting that patients with overactivated TGFb and high CXCR4 levels may benefit from TGFb inhibitory therapy. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer progression.
A meta-analysis of 16 high-quality studies found that coffee consumption reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by about 40%, with 3 cups per day showing a 50% reduction. Chronic infections with hepatitis B and C viruses are the main causes of liver cancer.
For the first time, researchers have isolated and characterized the progenitor cells that eventually give rise to malignant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors. These cells can be identified long before actual tumors are apparent, suggesting a new approach for early detection and therapeutic intervention.
The nationwide HBV immunization program, launched in 1984, successfully lowered chronic HBV carrier prevalence, HCC incidence, and mortality of infant fulminant hepatitis in vaccinated birth cohorts. Long-term high-coverage immunization was associated with increased herd immunity and lower IFH mortality rates.