Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Antiviral therapy may prevent liver cancer in hepatitis B patients

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.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 9, 2014

Screening for liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 1, 2014

NSAID use linked to reduced hepatocellular carcinoma risk and mortality due to chronic liver disease

Researchers found a significant association between NSAID use and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death from chronic liver disease. Aspirin use was found to have the strongest protective effect, with participants experiencing a 41% reduced risk of HCC and 45% reduced risk of CLD mortality.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 28, 2012

EASL-EORTC publish joint clinical practice guidelines on hepatocellular carcinoma management

The EASL-EORTC joint Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provide best practice recommendations for surveillance, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies. The guidelines aim to improve access to effective interventions for patients with HCC, an increasing global health burden.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMar 15, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 17, 2012

Researchers discovered that topical application of imiquimod recruits plasmacytoid DCs to the tumor site, converting them into tumor-killing effector cells. A new mechanism for IFN-alpha suppression was also identified, targeting epigenetic regulation of nuclear cccDNA minichromosome.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2012

European studies on risks of hepatocellular carcinoma

Research from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study found that 47.6% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases were associated with smoking, while chronic hepatitis B and C infection was the strongest risk factor. The study also highlights the importance of quitting smoking to reduce liver cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 21, 2011

Saffron shows promise in preventing liver cancer

Researchers found that saffron significantly reduced the number and incidence of liver nodules, with complete inhibition observed at the highest dose. Saffron also inhibited the elevation of proteins indicating liver damage and blocked inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 22, 2011

Predicting liver cancer spread

A team of researchers has identified a potential biomarker for predicting future metastasis in patients with the most common form of liver cancer. Quantification of the mRNA template for a truncated version of the protein carboxypeptidase E (CPE) was found to predict intrahepatic metastasis with high sensitivity and specificity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2011

Racial disparities evident in early-stage liver cancer survival

A recent study found racial disparities in liver cancer survival rates, with black patients experiencing higher mortality rates compared to white and Hispanic patients. Despite receiving similar treatments, black patients had a 12% increased rate of death, indicating poor access to care and subpar treatment outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateDec 20, 2010

Personalized treatment may help some liver cancer patients

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a potential new treatment approach targeting the protein c-Met in patients with metastatic liver cancer. By analyzing data from 1,051 patients and six published manuscripts, they found that c-Met activation is strongly associated with poor prognosis and aggressive features. ...

New transplantation criteria for liver cancer patients

Researchers suggest treatments used on liver cancers beyond Milan criteria be applied to all patients with HCC listed for transplantation. Ablation and waiting can control tumors, allowing time to determine tumor biology and reducing recurrence rates.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 28, 2010