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.
Researchers found TP53 as the most commonly mutated tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to poor survival outcomes. The study also identified the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway as a major oncogenic driver in liver cancer.
A new scoring system defines patients who achieve the most benefit from TACE treatment, differentiating those who may benefit from repeat sessions and those who are unlikely to respond. This finding presents a challenge for the design of phase III trials for intermediate-stage HCC.
A recent mouse study published at the International Liver Congress 2013 suggests that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cancer. The study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and subjected to regular exercise had a 71% lower incidence of tumours larger than 10mm compared to sedentary mice.
New data from clinical trials demonstrate substantial improvements in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) using urinary metabolite profiles. The tests show higher sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods, offering hope for early detection and improved survival rates.
Research revealed a significant increase in chronic liver disease risk among women with high BMI and heavy alcohol intake. Women are twice as sensitive to alcohol-related liver damage, and low BMI combined with high alcohol consumption poses greater risks.
Achieving sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon-based treatment is associated with lower all-cause mortality and reduced risk of liver-related complications in patients with chronic HCV infection. SVR was linked to a prolonged overall survival, with a 4-fold lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without SVR.
The study reveals that baby boomers with hepatitis C are at risk of developing liver cancer, leading to a significant increase in liver transplant demand. As this population ages, the number of liver transplants for HCV-related liver disease is expected to rise.
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.
Researchers at the University of Southampton will investigate manipulating natural killer cells to attack hepatocellular cancer (HCC) cells. The study aims to create a method for clinical trials using NK cells for immunotherapy, with potential for improving treatment outcomes for HCC patients.
Researchers have deciphered how a stress-inducible gene regulator, AP-1, controls the survival of liver tumor-initiating cells. Altering these proteins in mice impaired liver cancer development, providing new insights into liver cancer initiation.
A new study suggests that loss of microRNA-122 leads to liver cancer and that restoring this molecule may slow tumor growth. The researchers developed a model where mice lack miR-122 and develop liver cancer, which can be treated by restoring the molecule.
A whole-genome sequencing study found that HBV integration is a common event in liver tumors, associated with tumor size, serum HBsAg levels, and α-fetoprotein. The study identified three novel genes linked to recurrent HBV integrations, which may lead to targeted therapies for liver cancer.
A family history of liver cancer is associated with a 70-fold increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, independent of hepatitis B or C markers. Monitoring individuals with family history and hepatitis markers may help identify HCC at an earlier stage.
A large-scale Danish study has found a positive link between childhood obesity and the development of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) in adulthood. The study monitored over 165,000 participants and found that as BMI increased during childhood, so did the risk of developing HCC.
A new biomarker has been identified to detect hepatitis B-infected patients at risk of developing liver cancer. Telomere length analysis revealed a significant association between longer telomeres and increased risk of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die or become too sick for a transplant while waiting on the list compared to non-HCC candidates. The study suggests re-examining the prioritization criteria used to determine waitlist placement.
A new study found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die on the wait list than non-HCC candidates, with HCC patients having substantially lower odds of waitlist removal for death or deterioration. The researchers argue that exception points currently allotted for HCC should be lowered.
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.
Scientists have identified a new compound, Factor Qunolinone Inhibitor 1 (FQI1), that rapidly kills hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by inhibiting an oncogene, while sparing healthy tissue. Laboratory experiments and mouse models demonstrate the compound's effectiveness without observable toxicity.
A novel molecular process linked to neddylation has been found to be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer with poor prognosis. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to potential therapeutic applications for patients with HCC.
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.
Recent Mayo Clinic studies identify risk factors for rising liver cancer cases, including hepatitis C infection and fatty liver disease. The studies suggest that screening for hepatitis C could improve treatment and survival rates for affected populations.
Recent studies have uncovered significant limitations in liver cancer screening for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostic procedures. Most patients with cirrhosis prefer surveillance over non-screening, and ultrasonographic screening at different intervals did not improve detection of small liver cancers.
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.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a lower incidence of liver-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma compared to those infected with hepatitis C virus. NAFLD patients also had similar mortality rates as patients with HCV, despite having higher rates of cardiovascular complications.
A new study published in Hepatology found that living donor liver transplant recipients had a 56% lower mortality rate compared to those waiting for a deceased donor liver transplant. However, this benefit was not observed for candidates with low MELD scores and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A European study found radioembolization to be a viable treatment option for liver cancer patients, with median overall survival near 13 months. The procedure improved survival rates across different tumor stages and in patients with few treatment options.
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.
A large-scale study found metabolic syndrome significantly increases risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, two major types of primary liver cancer. Metabolic syndrome was present in 37% of persons who developed HCC and 30% of those who developed ICC, compared to 17% of those without cancer.
Researchers used zebrafish to investigate the deadly form of liver cancer and uncovered a genetic signature that could aid in diagnosis. They also identified specific markers for early- and late-stage cancer, which may inform treatment regimes.
A genome-wide study identified a genetic variant associated with liver cancer development in chronic hepatitis C virus carriers. The DEPDC5 SNP was found to roughly double the odds of developing HCC among Japanese individuals with chronic HCV infection.
A human gene implicated in leukemia also acts to prevent cancer of the liver by producing an enzyme called Shp2, which protects hepatocytes from toxic damage. Conversely, this same enzyme is a known factor in the development of several types of leukemia.
A new study found thalidomide significantly increased two-year disease-free survival rate (65%) compared to placebo (33%). However, overall survival rates were comparable between treatment groups. This finding provides new hope for difficult-to-treat liver cancer patients.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a novel mechanism in gene regulation that contributes to the development of liver cancer. AEG-1 and SND1 proteins were found to increase RISC activity, leading to increased tumor growth. Inhibiting SND1 is proposed as a potential new avenue for treating liver cancer.
Research found that underweight patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) tend to be older at HCC onset compared to those with normal weight range BMI. Achieving adequate body weight and reducing alcohol intake may help prevent hepatic carcinogenesis in HCV-infected patients.
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.
Research reveals E2F5 is commonly overexpressed in primary human HCC and its knockdown profoundly represses cell growth. Overexpression may contribute to cancer transformation by inducing uncontrollable cell cycle progression.
The study found that octreotide induces caspase-mediated apoptotic pathway in HepG2 cells, supporting a receptor-mediated and mitochondrial-apoptotic pathway. This suggests that measurements of serum octreotide levels may be important for verifying optimal therapeutic drug concentrations.
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.
Researchers found radiofrequency ablation to be a safe and effective therapy for managing hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients. The procedure resulted in high complete response rates, with 98.5% of patients achieving disease-free status.
A randomized phase 2 study found that combining sorafenib with doxorubicin improved median overall and progression-free survival in patients with advanced liver cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in the risk of death and progression, with median overall survival increasing to 13.7 months
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. ...
Research suggests adiponectin inhibits leptin-induced migration of liver cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and improving disease-free survival. The study's findings offer a promising therapy for obese liver cancer patients by targeting the oncogenic actions of leptin.
Targeting c-Met shows promise in treating HCC patients with positive tumors, according to a study. c-Met is overexpressed in metastatic liver cancer cells, driving growth and invasion.
The study found significant disparities in survival rates among Asian-Americans diagnosed with liver cancer, with Laotian/Hmong-Americans having the lowest median survival rate of just one month. The group was also least likely to receive treatment, such as liver transplantation, due to late-stage diagnoses.
Research reveals GPC3's association with MMPs and growth signaling molecules in HCC, indicating its potential role in cancer progression. Overexpression of GPC3 is correlated with altered expressions of various MMPs and growth signaling molecules, suggesting its involvement in tumor development.
Researchers discovered galangin induces apoptosis in HCC cells through a mitochondrial pathway, modulating key proteins. The study suggests galangin may be a future treatment option for HCC, offering new hope for patients with this challenging cancer.
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.