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Liver cancer: How liver cells go astray

Comprehensive metabolic changes convert mature liver cells into immature progenitor cells that proliferate rapidly and develop tumors. The main causes of liver cancer are metabolic disorders and infections with hepatitis C virus and high alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 21, 2022

Experimental drug to treat liver cancer shows evidence of activity with manageable side effects

A new experimental drug has shown promising results in treating liver cancer, with two patients experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The drug, NMS-01940153E, targets an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division and growth, and its side effects are manageable.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal review elucidates potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A new Chinese Medical Journal review article elucidates the potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression, highlighting the role of bile acid and sphingolipid biology. Researchers summarize current understanding of NAFLD, its progression, and potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2022

High cholesterol leads to long-term liver scarring and immune cell dysfunction in lab study

A lab study found that high cholesterol intake worsens fatty liver disease progression by driving inflammation and scarring. The researchers also discovered long-lasting dysfunction in immune cells responsible for fighting liver damage. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet, according to the study's findings.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

New technology in recent study aims toward earlier detection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Researchers developed a new technology that can detect early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma using nanoparticles, which are released by tumor cells and can be detected in circulation. The technology, called HCC EV SPA, has the potential to enable rapid and affordable detection of the disease, leading to improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

New study shows hope, options for older patients with liver cancer

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that liver transplantation is a viable option for older patients with liver cancer, offering a significant survival benefit. The research compares outcomes between patients over 70 who received liver transplants and those who underwent ablative treatments...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 28, 2022

CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2022

New $4M NIH grant awarded to researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University to fund groundbreaking research on disparities in hepatitis B and liver disease in Asian-Americans

The new grant aims to address structural racism and discrimination affecting Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer. Researchers will examine factors such as socio-historical hardship, segregation, and mistrust of the health system to improve quality of care.

p53 in liver cancer: The ultimate betrayal?

A study published in Cancer Research found that constitutively activated p53 in hepatocytes of chronic liver disease patients creates a microenvironment supportive of tumor formation from hepatic progenitor cells. This novel mechanism challenges the traditional role of p53 as a cancer suppressor.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Prenatal exposure to chemicals in consumer and industrial products is associated with rising liver disease in children

A comprehensive study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. The researchers measured 45 chemicals in pregnant women and found elevated levels of biomarkers indicating risk for liver disease in children who were more highly exposed.

Marital status likely key factor in predicting early stage gastric cancer survival

A study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database found that married individuals had better survival prospects than divorced or widowed people. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict 3-5 year survivals, with marital status being one of several independent prognostic factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 5, 2022

Porous cells lead to poorer livers

Researchers discovered that porous cell membrane formation allows cancer-inducing proteins to escape and promote tumor growth in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated liver cancer. The release of IL-33 and IL-1β from senescent hepatic stellate cells accelerates cancer development by suppressing anti-tumor immunity.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal Review shines a light on the overlooked virus, hepatitis D

Researchers discuss Hepatitis D's life cycle and interactions with its host, exploring strategies for further research to combat this overlooked virus. HDV coinfects people with hepatitis B, rapidly progressing to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated, with a review published in the Chinese Medical Journal.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2022

Researchers discover effective combination immunotherapy for liver cancer

A new combination therapy using a tumor-suppressing lipid molecule and an antibody for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and enhance the strength of tumor-attacking T cells in liver cancer. This promising approach offers hope for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe FASEB Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

How fat could help in tailoring cancer treatment plans

A study by Osaka University found that fat accumulation in liver tumors can predict patient response to immunotherapy. The researchers identified a unique tumor immune microenvironment, known as steatotic HCC, which is associated with high infiltration of immune cells but exhaustion of nearby T cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

AGA recommends shared decision-making approach for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has issued new clinical practice guidelines on systemic therapy for HCC, emphasizing the importance of consulting a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The guidelines provide specific patient scenarios and treatment options to help hepatologists make informed decisions.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·DateFeb 22, 2022

Researchers restore function in a gene that can suppress liver cancer and enhance immunotherapy

A team of researchers has reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer by using mRNA nanoparticles, restoring the function of the p53 master regulator gene. The approach increased antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma laboratory models and shows promise for treating HCC and other cancers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

HKUMed researchers identified a key molecule in extracellular vesicles of liver cancer patient as a potential new biomarker for early diagnosis and therapeutic target

Researchers at HKUMed have discovered a stepwise upregulation of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in circulating extracellular vesicles from liver cancer patients, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive diagnostic marker. The study also found that pIgR-enriched EVs promote cancer stemness and tumorigenesis in mouse models, ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJan 26, 2022

Just in the NIK of time

Researchers at Osaka University have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a deadly form of liver cancer. By identifying TRAF3 and NIK as key players, they have uncovered potential therapeutic targets for novel ICC treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

New review suggests coffee consumption can stimulate digestion

A new review suggests that moderate coffee consumption can stimulate digestive processes and help movement through the colon. The study also found a possible association between coffee consumption and reduced risk of gallstones and certain liver diseases. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceKaizo·JournalNutrients·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2022

Development of fatty liver disease under a healthy diet

Researchers found that alterations in the RNF43 and ZNRF3 genes lead to an accumulation of lipids and inflammation in the liver, increasing the risk of developing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver disease. These genetic changes also affect liver cell proliferation, contributing to the progression of liver diseases.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on external beam radiation therapy for primary liver cancers

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released a new clinical guideline outlining the use of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to treat adult patients with primary liver cancers. The guidelines emphasize multidisciplinary care and provide evidence-based recommendations on indications, dosing, techniques, and trea...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJan 12, 2022