Article
Oncology
Ke Su, Lu Guo, Kun He, Mingyue Rao, Jianwen Zhang, Xiaoli Yang, Weihong Huang, Tao Gu, Ke Xu, Yanlin Liu, Jing Wang, Jiali Chen, Zhenying Wu, Lanxin Hu, Hao Zeng, Hongyan Li, Jian Tong, Xueting Li, Yue Yang, Hanlin Liu, Yaoyang Xu, Zunyuan Tan, Xue Tang, Xunjie Feng, Siyu Chen, Binbin Yang, Hongping Jin, Lechuan Zhu, Bo Li, Yunwei Han
Summary: The study demonstrates that PD-L1(+) CTCs can be used as a predictive biomarker in HCC patients receiving PD-1 inhibitors combined with IMRT and antiangiogenic therapy in order to evaluate treatment efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Diwakar Suresh, Akshatha N. Srinivas, Akila Prashant, Suchitha Satish, Prashant Vishwanath, Suma M. Nataraj, Srinivas V. Koduru, Prasanna K. Santhekadur, Divya P. Kumar
Summary: This study aims to identify the key role of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) in tumor angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results showed that inhibiting AATF can suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, as well as the angiogenic processes. The VEGF-mediated downstream signaling pathway responsible for angiogenesis was suppressed by AATF inhibition.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Xin Li, Jiahua Xu, Xiaoqiang Gu, Ling Chen, Qing Wu, Hongwei Li, Haoran Bai, Jinzu Yang, Jianxin Qian
Summary: In conclusion, the combination of anti-angiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors with cryoablation is of great significance for patients with advanced HCC, effectively controlling the disease.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Yinggang Hua, Jingqing Dong, Jinsong Hong, Bailin Wang, Yong Yan, Zhiming Li
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Circulating tumor cells, shed from the tumor, play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and monitoring of HCC patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qian Zhang, Wanting Xing, Jie Zhang, Junwen Hu, Lunan Qi, Bangde Xiang
Summary: This study revealed that CK19 positivity was common in HCC patients and associated with lower tumor-free survival rates. Additionally, high CTC count and high percentage of mesenchymal CTCs were closely related to CK19 expression.
ONCOTARGETS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Cheng Zhang, Shi Feng, Zhenhua Tu, Jingqi Sun, Tao Rui, Xueyou Zhang, Haitao Huang, Qi Ling, Shusen Zheng
Summary: Sarcomatoid HCC patients have larger tumors, higher differentiation grade, lower tumor-free and overall survival rates, with the sarcomatoid type being an independent risk factor for patient death. Integrating the sarcomatoid subtype into AJCC staging could improve predicting patient survival. The cancer genome analysis revealed a high mutation rate in cell cycle genes, particularly CDKN2A, in sarcomatoid HCC, suggesting CDK4/6 inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets.
Review
Immunology
Sihang Yu, Lei Zhou, Jiaying Fu, Long Xu, Buhan Liu, Yuanxin Zhao, Jian Wang, Xiaoyu Yan, Jing Su
Summary: There is increasing evidence showing the crucial role of the immune microenvironment, particularly the polarization state and function of macrophages, in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor-derived exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma act as information carriers and regulate the physiological state of cells in the microenvironment, thus controlling cancer progression. This review focuses on the role of exosome content in disease outcomes at different stages of hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma, and explores the mechanism by which macrophages contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma formation and the regulation of macrophage functions by the heterogeneity of exosome loading. The application prospects of exosome-based targeted drug delivery in immunotherapy research on hepatocellular carcinoma are also summarized.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Lola Espejo-Cruz, Sandra Gonzalez-Rubio, Javier Zamora-Olaya, Victor Amado-Torres, Rafael Alejandre, Marina Sanchez-Frias, Ruben Ciria, Manuel De la Mata, Manuel Rodriguez-Peralvarez, Gustavo Ferrin
Summary: Liquid biopsy with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has emerged as a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring therapeutic responses in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although CTCs may aid decision-making processes, there are still uncertainties and technical caveats to be resolved before this methodology has a true impact on clinical practice guidelines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thaninee Prasoppokakorn, Areeya Buntho, Praewphan Ingrungruanglert, Thodsawit Tiyarattanachai, Tassanan Jaihan, Kittipat Kulkraisri, Darlene Ariyaskul, Chonlada Phathong, Nipan Israsena, Rungsun Rerknimitr, Sombat Treeprasertsuk, Roongruedee Chaiteerakij
Summary: This study aimed to determine the association between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The results showed that a larger number of CTCs were correlated with higher tumor aggressive features and poorer survival of HCC patients, suggesting that CTCs could potentially become a novel prognostic biomarker for HCC.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Rohini Sharma, Leila Motedayen Aval
Summary: The treatment landscape for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has shifted with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) showing potential for improved survival in first-line treatment. However, response rates to ICIs are limited and patients will still progress. The optimal second-line therapies following exposure to ICIs remain unclear.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Filippo Pelizzaro, Maria Piera Kitenge, Romilda Cardin, Alberto Ponzoni, Umberto Cillo, Alessandro Vitale, Gianluca Businello, Giada Munari, Matteo Fassan, Fabio Farinati
Summary: The study revealed the activation of the MAGL/COX-2/PGE2 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma, with circulating PGE2 serving as a potential prognostic biomarker in HCC patients. Elevated levels of circulating PGE2 were associated with significantly shorter overall survival in HCC patients.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Pathology
Shaoming Song, Mingzhen Bai, Xiaofei Li, Shiyi Gong, Wenwen Yang, Caining Lei, Hongwei Tian, Moubo Si, Xiangyong Hao, Tiankang Guo
Summary: This review focuses on the clinical application of circulating biomarkers in advanced HCC patients treated with sorafenib. Studies have found that circulating biomarkers can help identify patients who are likely to benefit from sorafenib treatment. Liquid biopsy is a promising assessment method that can improve treatment decisions in the near future.
EXPERT REVIEW OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhuangzhuang Zheng, Zijing Liu, Haifeng Zhang, Xiao Guo, Xiaojing Jia, Jianfeng Wang, Lingbin Meng, Ying Xin, Xin Jiang
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of apatinib mesylate in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results showed that apatinib mesylate is an effective treatment for advanced HCC, and its adverse reactions are relatively mild.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Mahsa Salehi, Zohre Miri Lavasani, Hani Keshavarz Alikhani, Bahare Shokouhian, Moustapha Hassan, Mustapha Najimi, Massoud Vosough
Summary: Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has become a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to late diagnosis and limited therapeutic options. The use of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) holds promise for early detection, accurate prognosis, and monitoring of therapeutic responses in HCC patients. This review discusses the novel materials and technologies used for the isolation and detection of CTCs in HCC, as well as the clinical value of CTC detection.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pai-Chi Teng, Vatche G. Agopian, Ting-Yi Lin, Sungyong You, Yazhen Zhu, Hsian-Rong Tseng, Ju Dong Yang
Summary: Serum alpha-fetoprotein and radiologic imaging are commonly used tests for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their accuracy is limited. Developing novel HCC biomarkers reflecting tumor biology is an unmet need. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have potential as a noninvasive biomarker for HCC, offering molecular and functional data that can reflect the underlying tumor.
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hung-Yang Kuo, Jhe-Cyuan Guo, Chih-Hung Hsu
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Masatoshi Kudo, Richard S. Finn, Shukui Qin, Kwang-Hyub Han, Kenji Ikeda, Ann-Lii Cheng, Arndt Vogel, Francesco Tovoli, Kazuomi Ueshima, Hiroshi Aikata, Carlos Lopez Lopez, Marc Pracht, Zhiqiang Meng, Bruno Daniele, Joong-Won Park, Daniel Palmer, Toshiyuki Tamai, Kenichi Saito, Corina E. Dutcus, Riccardo Lencioni
Summary: The study aimed to validate objective response as an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) in individuals with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving systemic anti-angiogenic therapy. The results showed that objective response assessed by investigator-assessed mRECIST could predict the survival of patients. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Chiun Hsu, Michel Ducreux, Andrew X. Zhu, Shukui Qin, Masafumi Ikeda, Tae-You Kim, Peter R. Galle, Richard S. Finn, Ethan Chen, Ning Ma, Youyou Hu, Lindong Li, Ann-Lii Cheng
Summary: The IMbrave150 trial showed that atezolizumab + bevacizumab is safe and effective in treating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, including those with hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chiao-Ling Tsai, Po-Sheng Yang, Feng-Ming Hsu, Ann-Lii Cheng, Wan-Ni Yu, Jason Chia-Hsien Cheng
Summary: This study investigated the effect of TOP1 inhibition and DNA-PKcs/RNF144A mechanism on radiosensitization mediated by natural killer (NK) cells in radiation therapy (RT). The results showed that TOP1 inhibitors and RT had a synergistic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, enhancing the anti-HCC effect of RT through increased DNA damage and DNA-PKcs signaling. RNF144A mediated DNA-PKcs ubiquitination and provided a reason for the difference in radiosensitization effect between HCC cells.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Yu-Chieh Tsai, Tzu-Yin Wang, Chia-Lang Hsu, Wei-Chou Lin, Jyun-Yu Chen, Jia-Hua Li, Yeong-Shiau Pu, Ann-Lii Cheng, Jason Chia-Hsien Cheng, Sheng-Fang Su
Summary: This study found that inhibiting HDAC6 can enhance the radiosensitivity of bladder cancer and reduce the expression of genes related to cell migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis induced by radiotherapy, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Zhong-Zhe Lin, Mickey C-T Hu, Chiun Hsu, Yao-Ming Wu, Yen-Shen Lu, Ja-An Annie Ho, Shiou-Hwei Yeh, Pei-Jer Chen, Ann-Lii Cheng
Summary: This study investigated the potential synergism of the telomerase-specific oncolytic adenovirus Telomelysin and the histone deacetylase inhibitor AR42 in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Telomelysin and AR42 exhibited synergistic antiproliferative effects in in vitro and in vivo models of HCC. AR42 attenuated the expression of the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor and the mRNA levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase, enhancing the cytotoxicity of Telomelysin.
Article
Oncology
Jhe-Cyuan Guo, Chia-Lang Hsu, Min-Shu Hsieh, Chia-Chi Lin, Ta-Chen Huang, Hung-Yang Kuo, Yu-Yun Shao, Chih-Hung Hsu
Summary: This study describes a patient with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who exhibited a response to durvalumab plus tremelimumab for more than 6 months, except for primary resistant esophageal tumor. The esophageal tumor showed higher levels of regulatory T cells, neutrophils, and mast cells compared to the hepatic tumor. Immunohistochemistry confirmed higher expression levels of Foxp3 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the esophageal tumor. The heterogeneous responses to ICI combination may be related to the different immune contextures in this ESCC patient.
Article
Oncology
Yi-Hsin Liang, Kuo-Hsing Chen, Yu-Yun Shao
Summary: Adding anti-EGFR mAb to first-line chemotherapy for KRAS wild-type mCRC is associated with significantly longer overall survival and time to treatment failure, especially in left-sided primary tumors.
Article
Oncology
Masatoshi Kudo, Richard S. Finn, Ann-Lii Cheng, Andrew X. Zhu, Michel Ducreux, Peter R. Galle, Naoya Sakamoto, Naoya Kato, Michitaka Nakano, Jing Jia, Arndt Vogel
Summary: This exploratory analysis examined the prognostic impact of baseline albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab + bevacizumab or sorafenib. The study found that atezolizumab + bevacizumab improved overall survival and progression-free survival compared to sorafenib in patients with ALBI score of 1, but not in patients with ALBI score of 2. ALBI grade appeared to be prognostic for outcomes in both treatment groups.
Article
Oncology
Philippe Merle, Masatoshi Kudo, Julien Edeline, Mohamed Bouattour, Ann-Lii Cheng, Stephen Lam Chan, Thomas Yau, Marcelo Garrido, Jennifer Knox, Bruno Daniele, Valeriy Breder, Ho Yeong Lim, Sadahisa Ogasawara, Stephane Cattan, Yee Chao, Abby B. Siegel, Ivan Martinez-Forero, Ziwen Wei, Chih-Chin Liu, Richard S. Finn
Summary: With extended follow-up, pembrolizumab demonstrated continued improvement in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to placebo in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients previously treated with sorafenib. The adverse event profile of pembrolizumab remained consistent with placebo.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yu-Yun Shao, Ching-Liang Ho, Cheng-Shyong Chang, Chia-Lun Chang, Jen-Kuang Lee, Hung-Ju Lin, Hui-Hua Hsiao, Ta-Chung Chao, Ching-Yeh Lin, Chuang -Chi Liaw
Summary: Cancer-associated thrombosis is a common complication of malignancies. Taiwanese patients may have a lower incidence of CAT, leading to false reassurance. Oncologists and cardiologists from multiple medical institutions in Taiwan have collaborated to provide clinical consensus guidelines on the management of CAT, based on local clinical practices and international guidelines.
ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Bang-Bin Chen, Po-Chin Liang, Tiffany Ting-Fang Shih, Tsung-Hao Liu, Ying-Chun Shen, Li-Chun Lu, Zhong-Zhe Lin, Chiun Hsu, Chih-Hung Hsu, Ann-Lii Cheng, Yu-Yun Shao
Summary: Sarcopenia and myosteatosis are independent prognostic factors in patients who received immunotherapy for advanced HCC.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)