1
|
Baokbah TAS. Attenuation of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat model by combination therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study. J Histotechnol 2023; 46:5-16. [PMID: 36214360 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2022.2129935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat model. Normal healthy and DEN-induced (HCC) rats were divided into five groups. Group I healthy rats served as normal control, Group II untreated HCC rats, Group III HCC rats administered diacerein, Group IV HCC rats administered AuNP, and Group V HCC rats administered diacerein and AuNP. All treatments were given once daily for 4 weeks. Liver morphology and necroinflammation in all groups were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome for fibrosis, and immunohistochemistry assays for expression of TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin, and caspase-3. Liver sections from Group II HCC rats showed loss of lobular architecture, thick fibrous tissue deposition, leukocyte infiltration, degenerated hepatocytes and HCC neoplastic nodules surrounded by extensive fibrosis. Group II had high expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and β-catenin, and low caspase-3 expression as compared to Group I. HCC rats treated with the combined therapy of diacerein and AuNP (Group V) showed markedly decreased HCC lesions, significant necroinflammation reduction (p ˂ 0.05) and 90% reduction in fibrosis as compared to Group II HCC + diacerein. This combined therapy also reduced (p ˂ 0.05) TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression and increased caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, diacerein combined with AuNP synergistically attenuated the severity of HCC lesions by reducing necroinflammation and fibrosis, decreased TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression, and increased caspase-3 expression for apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tourki A S Baokbah
- Department of Medical Emergency Services, Al-Qunfudah Health Sciences College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tokushige K, Kogiso T, Egawa H. Current Therapy and Liver Transplantation for Portopulmonary Hypertension in Japan. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020562. [PMID: 36675490 PMCID: PMC9867251 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome are severe pulmonary complications associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) and portal hypertension. Three key pathways, involving endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin, have been identified in the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To obtain a good effect with PAH-specific drugs in PoPH patients, it is important to diagnose PoPH at an early stage and promptly initiate therapy. The majority of therapeutic drugs are contraindicated for Child-Pugh grade C LC, and their effects decrease in the severe PAH stage. Among many LC patients, the measurement of serum brain natriuretic peptide levels might be useful for detecting PoPH. Previously, liver transplantation (LT) for PoPH was contraindicated; however, the indications for LT are changing and now take into account how well the PoPH is controlled by therapeutic drugs. In Japan, new registration criteria for deceased-donor LT have been established for PoPH patients. PoPH patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure <35 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance <400 dyn/s/cm−5 are indicated for LT, regardless of whether they are using therapeutic drugs. Combined with PAH-specific drugs, LT may lead to excellent long-term outcomes in PoPH patients. We aimed to review current therapies for PoPH, including LT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsutoshi Tokushige
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3353-8111; Fax: +81-3-5269-7507
| | - Tomomi Kogiso
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Hiroto Egawa
- Department of Hepatopancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu L, Chen L, Zhang W. Neoadjuvant treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 13:1550-1566. [PMID: 35070063 PMCID: PMC8727178 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i12.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains high globally. Surgical treatment is the best treatment for improving the prognosis of patients with HCC. Neoadjuvant therapy plays a key role in preventing tumor progression and even downstaging HCC. The liver transplantation rate and resectability rate have increased for neoadjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy is effective in different stages of HCC. In this review, we summarized the definition, methods, effects, indications and contraindications of neoadjuvant therapy in HCC, which have significance for guiding treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Taherkhani F, Hosseini KM, Zebardast S, Chegini KG, Gheibi N. Anti proliferative and apoptotic effects on pancreatic cancer cell lines indicate new roles for ANGPTL8 (Betatrophin). Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20190196. [PMID: 32745158 PMCID: PMC7416753 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2019-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable advances, the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC) still
requires much effort. Unusual regulation of the Wnt and apoptotic signaling
pathways is widespread in cancer incidence. For instance, the
WIF1 (Wnt inhibitory factor 1) gene is down-regulated in
many cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of
recombinant Betatrophin, a recently discovered hormone, on MiaPaca-II and
Panc-1 pancreatic cell lines. Various concentrations of
Betatrophin were added to MiaPaca-II and Panc-1 pancreatic cell
lines during periods of 24 , 48, and 72 h. The MTT assay was applied to
investigate cell proliferation after treatment. The rate of apoptotic cells was
assessed using double-staining flow cytometry, and the expression levels of the
WIF1 gene and Bcl2 protein was observed by real-time PCR
and western blotting, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that
Betatrophin has an anti-proliferative effect on both MiaPaca-II and Panc-1 cell
lines, in line with the up-regulation of WIF1 as a tumor
suppressor gene. Moreover, the induction of apoptosis by ANGPTL8 occurred by the
down-regulation of Bcl2. Thus, Betatrophin can be proposed as a potential
therapeutic drug for treating pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sanaz Zebardast
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Koorosh Goodarzvand Chegini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Nematollah Gheibi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cha SW, Sohn JH, Kim SH, Kim YT, Kang SH, Cho MY, Kim MY, Baik SK. Interaction between the tumor microenvironment and resection margin in different gross types of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:648-653. [PMID: 31483517 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is no consensus regarding the safe resection margin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several studies reported that different gross types require different resection margins. We investigated the changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in different gross types of HCC. METHODS We selected tumor tissue and normal tissue 1 and 2 cm away from the HCC. We analyzed the expression status of TME genes and the correlation between TME genes and the effective resection margin. We further divided the patients into two groups: group 1 included expanding and vaguely nodular types, whereas group 2 included nodular with perinodular extension, multinodular confluent, and infiltrative types. RESULTS Group 2 showed 27% and 45% 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, respectively. Group 2 was a significant prognostic factor for DFS and OS. In cases with a resection margin of less than 1 cm or more than 2 cm, there were no differences in recurrence and survival rate between the two groups. Group 1 patients who had a resection margin that ranged from 1 to 2 cm showed significantly better DFS and OS rates. β-Catenin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression was significantly decreased and that of E-cadherin was significantly increased according to the resection margin in group 1. CONCLUSIONS Patients with expanding and vaguely nodular HCC may safely undergo surgical resection with a narrow resection margin, and patients with the other gross types must undergo surgical resection with more than a 2-cm resection margin because of their TME conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Whan Cha
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Korea
| | - Joon Hyung Sohn
- Central Research Laboratory, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Korea
| | - Yun Tae Kim
- Center of Biomedical Data Science, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Seong Hee Kang
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Korea
| | - Mee-Yon Cho
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ye S, Zhao XY, Hu XG, Li T, Xu QR, Yang HM, Huang DS, Yang L. TP53 and RET may serve as biomarkers of prognostic evaluation and targeted therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:2215-2226. [PMID: 28350084 PMCID: PMC5367355 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignancy of the liver. Genomic analysis is conducted to identify genetic alterations in driver genes which are all druggable targets for cancer therapy. In the present study, we performed an exome sequencing of 45 driver genes in 100 paired samples from HCC patients including tumors and matched adjacent normal tissues using Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Non-synonymous mutations were ascertained using the iPLEX MassARRAY system and Sanger sequencing. Clinicopathological relevance with genetic variations was assessed using SPSS software. The prognostic analyses of patients with gene mutation status were summarized using Kaplan-Meier curves. Sixty-one non-synonymous somatic mutations were identified in 43% of the HCC patients. The most frequent mutations were: TP53 (20%), RET (6%), PLCE1 (5%), PTEN (4%) and VEGFR2 (3%). Patients with mutations in TP53 had a lower overall survival (OS) (P=0.002) than those without mutations. Recurrent mutations in the Ret proto‑oncogene (RET) were associated with poor outcomes for both disease‑free survival (DFS) (P=0.028) and OS (P=0.001) in HCC patients. The mutational status of sorafenib-targeted genes were associated with decreased DFS (P=0.039), and decreased OS (P=0.15) without statistical significance. Mutual exclusion of TP53 and RET mutations were observed in the present study. In conclusion, patients with TP53 mutations, RET mutations and sorafenib-targeted gene mutations were demonstrated to be associated with poor HCC prognosis, which suggests that both TP53 and RET may serve as biomarkers of prognostic evaluation and targeted therapy in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Ye
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Yi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ge Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Tang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Ran Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Huan-Ming Yang
- Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI)-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518103, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Sheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vilchez V, Turcios L, Marti F, Gedaly R. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:823-832. [PMID: 26811628 PMCID: PMC4716080 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i2.823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Liver cancer is generally related to hepatitis B or C infection and cirrhosis. Usually, patients with HCC are asymptomatic and are diagnosed at late stages when surgical treatment is no longer suitable. Limited treatment options for patients with advanced HCC are a major concern. Therefore, there is an urge for finding novel therapies to treat HCC. Liver cancer is highly heterogeneous and involved deregulation of several signaling pathways. Wnt/β-catenin pathway is frequently upregulated in HCC and it is implicated in maintenance of tumor initiating cells, drug resistance, tumor progression, and metastasis. A great effort in developing selective drugs to target components of the β-catenin pathway with anticancer activity is underway but only a few of them have reached phase I clinical trials. We aim to review the role of β-catenin pathway on hepatocarcinogenesis and liver cancer stem cell maintenance. We also evaluated the use of small molecules targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with potential application for treatment of HCC.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kariyama K, Wakuta A, Nishimura M, Kishida M, Oonishi A, Ohyama A, Nouso K, Kudo M. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncology 2015; 89 Suppl 2:19-26. [DOI: 10.1159/000440627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
9
|
Spanheimer PM, Lorenzen AW, De Andrade JP, Kulak MV, Carr JC, Woodfield GW, Sugg SL, Weigel RJ. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Expression Predicts Response to Sunitinib in Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2015; 22:4287-94. [PMID: 25971960 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-015-4597-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary data indicate that tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) function through rearranged during transfection (RET) in breast cancer. However, TKIs are not specific and can block several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). This study used cell lines and primary breast cancer specimens to determine factors associated with TKI response. METHODS Proliferation was assessed after short interfering RNA knockdown with or without sunitinib in breast cancer cell lines by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Breast cancer tissue and matched normal breast was obtained from 30 women with invasive breast carcinoma. Gene expression was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Fresh tissue was treated in vitro with sunitinib or control media for 30 min, and response was assessed by phosphorylation-specific western blot. RESULTS The RTKs including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR1-3), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFRa/b), and Kit were overexpressed in triple-negative breast tumors relative to HER2- and estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)-positive tumors and normal breast tissue. Knockdown of EGFR reduced in vitro proliferation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 but not in SKBR-3 or ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells. With the exception of RET, response to sunitinib was independent of RTK expression in all four cell lines. Both ERα-positive and low-EGFR-expressing tumors had an increased in vitro sunitinib response, as determined by alteration of Erk activation. Expression of other RTKs and additional clinical factors were not associated with response. CONCLUSION Triple-negative breast cancers overexpress RTKs but have decreased in vitro response to the TKI sunitinib. In addition to RET, TKIs that block EGFR may increase the therapeutic efficacy of TKIs in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mikhail V Kulak
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jennifer C Carr
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Sonia L Sugg
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ronald J Weigel
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen YS, Sun ZW, Meng CC, Tang JZ, Li XY, Wang JF, Liu L, Zhang LJ. Molecular pathogenesis and molecular targeted agents for primary liver cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015; 23:914-924. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v23.i6.914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of primary liver cancer (PLC) is still challenging in China nowadays, and it fundamentally depends on the systematic knowledge of hepatocarcinogenesis. In recent years, the gradual clarification of the molecular pathogenesis of PLC has brought new opportunities and challenges to its treatment. Molecular targeted agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, have appeared and developed rapidly since the mechanisms were elucidated. These agents have gradually became a preferred choice of treatment of PLC and represents the future trend. In this paper, we will review the molecular pathogenesis of PLC and the targeted agents.
Collapse
|
11
|
Feng X, Xu R, Du X, Dou K, Qin X, Xu J, Jia W, Wang Z, Zhao H, Yang S, Guo C, Liu T, Ma K. Combination therapy with sorafenib and radiofrequency ablation for BCLC Stage 0-B1 hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Am J Gastroenterol 2014; 109:1891-9. [PMID: 25403366 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2014.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined therapy using Sorafenib and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with curative intent for all detectable lesions in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage 0-B1 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS One hundred and twenty-eight patients with HCC from 12 centers were enrolled in this retrospective study; 64 patients who received Sorafenib plus RFA (Sorafenib-RFA) were compared with a control group treated with RFA alone. The two patient groups were selected with a predefined criterion and matched in terms of their clinical and tumor characteristics at baseline. The primary end point of the study was the incidence of post-RFA HCC recurrence. Secondary end points were overall survival (OS) and treatment toxicity. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 134.1 weeks, 49 patients died and 79 survived. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative incidences of post-RFA recurrence were 40.5%, 62.9%, and 74.5%, respectively, in the Sorafenib-RFA group, and 62.8%, 85.4%, and 92.7%, respectively, in the RFA group. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year OS rates were 85.6%, 64.0%, 58.7%, and 50.3%, respectively, in the Sorafenib-RFA group, and 80.7%, 47.2%, 30.9%, and 30.9%, respectively, in the RFA group. Thus, the Sorafenib-RFA group exhibited better survival than the RFA alone group. CONCLUSIONS Combined therapy with Sorafenib-RFA was associated with a lower incidence of post-RFA recurrence and better OS than RFA alone in patients with BCLC Stage 0-B1 HCC. Although these findings suggest that Sorafenib and RFA is safe and effective for the treatment of early HCC, prospective and randomized controlled trials are needed to validate them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Feng
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruocai Xu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xilin Du
- Tangdu Hospital of Forth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Xijing Hospital of Forth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao Qin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jun Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Zhiming Wang
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongzhi Zhao
- Xinqiao Hospital of Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shufa Yang
- Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Wulumuqi, China
| | | | - Tianqi Liu
- The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Zu Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Kuansheng Ma
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mikhail S, Cosgrove D, Zeidan A. Hepatocellular carcinoma: systemic therapies and future perspectives. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 14:1205-18. [PMID: 25199765 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2014.949246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is (HCC) the most common primary malignancy of the liver in adults. It is also the fifth most common solid cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Treatment options for HCC include liver transplantation, surgical resection, locoregional therapies and chemotherapy. The median survival time of patients following the diagnosis of unresectable disease is approximately 6-20 months, whereas the 5-year survival is less than 5%. Given the projected increase in incidence of HCC due to hepatitis C virus infection and obesity related cirrhosis, there is an urgent need for more intensive research in this cancer. In this article, we review the systemic options available for patients with HCC, its molecular pathogenesis and future therapeutic directions with special emphasis on immune-based and molecularly-targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Mikhail
- Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, 320 W.10th Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Molecular therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: what can we target? Dig Dis Sci 2014; 59:1688-97. [PMID: 24573715 PMCID: PMC4344119 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-014-3058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Numerous signaling pathways, such as Ras/Raf/MAPK, have been implicated in hepatic carcinogenesis. There are at least 35 combination therapy studies for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ongoing, and numerous reagents are being tested targeting novel signaling cascades. The management of HCC has changed substantially in recent times, and the successful development of sorafenib has prompted further expansion on molecular targeted therapies to potentially inhibit different pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wood LD, Heaphy CM, Daniel HDJ, Naini BV, Lassman CR, Arroyo MR, Kamel IR, Cosgrove DP, Boitnott JK, Meeker AK, Torbenson MS. Chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma with abrupt anaplasia: a proposal for a new subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma with unique morphological and molecular features. Mod Pathol 2013; 26:1586-93. [PMID: 23640129 PMCID: PMC3974906 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2013.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinomas exhibit heterogeneous morphologies by routine light microscopy. Although some morphologies represent insignificant variations in growth patterns, others may represent unrecognized subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma. Identification of these subtypes could lead to separation of hepatocellular carcinomas into discrete groups with unique underlying genetic changes, prognosis, or therapeutic responses. In order to identify potential subtypes, two pathologists independently screened a cohort of 219 unselected hepatocellular carcinoma resection specimens and divided cases into potential subtypes. One of these promising candidate subtypes was further evaluated using histological and molecular techniques. This subtype was characterized by a unique and consistent set of histological features: smooth chromophobic cytoplasm, abrupt focal nuclear anaplasia (small clusters of tumor cells with marked nuclear anaplasia in a background of tumor cells with bland nuclear cytology), and scattered microscopic pseudocysts--we designate this variant as 'chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma with abrupt anaplasia'. Thirteen cases were identified (6% of all hepatocellular carcinomas), including 6 men and 7 women with an average age of 61 years. Six cases occurred in cirrhotic livers. Serum AFP was elevated in 6 out of 10 cases. There were a variety of underlying liver diseases, but cases were enrichment for chronic hepatitis B, P=0.006. Interestingly, at the molecular level, this variant was strongly associated with the alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) phenotype by telomere FISH. ALT is a telomerase-independent mechanism of telomere maintenance and is found in approximately 8% of unselected hepatocellular carcinomas. In contrast, 11/12 (92%) of the cases of chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma with abrupt anaplasia were ALT-positive. In summary, we propose that chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma with abrupt anaplasia represents a new subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma with unique morphological and molecular features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Wood
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hubert Darius-J Daniel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bita V Naini
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Charles R Lassman
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - May R Arroyo
- Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ihab R Kamel
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David P Cosgrove
- Department of Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John K Boitnott
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alan K Meeker
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael S Torbenson
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nishikawa H, Kimura T, Kita R, Osaki Y. Radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Hyperthermia 2013; 29:558-68. [PMID: 23937321 DOI: 10.3109/02656736.2013.821528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, only 20% of HCC patients are amenable to curative therapy (liver transplantation or surgical resection). Locoregional therapies such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), percutaneous ethanol injection, microwave coagulation therapy, and transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation play a key role in the management of HCC. The choice of the treatment modality depends on the size of the tumour, tumour location, anatomic considerations and the number of tumours present and liver function. RFA therapy for HCC can be performed safely using a percutaneous, laparoscopic, or an open approach, even in patients with poor functional reserve. Since the introduction of RFA, several randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies comparing RFA and other therapies for HCC have been conducted. In addition, in the last decade there have been technical advances in RFA therapy for HCC, resulting in significant improvement in the prognosis of HCC patients treated with this modality. In this review, we primarily focus on percutaneous RFA therapy for HCC and refer to current knowledge and future perspectives for this therapy. We also discuss new emerging ablation techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Barbier L, Fuks D, Pessaux P, Muscari F, Le Treut YP, Faivre S, Belghiti J. Safety of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma after sorafenib therapy: a multicenter case-matched study. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20:3603-9. [PMID: 23715965 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-3029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver resection can be considered in some hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received sorafenib. The lack of clinical data about safety of resection after sorafenib treatment led us to assess its potential impact on perioperative course in a multicentric study. METHODS From 2008 to 2011, a total of 23 HCC patients who underwent liver resection after treatment with sorafenib (sorafenib group) were compared with 46 HCC patients (control group) matched for age, gender, underlying liver disease, tumor characteristics and type of resection. Patients received sorafenib for a median duration of 1 (range 0.2-11) months and drug was interrupted at least 7 days before surgery. End points were intraoperative (operative time, vascular clamping, blood loss and transfusion), and postoperative outcomes focusing on recovery of liver function. RESULTS In the sorafenib group, HCC was developed on F4 cirrhosis in 48 % and the rate of major resection was 44 %. Surgical procedure duration (280 vs. 240 min), transfusion rate (26 vs. 15 %), blood loss (400 vs. 300 mL) and vascular clamping (70 vs. 74 %) were similar in the two groups. Mortality was zero in the sorafenib group and one (2.1 %) in the control group (p = 1.000). The incidence of postoperative complications was 44 % in the sorafenib group and 59 % in the control group (p = 0.307). Recovery of liver function was similar in the two groups in terms of prothrombin time (90 vs. 81 %, p = 0.429) and bilirubin level (16 vs. 24 μmol/L, p = 102) at postoperative day 5. CONCLUSIONS No adverse effect of preoperative administration of sorafenib was observed during and immediately after liver resection for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Barbier
- Department of HPB Surgery, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Standardization of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the evaluation of antiangiogenic therapies: the French multicenter Support for Innovative and Expensive Techniques Study. Invest Radiol 2013; 47:711-6. [PMID: 23095862 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0b013e31826dc255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are to describe the standardization and dissemination of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) for the evaluation of antiangiogenic treatments in solid tumors across 19 oncology centers in France and to define a quality score to account for the variability of the evaluation criteria used to collect DCE-US data. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective Soutien aux Techniques Innovantes Coûteuses (Support for Innovative and Expensive Techniques) DCE-US study included patients with metastatic breast cancer, melanoma, colon cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, renal cell carcinoma and patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma tumors treated with antiangiogenic therapy. The DCE-US method was made available across 19 oncology centers in France. Overall, 2339 DCE-US examinations were performed by 65 radiologists in 539 patients.One target site per patient was studied. Standardized DCE-US examinations were performed before treatment (day 0) and at days 7, 15, 30, and 60. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound data were transferred from the different sites to the main study center at the Institut Gustave-Roussy for analysis. Quantitative analyses were performed with a mathematical model to determine 7 DCE-US functional parameters using raw linear data. Radiologists had to evaluate 6 criteria that were potentially linked to the precision of the evaluation of these parameters: lesion size, target motion, loss of target, clear borders, total acquisition of wash-in, and vascular recognition imaging window adapted to the lesion size.Eighteen DCE-US examinations were randomly selected from the Soutien aux Techniques Innovantes Coûteuses (Support for Innovative and Expensive Techniques) database. Each examination was quantified twice by 8 engineers/radiologists trained to evaluate the perfusion parameters. The intraobserver variability was estimated on the basis of differences between examinations performed by the same radiologist. The mean coefficient of variability associated with each quality criterion was estimated. The final quality score, ranging from 0 to 5, was defined according to the value of coefficient of variability for each criterion. RESULTS A total of 2062 examinations were stored with raw linear data. Five criteria were found to have a major impact on quality: lesion size, motion, loss of target, borders, and total acquisition of wash-in. Only 3% of the examinations were of poor quality (quality of 0); quality was correlated with the radiologists' experience, such that it was significantly higher for radiologists who had performed more than 60 DCE-US examinations (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The DCE-US methodology has been successfully provided to several centers across France together with strict rules for quality assessment. Only 3% of examinations carried out at these centers were considered not interpretable.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kudo M, Ueshima K, Arizumi T. Real-life clinical practice with sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center experience. Dig Dis 2012; 30:609-16. [PMID: 23258103 DOI: 10.1159/000343091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of sorafenib monotherapy, we enrolled 188 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had undergone sorafenib monotherapy during a 3-year period from May 2009 to June 2012. Median overall survival was 15.6 months, and the 1- and 2-year survival rate was 54.4 and 32.2%, respectively, showing a relatively favorable treatment outcome. In addition, outcome was more favorable in earlier TNM stages. HCC patients with stage IVB had a better outcome than those with stage IVA, indicating the involvement of vascular invasion had poor prognosis. Outcome was more favorable in patients with Child-Pugh class A than in those with Child-Pugh class B. Patients in the long-term treatment group, who received sorafenib for ≥90 days, also showed a favorable outcome compared with those in the short-term treatment group, in which the administration period was <90 days. Multivariate analysis revealed treatment duration as a significant prognostic factor. Furthermore, patients who received post-sorafenib treatment had a better outcome than those who did not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lei J, Yan L. Comparison between living donor liver transplantation recipients who met the Milan and UCSF criteria after successful downstaging therapies. J Gastrointest Surg 2012; 16:2120-5. [PMID: 22948843 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-012-2019-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Various downstaging therapies were introduced to liver recipients who could not meet the relative criteria for liver transplantation, and many endpoints were reported. The most common criteria used were the Milan criteria and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. However, no comparison was made between them, and we attempted to find possible differences between the living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) patients who met the Milan criteria and those who met the UCSF criteria after accepting preoperative downstaging therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective study of all 72 patients at our center from January 2003 to March 2009 who were diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma but accepted various downstaging therapies. Some patients met the Milan criteria (group 1), and some met the UCSF criteria (group 2) but not the Milan criteria. We collected the data from the two groups and then compared the preoperative demographic data, downstaging therapies, intraoperative data from LDLT, and the recovery and complications after LDLT. Survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS Only 44 patients (61.1 %) met the criteria for liver transplantation, 21 cases met the Milan criteria (group 1), and 23 cases met the UCSF criteria (group 2) but not the Milan criteria. All of the 44 patients accepted right lobe living liver donor liver transplantation in our center. The difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. The mean number of downstaging treatments per patient was 1.81 ± 0.35 in group 1 and 1.83 ± 0.41 in group 2 (P = 0.928). Most of the patients received only one downstaging treatment, and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was the most common downstaging therapy. Four patients suffered complications after downstaging therapies: intra-abdominal hemorrhage after right hepatectomy, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage after TACE, biliary fistula after resection, and hand-foot syndrome after taking sorafenib. All complications after LDLT, classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system, were compared within the two groups, and the calculated score of the complications in group 1 was 1.48 ± 1.63, which was greater than that of group 2 (1.39 ± 1.64), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.865). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 90.4, 76.2, and 71.4 % in group 1 and 91.3, 73.9, and 69.6 % in group 2, respectively (P > 0.05). Seven patients (three in group 1 and four in group 2) had tumor recurrence after a median follow-up period of 72 months. The pathology findings were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION Recipients who meet the Milan or UCSF criteria after accepting successful preoperative downstaging therapy in LDLT can achieve the same result.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jy Lei
- Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Park JW, Koh YH, Kim HB, Kim HY, An S, Choi JI, Woo SM, Nam BH. Phase II study of concurrent transarterial chemoembolization and sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2012; 56:1336-42. [PMID: 22314421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an important palliative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but TACE-induced ischemic injury can upregulate angiogenic factors and is associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrent conventional TACE and sorafenib in patients with unresectable HCC. METHODS The primary objectives of this prospective, single-arm, phase II study were to evaluate safety and time to progression (TTP). Sorafenib was given 3 days after TACE and was administered for up to 24 weeks. Repeated TACE was performed on demand. Tumor response was assessed every 8 weeks. RESULTS Fifty patients were treated and followed from July 2009 to May 2011. All patients were in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B (82%) or C (18%). The median time of follow-up was 14.9 months and a median of 1 TACE session was given (range, 1-4). The median dose intensity of sorafenib was 68.7% (range, 37.3-100) of 800 mg daily. The most common reasons for dose reduction were hand-foot syndrome and thrombocytopenia. Thirty patients completed the study and 17 patients discontinued sorafenib due to disease progression. The overall median TTP was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.8-7.5 months): 7.3 months in BCLC stage B; 5.0 months in BCLC stage C. The 6-month progression-free survival rate was 52% (95% CI, 37.3-66.1). CONCLUSIONS Concurrent treatment of unresectable HCC with conventional TACE and sorafenib demonstrates a manageable safety profile and a possibility of promising efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joong-Won Park
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan. Cancers (Basel) 2012; 4:165-83. [PMID: 24213234 PMCID: PMC3712670 DOI: 10.3390/cancers4010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcatheter methods such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) have an important role in the treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, sorafenib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, has been found to obtain survival benefits in patients with HCC, leading to major advances in the treatment of advanced HCC. However, it is associated with a low tumor response rate, minimal survival advantage, and high rates of adverse events. On the other hand, high rates of objective treatment response with HAIC for advanced HCC have been reported, although convincing evidence of it contributing to overall survival in HAIC has been lacking. In Japan, HAIC still tends to be the preferred method for the treatment of advanced HCC, even in patients with poor liver function. However, the choice of chemotherapeutic agents in TACE/HAIC for HCC varies between institutions. In this review, based on studies reported to date in the literature, we refer to current knowledge regarding the chemotherapeutic agents used for TACE/HAIC for HCC in Japan and consider the future perspectives for HAIC for this cancer.
Collapse
|
22
|
Li Z, Huang X, Zhan H, Zeng Z, Li C, Spitsbergen JM, Meierjohann S, Schartl M, Gong Z. Inducible and repressable oncogene-addicted hepatocellular carcinoma in Tet-on xmrk transgenic zebrafish. J Hepatol 2012; 56:419-25. [PMID: 21888874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma, is a major malignancy and currently there are no effective treatment protocols due to insufficient understanding of hepatocarcinogenesis. As a potentially high-throughput and cost-effective experimental model, the zebrafish is increasingly recognized for disease studies. Here, we aim at using the zebrafish to generate a convenient hepatocellular carcinoma model. METHODS Using the Tet-on system for liver-specific expression of fish oncogene xmrk, a hyperactive version of epidermal growth factor receptor homolog, we have generated transgenic zebrafish with inducible development of liver cancer. RESULTS Liver tumors were rapidly induced with 100% penetrance in both juvenile and adult xmrk transgenic fish. Histological examination indicated that they all showed features of hepatocellular carcinoma. The induced liver tumors regressed rapidly upon inducer withdrawal. During the tumor induction stage, we detected increased cell proliferation and activation of Xmrk downstream targets Erk and Stat5, which were important for liver tumorigenesis as proved by inhibition experiments. When tumors regressed, there were decreased phosphorylated Erk and Stat5 accompanied with an increase in apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our zebrafish model demonstrates the potential of a hyperactivated epidermal growth factor receptor pathway in initiating heptocarcinogenesis. It provides clear evidence for the requirement of only a single oncogene for HCC initiation and maintenance and is thus a convenient model for further investigation of oncogene addiction and future anti-cancer drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kudo M. Adjuvant therapy after curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncology 2011; 81 Suppl 1:50-5. [PMID: 22212936 DOI: 10.1159/000333259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has an annual recurrence rate of approximately 15-20% even after potentially curative treatment, with the 5-year recurrence rate reaching 80-90%. This recurrence rate is also known to be similar after various curative treatments including resection, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy, and radiofrequency ablation. Generally, in treating patients with HCC associated with hepatitis C or liver cirrhosis, aggressive efforts to prevent secondary carcinogenesis are necessary rather than simply observing the clinical course after treatment. Presently, a combination of peg-interferon and ribavirin is known to be highly effective in patients with difficult-to-treat hepatitis C with a high viral load and genotype I virus. Therefore, indications of these treatments must be considered to prevent secondary carcinogenesis in patients with hepatitis C. Recently, long-term follow-up of low-dose, long-term maintenance therapy using pegylated interferon-α2a for cirrhotic patients clearly showed a preventive effect on HCC occurrence and recurrence. Preventing secondary carcinogenesis by suppressing inflammation employing the same treatment as that against primary carcinogenesis is also important. The molecular targeted agent sorafenib markedly suppresses the serine/threonine kinases of Raf in the MAP kinase cascade and inhibits the tyrosine kinases of angiogenesis factor receptors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors. It thus simultaneously prevents the proliferation of tumors and inhibits angiogenesis. A clinical trial to examine the recurrence-preventing effect of sorafenib by administration of it after curative treatment such as resection or ablation is in progress (STORM trial: http://clinicaltrials.gov.com, NCT00692770). Treatments to prevent recurrence (including intrahepatic metastasis and multicentric carcinogenesis) as well as early detection and early curative treatment are extremely important to improve the prognosis of patients with HCC. Thus, further research on this issue should be carried out, especially in relation to molecular targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University, Ohno-Higashi, Osakasayama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Athar M, Kopelovich L. Rapamycin and mTORC1 inhibition in the mouse: skin cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2011; 4:957-61. [PMID: 21733819 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-11-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic and preventive effects of rapamycin include reduced risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). In this issue of the journal (beginning on page 1011), Checkley and colleagues report that rapamycin inhibits mTOR complex 1 in murine epidermis, thereby inhibiting tumor promotion mediated by tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate in association with a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive drug for preventing graft rejection in organ transplant recipients and reduces the risk of NMSC and Kaposi's sarcoma in this population, albeit by mechanisms distinct from immunosuppression. Important future directions include identifying molecular predictors of rapamycin/rapalog sensitivity or resistance (potentially, for example, PI3K pathway alterations and KRAS mutations) and combined non-rapalog, mTOR-targeting approaches, all of which should increase efficacy and minimize toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Diseases Research Center and UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Morimoto M, Numata K, Kondo M, Hidaka H, Takada J, Shibuya A, Kobayashi S, Ohkawa S, Okuse C, Morita S, Taguri M, Tanaka K. Higher discontinuation and lower survival rates are likely in elderly Japanese patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma receiving sorafenib. Hepatol Res 2011; 41:296-302. [PMID: 21348907 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2011.00778.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Sorafenib is approved for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan; however, its tolerability and efficacy in elderly patients with HCC have not been clarified. We aimed to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of sorafenib with increasing age. METHODS As part of a retrospective, multicenter cohort study conducted between May 2009 and February 2010, patients with advanced HCC received 400 mg sorafenib twice daily (standard dosage) or once daily (half-dosage) until disease progression or treatment intolerance. RESULTS The mean age of the enrolled patients (n = 76) was 70.3 years, and 24 of them were ≥75 years old. The prognostic factors for survival were age < 75 years, performance status score zero, α-fetoprotein level < 1000 ng/mL, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin level < 1000 ng/mL, and treatment duration ≥ 1 month. The median treatment duration and overall incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were not statistically different with increasing age. However, subgroup analysis revealed that treatment discontinuation because of ADRs was more frequent among the ≥75-year-old patients (41.7%) than among the <75-year-old ones (15.0%) with the standard dosage (P = 0.047); this trend was not observed among those who received the half-dose regimen. CONCLUSIONS Sorafenib has modest efficacy and acceptable toxicity in younger (<75 years) patients with HCC; however, elderly patients experience some side effects when it is administered at the standard dosage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Morimoto
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hiramine Y, Uto H, Imamura Y, Tabu K, Baba Y, Hiwaki T, Sho Y, Tahara K, Higashi H, Tamai T, Oketani M, Ido A, Tsubouchi H. Sorafenib and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A comparative study. Exp Ther Med 2011; 2:433-441. [PMID: 22977522 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2011.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is a kinase-targeted drug that has high efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to determine whether sorafenib is more effective than hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for HCC. Twenty patients treated with sorafenib (sorafenib group) initiated at 800 mg/day and 45 patients treated with HAIC (HAIC group) for unresectable Child-Pugh A advanced HCC were investigated retrospectively. The treatment effect was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). As a result, the overall response rate was significantly lower in the sorafenib group than in the HAIC group (P=0.03), while the disease control and survival rates did not differ between the two groups. In the sorafenib group, treatment was discontinued in 19 patients, including 12 due to side effects. In subgroups of patients treated with sorafenib, the survival rate was significantly lower in patients (n=11) administered sorafenib for <60 days compared to those (n=9) treated for ≥60 days. A shorter treatment period (<60 days) was an independent risk factor for unfavorable survival [hazard ratio (HR), 3.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.45-7.66 vs. HAIC], while survival in patients treated with sorafenib for ≥60 days did not differ from those treated with HAIC (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.27-2.34). In conclusion, the disease control and survival rates of patients treated with sorafenib for advanced HCC were comparable to such rates in patients treated with HAIC. However, the prognosis was poor when long-term sorafenib treatment was not possible due to side effects, demonstrating the importance of patient selection for sorafenib treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Hiramine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima 890-0061
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Barbier L, Muscari F, Le Guellec S, Pariente A, Otal P, Suc B. Liver resection after downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma with sorafenib. Int J Hepatol 2011; 2011:791013. [PMID: 22135750 PMCID: PMC3226249 DOI: 10.4061/2011/791013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Sorafenib is a molecular-targeted therapy used in palliative treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in Child A patients. Aims. To address the question of sorafenib as neoadjuvant treatment. Methods. We describe the cases of 2 patients who had surgery after sorafenib. Results. The patients had a large hepatocellular carcinoma in the right liver with venous neoplastic thrombi (1 in the right portal branch, 1 in the right hepatic vein). After 9 months of sorafenib, reassessment showed that tumours had decreased in size with a necrotic component. A right hepatectomy with thrombectomy was performed, and histopathology showed 35% to 60% necrosis. One patient had a recurrence after 6 months and had another liver resection; they are both recurrence-free since then. Conclusion. Sorafenib can downstage hepatocellular carcinoma and thus could represent a bridge to surgery. It may be possible to select patients in good general condition with partial regression of the tumour with sorafenib for a treatment in a curative intent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L. Barbier
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Rangueil Hospital, 1 avenue du Professor Jean Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France,*L. Barbier:
| | - F. Muscari
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Rangueil Hospital, 1 avenue du Professor Jean Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - S. Le Guellec
- Department of Pathology, Rangueil Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - A. Pariente
- Department of Hepato-Gastro-Enterology, Pau Hospital, 4 Boulevard Hauterive, 64046 Pau, France
| | - P. Otal
- Department of Radiology, Rangueil Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - B. Suc
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Rangueil Hospital, 1 avenue du Professor Jean Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Urayama N, Yamasaki T, Harima Y, Saeki I, Zaitsu J, Hamabe S, Harano M, Takami T, Kaino S, Uchida K, Terai S, Sakaida I. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of 114 cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.2957/kanzo.52.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|