1
|
Kotulkar M, Paine-Cabrera D, Apte U. Role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha in Liver Cancer. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:383-393. [PMID: 38901435 DOI: 10.1055/a-2349-7236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and the incidence of HCC is on the rise. Liver cancers in general and HCC in particular do not respond to chemotherapy. Radiological ablation, surgical resection, and liver transplantation are the only medical therapies currently available. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α) is an orphan nuclear receptor expressed only in hepatocytes in the liver. HNF4α is considered the master regulator of hepatic differentiation because it regulates a significant number of genes involved in various liver-specific functions. In addition to maintaining hepatic differentiation, HNF4α also acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting hepatocyte proliferation by suppressing the expression of promitogenic genes and inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocytes. Loss of HNF4α expression and function is associated with rapid progression of chronic liver diseases that ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis and HCC, including metabolism-associated steatohepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and hepatitis virus infection. This review summarizes the role of HNF4α in liver cancer pathogenesis and highlights its potential as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang J, Guan X, Shang N, Wu D, Liu Z, Guan Z, Zhang Z, Jin Z, Wei X, Liu X, Song M, Zhu W, Dai G. Dysfunction of CCT3-associated network signals for the critical state during progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167054. [PMID: 38360074 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and is a serious threat to human health; thus, early diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential. However, there are still great challenges in identifying the tipping point and detecting early warning signals of early HCC. In this study, we aimed to identify the tipping point (critical state) of and key molecules involved in hepatocarcinogenesis based on time series transcriptome expression data of HCC patients. The phase from veHCC (very early HCC) to eHCC (early HCC) was identified as the critical state in HCC progression, with 143 genes identified as key candidate molecules by combining the DDRTree (dimensionality reduction via graph structure learning) and DNB (dynamic network biomarker) methods. Then, we ranked the candidate genes to verify their mRNA levels using the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model and identified five early warning signals, namely, CCT3, DSTYK, EIF3E, IARS2 and TXNRD1; these signals can be regarded as the potential early warning signals for the critical state of HCC. We identified CCT3 as an independent prognostic factor for HCC, and functions of CCT3 involving in the "MYCtargets_V1" and "E2F-Targets" are closely related to the progression of HCC. The predictive method combining the DDRTree and DNB methods can not only identify the key critical state before cancer but also determine candidate molecules of critical state, thus providing new insight into the early diagnosis and preemptive treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Wang
- School of Computer and Artificial Intelligence, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Xiaowen Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Ning Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Di Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Zhenzhen Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Zhizi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Zhongzhen Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Xiaoran Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Mingzhu Song
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China
| | - Weijun Zhu
- School of Computer and Artificial Intelligence, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China.
| | - Guifu Dai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 45001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liao Z, Tang C, Luo R, Gu X, Zhou J, Gao J. Current Concepts of Precancerous Lesions of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Progress in Diagnosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071211. [PMID: 37046429 PMCID: PMC10093043 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. It is proposed that precancerous lesions of HCC include all stages of the disease, from dysplastic foci (DF), and dysplastic nodule (DN), to early HCC (eHCC) and progressed HCC (pHCC), which is a complex multi-step process. Accurately identifying precancerous hepatocellular lesions can significantly impact the early detection and treatment of HCC. The changes in high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDN) were similar to those seen in HCC, and the risk of malignant transformation significantly increased. Nevertheless, it is challenging to diagnose precancerous lesions of HCC. We integrated the literature and combined imaging, pathology, laboratory, and other relevant examinations to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of precancerous lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Cuiping Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Rui Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xiling Gu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nault JC, Paradis V, Ronot M, Zucman-Rossi J. Benign liver tumours: understanding molecular physiology to adapt clinical management. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:703-716. [PMID: 35835851 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00643-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in understanding the pathophysiology of the different benign liver nodules have refined their nosological classification. New criteria have been identified using imaging, histology and molecular analyses for a precise diagnosis of these tumours. Improvement in the classification of liver tumours provides a more accurate prediction of disease progression and has modified patient management. Haemangioma and focal nodular hyperplasia, the most common benign liver tumours that develop in the absence of chronic liver disease, are usually easy to diagnose on imaging and do not require specific treatment. However, hepatocellular adenomas and cirrhotic macronodules can be difficult to discriminate from hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular subtyping of hepatocellular adenomas in five major subgroups defined by HNF1A inactivation, β-catenin mutation in exon 3 or exon 7/8, and activation of inflammatory or Hedgehog pathways helps to identify the tumours at risk of malignant transformation or bleeding. New clinical, biological and molecular tools have gradually been included in diagnostic and treatment algorithms to classify benign liver tumours and improve patient management. This Review aims to explain the main pathogenic mechanisms of benign liver tumours and how this knowledge could influence clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Nault
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, France. .,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris Nord, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France. .,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», Paris, France. .,Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France.
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Service de Pathologie, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP Nord, Clichy, France.,Université de Paris, INSERM U1149 "Centre de Recherche sur l'inflammation", CRI, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Ronot
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1149 "Centre de Recherche sur l'inflammation", CRI, Paris, France.,Department of Radiology, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP Nord, Clichy, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», Paris, France. .,Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France. .,Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Desjonqueres E, Campani C, Marra F, Zucman-Rossi J, Nault JC. Preneoplastic lesions in the liver: Molecular insights and relevance for clinical practice. Liver Int 2022; 42:492-506. [PMID: 34982503 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are the most frequent primary liver cancers, accounting for approximately 80% and 15%, respectively. HCC carcinogenesis occurs mostly in cirrhosis and is a complex multi-step process, from precancerous lesions (low-grade and high-grade dysplastic nodules) to progressed HCC. During the different stages of liver carcinogenesis, there is an accumulation of pathological, genetic and epigenetic changes leading to initiation, malignant transformation and finally tumour progression. In contrast, a small subset of HCC occurs in normal liver from the transformation of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), a benign hepatocellular tumour. The recent molecular classification enables to stratify HCAs according to their risk of complication, in particular malignant transformation, associated with mutations in exon 3 of the catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) gene. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) derives from the multistep malignant transformation of preneoplastic lesions, like biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), for which a pre-operative diagnosis remains difficult. Different genetic alterations are involved in BilIN and IPNB progression, leading to the development of tubular or intestinal adenocarcinoma. The aims of this review are to describe the main clinical and molecular features of preneoplastic lesions leading to the development of HCC and CCA, their implications in clinical practice and the perspectives for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvire Desjonqueres
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Paris, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Campani
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Paris, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Paris, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France.,Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Paris, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen TY, Mai JY, Zhang P, Xue JH, He SL, Xi J, Chen JJ, Cheng Y. Efficacy of erzhu jiedu recipe on hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27231. [PMID: 34559118 PMCID: PMC10545361 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia is the intermediate stage of liver cirrhosis progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is no effective way to treat precancerous lesions of liver in modern medicine. In recent decades, clinical and experimental evidence shows that Chinese medicine (CM) has a certain beneficial effect on Hepatitis B Cirrhosis. Therefore, this trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a CM erzhu jiedu recipe (EZJDR) for the treatment of Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with Hyperalphafetoproteinemia. METHODS We designed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 72 patients of Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia were randomized in 2 parallel groups. Patients in the control group received placebo granules similar to the EZJDR. In the EZJDR group, patients received EZJDR twice a day, after meals, for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy measures were changes in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and alpha-fetoprotein alloplasm (AFP-L3); The secondary indicators of efficacy are changes in liver function indicators, HBV-DNA level; Liver stiffness measurement (LSM); Hepatic portal vein diameter; T lymphocyte subgroup indexes during treatment. All data will be recorded in case report forms and analyzed by Statistical Analysis System software. Adverse events will also be evaluated. RESULTS The results showed that EZJDR can significantly inhibit the levels of AFP and AFP-L3 in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hyperalphafetoproteinemia and have good security. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shuguang Hospital, affiliated with University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai (NO.2018-579-08-01). TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Center (NO.ChiCTR1800017165).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yang Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yin Mai
- Shanghai Guanghua Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, No.40 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Foreign Language Center of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hua Xue
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Li He
- Minhang Branch of Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.106 Ruili Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xi
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Jie Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiao J, Sanchez JI, Thompson EJ, Mao X, McCormick JB, Fisher-Hoch SP, Futreal PA, Zhang J, Beretta L. Somatic Mutations in Circulating Cell-Free DNA and Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hispanics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147411. [PMID: 34299031 PMCID: PMC8304329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hispanics are disproportionally affected by liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Advanced liver fibrosis is a major risk factor for HCC development. We aimed at identifying somatic mutations in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of Hispanics with HCC and Hispanics with advanced liver fibrosis but no HCC. Targeted sequencing of over 262 cancer-associated genes identified nonsynonymous mutations in 22 of the 27 HCC patients. Mutations were detected in known HCC-associated genes (e.g., CTNNB1, TP53, NFE2L2, and ARID1A). No difference in cfDNA concentrations was observed between patients with mutations and those without detectable mutations. HCC patients with higher cfDNA concentrations or higher number of mutations had a shorter overall survival (p < 0.001 and p = 0.045). Nonsynonymous mutations were also identified in 17 of the 51 subjects with advanced liver fibrosis. KMT2C was the most commonly mutated gene. Nine genes were mutated in both subjects with advanced fibrosis and HCC patients. Again, no significant difference in cfDNA concentrations was observed between subjects with mutations and those without detectable mutations. Furthermore, higher cfDNA concentrations and higher number of mutations correlated with a death outcome in subjects with advanced fibrosis. In conclusion, cfDNA features are promising non-invasive markers for HCC risk prediction and overall survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Jiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.J.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Jessica I. Sanchez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.J.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Erika J. Thompson
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Xizeng Mao
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (X.M.); (P.A.F.); (J.Z.)
| | - Joseph B. McCormick
- Brownsville Regional Campus, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (J.B.M.); (S.P.F.-H.)
| | - Susan P. Fisher-Hoch
- Brownsville Regional Campus, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (J.B.M.); (S.P.F.-H.)
| | - P. Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (X.M.); (P.A.F.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (X.M.); (P.A.F.); (J.Z.)
| | - Laura Beretta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.J.); (J.I.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-792-9100
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Renne SL, Sarcognato S, Sacchi D, Guido M, Roncalli M, Terracciano L, Di Tommaso L. Hepatocellular carcinoma: a clinical and pathological overview. Pathologica 2021; 113:203-217. [PMID: 34294938 PMCID: PMC8299323 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC incidence rates have been rising in the past 3 decades and by 2025 > 1 million individuals will be affected annually. High-throughput sequencing technologies led to the identification of several molecular HCC subclasses that can be broadly grouped into 2 major subgroups, each characterized by specific morphological and phenotypical features. It is likely that this increasing knowledge and a more appropriate characterization of HCC at the pathological level will impact HCC patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Lorenzo Renne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Samantha Sarcognato
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy.,Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Diana Sacchi
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy.,Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Coral GP, Branco F, Meurer R, Marcon PDS, Fontes PRO, Mattos AAD. RESULTS OF IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF EARLY HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA AND NODULES WITH HIGH-GRADE DYSPLASIA IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2021; 58:82-86. [PMID: 33909802 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202100000-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary cancer of the liver and cirrhosis is considered a pre-malignant disease. In this context, the evolutionary sequence from low grade dysplastic nodule and high grade dysplastic nodule (HGDN) to early HCC and advanced HCC has been studied. The differential diagnosis between HGDN and early HCC is still a challenge, especially in needle biopsies. OBJECTIVE To evaluate an immunohistochemistry panel to differentiate dysplastic nodules and HCC. METHODS Patients with cirrhosis who underwent surgical resection or liver transplantation were included. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of neoplasia were analyzed by evaluating five markers: heat shock protein 70, glypican 3, glutamine synthetase, clathrin heavy chain and beta-catenin. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-six nodules were included; of these, 57 were HCC, 14 HGDN, 18 low grade dysplastic nodules and 67 regenerative macronodules. Sensitivity of HCC diagnosis was 64.9% for glypican 3 and 77.2% for glutamine syntetase, while specificity was 96.0% and 96.0% respectively. When the panel of four markers was considered (excluding beta catenin), the specificity ranged from 87.9% for one positive marker to 100% for at least three markers. The best accuracy for HCC diagnosis was obtained with at least two positive markers, which was associated with a sensitivity of 82.5% and specificity of 99%. CONCLUSION Differential diagnosis of dysplastic nodules and HCC by morphological criteria can be challenging. Immunomarkers are useful and should be used for the differential diagnosis between HCC and HGDN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Perdomo Coral
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Branco
- Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Radiologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Rosalva Meurer
- UFCSPA, Departamento de Patologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Patrícia Dos Santos Marcon
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.,Hospital Mãe de Deus, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Paulo Roberto Ott Fontes
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Angelo Alves de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yu Q, Wu L, Ji J, Feng J, Dai W, Li J, Wu J, Guo C. Gut Microbiota, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2020; 7:271-288. [PMID: 33150145 PMCID: PMC7605923 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s277870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. HCC incidence rate is sixth and mortality is fourth worldwide. However, HCC pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The incidence of HCC is associated with genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors. The role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of HCC has attracted researchers’ attention because of anatomical and functional interactions between liver and intestine. Studies have demonstrated the involvement of gut microbiota in the development of HCC and chronic liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and liver cirrhosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of receptors with diverse biological functions. Natural and synthetic PPAR agonists show potential for treatment of NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and HCC. Recent studies have demonstrated that PPARs take part in gut microbiota inhabitation and adaptation. This manuscript reviews the role of gut microbiota in the development of HCC and precancerous diseases, the role of PPARs in modulation of gut microbiota and HCC, and potential of gut microbiota for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rao BC, Lou JM, Wang WJ, Li A, Cui GY, Yu ZJ, Ren ZG. Human microbiome is a diagnostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:109-115. [PMID: 32037278 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence indicates a close relationship between HCC and the human microbiota. Herein, we reviewed the important potential of the human microbiota as a diagnostic biomarker of HCC. DATA SOURCES Several innovative studies have investigated the characteristics of the gut and oral microbiomes in patients with HCC and proposed that the human microbiome has the potential to be a diagnostic biomarker of HCC. Literature from February 1999 to February 2019 was searched in the PubMed database using the keywords "microbiota" or "microbiome" or "microbe" and "liver cancer" or "hepatocellular carcinoma", and the results of clinical and experimental studies were analyzed. RESULTS Specific changes occur in the human microbiome of patients with HCC. Moreover, the gut microbiome and oral microbiome can be used as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for HCC. Furthermore, they also have certain diagnostic potential for precancerous diseases of HCC. The diagnostic potential of the blood microbiota and ascites microbiota in HCC will be gradually discovered in the future. CONCLUSIONS The human microbiome is valuable to the diagnosis of HCC and provides a novel strategy for targeted therapy of HCC. The human microbiome may be widely used in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for multiple system diseases or cancers in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Chen Rao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Gene Hospital of Henan Province; Precision Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jia-Min Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Gene Hospital of Henan Province; Precision Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Wei-Jie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Gene Hospital of Henan Province; Precision Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Guang-Ying Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Gene Hospital of Henan Province; Precision Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zu-Jiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Gene Hospital of Henan Province; Precision Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Gene Hospital of Henan Province; Precision Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, typically develops on the background of chronic liver disease and is an aggressive disease with dismal prognosis. Studies using next-generation sequencing of multiple regions of the same tumour nodule suggest different patterns of HCC evolution and confirm the high molecular heterogeneity in a subset of patients. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain tumour evolution, including clonal selection or neutral and punctuated acquisition of genetic alterations. In parallel, data indicate a fundamental contribution of nonmalignant cells of the tumour microenvironment to cancer clonal evolution. Delineating these dynamics is crucial to improve the treatment of patients with HCC, and particularly to help understand how HCC evolution drives resistance to systemic therapies. A number of new minimally invasive techniques, such as liquid biopsies, could help track cancer evolution in HCC. These tools might improve our understanding of how systemic therapies affect tumour clonal composition and could facilitate implementation of real-time molecular monitoring of patients with HCC.
Collapse
|
13
|
Rebouissou S, Nault JC. Advances in molecular classification and precision oncology in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2020; 72:215-229. [PMID: 31954487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises from hepatocytes through the sequential accumulation of multiple genomic and epigenomic alterations resulting from Darwinian selection. Genes from various signalling pathways such as telomere maintenance, Wnt/β-catenin, P53/cell cycle regulation, oxidative stress, epigenetic modifiers, AKT/mTOR and MAP kinase are frequently mutated in HCC. Several subclasses of HCC have been identified based on transcriptomic dysregulation and genetic alterations that are closely related to risk factors, pathological features and prognosis. Undoubtedly, integration of data obtained from both preclinical models and human studies can help to accelerate the identification of robust predictive biomarkers of response to targeted biotherapy and immunotherapy. The aim of this review is to describe the main advances in HCC in terms of molecular biology and to discuss how this knowledge could be used in clinical practice in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rebouissou
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, F-75006 Paris, France; Liver Unit, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France; Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The role of telomeres and telomerase in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:544-558. [PMID: 31253940 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase is a key enzyme for cell survival that prevents telomere shortening and the subsequent cellular senescence that is observed after many rounds of cell division. In contrast, inactivation of telomerase is observed in most cells of the adult liver. Absence of telomerase activity and shortening of telomeres has been implicated in hepatocyte senescence and the development of cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease that can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. During hepatocarcinogenesis, telomerase reactivation is required to enable the uncontrolled cell proliferation that leads to malignant transformation and HCC development. Part of the telomerase complex, telomerase reverse transcriptase, is encoded by TERT, and several mechanisms of telomerase reactivation have been described in HCC that include somatic TERT promoter mutations, TERT amplification, TERT translocation and viral insertion into the TERT gene. An understanding of the role of telomeres and telomerase in HCC development is important to develop future targeted therapies and improve survival of this disease. In this Review, the roles of telomeres and telomerase in liver carcinogenesis are discussed, in addition to their potential translation to clinical practice as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
15
|
Pittman ME. Hepatocellular carcinoma: a practical review for the surgical pathologist. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
16
|
Rudini N, Novello C, Destro A, Riboldi E, Donadon M, Viganò L, Morenghi E, Roncalli M, Di Tommaso L. Phenotypic and molecular changes in nodule-in-nodule hepatocellular carcinoma with pathogenetic implications. Histopathology 2018; 73:601-611. [DOI: 10.1111/his.13659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Rudini
- Pathology Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Chiara Novello
- Pathology Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Annarita Destro
- Pathology Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Elena Riboldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università del Piemonte Orientale ‘Amedeo Avogadro’; Novara Itlay
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Surgical Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Humanitas University; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Luca Viganò
- Surgical Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Humanitas University; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Emanuela Morenghi
- Biostatistical Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Pathology Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Humanitas University; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology Unit; Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre; Rozzano Milan Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Humanitas University; Rozzano Milan Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vasuri F, Malvi D, Bonora S, Fittipaldi S, Renzulli M, Tovoli F, Golfieri R, Bolondi L, D'Errico A. From large to small: the immunohistochemical panel in the diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma. Histopathology 2018; 72:414-422. [PMID: 28881044 DOI: 10.1111/his.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aims of this study were to: validate the use of the immunohistochemical (IHC) markers glutamine synthetase (GS), glypican-3 (GPC3), heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) and enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) in liver biopsies for the differential diagnosis between small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-neoplastic liver nodules, with special attention to <10-mm nodules; and assess the actual sensitivity and specificity of the single markers, and their combination, in needle biopsies. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred liver nodules, i.e. 66 HCCs and 34 non-neoplastic nodules, were prospectively collected from 43 consecutive orthotopic liver transplantation patients, and subjected to 'backtable' needle biopsies directly on surgical specimens. IHC evaluation was semi-automatically performed with a Benchmark Ultra immunostainer. The morphological and IHC diagnosis in surgical specimens was considered to be the gold standard. GS, GPC3, HSP70 and EZH2 showed 16.6%, 10.7%, 28.8% and 62.1% decreases in sensitivity, respectively, from surgical specimen to needle biopsy. Higher decreases were observed in <10-mm nodules. In 18 HCCs with no morphological diagnostic features of malignancy in biopsies, GPC3 or GS were positive in 16; in seven HCCs, neither morphology nor IHC evaluation ruled out the differential diagnosis made on the basis of needle biopsy. CONCLUSIONS We present for the first time a direct comparison between surgical specimens and needle biopsies to confirm the usefulness and reproducibility of the most widely used antibodies for the diagnosis of small liver nodules. Our results support the use of IHC evaluation in biopsies for the diagnosis of small liver lesions, although the IHC panel could also give negative results in the presence of obvious HCC, and the possibility of false positives should always be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vasuri
- 'F. Addarii' Institute of Oncology and Transplant Pathology, Department of Specialty, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine (DIMES), S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Deborah Malvi
- 'F. Addarii' Institute of Oncology and Transplant Pathology, Department of Specialty, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine (DIMES), S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sonia Bonora
- 'F. Addarii' Institute of Oncology and Transplant Pathology, Department of Specialty, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine (DIMES), S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Fittipaldi
- 'F. Addarii' Institute of Oncology and Transplant Pathology, Department of Specialty, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine (DIMES), S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Radiology Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Golfieri
- Radiology Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Bolondi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia D'Errico
- 'F. Addarii' Institute of Oncology and Transplant Pathology, Department of Specialty, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine (DIMES), S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rizzo F, Rinaldi A, Marchese G, Coviello E, Sellitto A, Cordella A, Giurato G, Nassa G, Ravo M, Tarallo R, Milanesi L, Destro A, Torzilli G, Roncalli M, Di Tommaso L, Weisz A. Specific patterns of PIWI-interacting small noncoding RNA expression in dysplastic liver nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54650-54661. [PMID: 27429044 PMCID: PMC5342370 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the result of a stepwise process, often beginning with development within a cirrhotic liver of premalignant lesions, morphologically characterized by low- (LGDN) and high-grade (HGDN) dysplastic nodules. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), 23-35 nucleotide-long, exerting epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Recently the PIWI-piRNA pathway, best characterized in germline cells, has been identified also in somatic tissues, including stem and cancer cells, where it influences key cellular processes.Small RNA sequencing was applied to search for liver piRNAs and to profile their expression patterns in cirrhotic nodules (CNs), LGDN, HGDN, early HCC and progressed HCC (pHCC), analyzing 55 samples (14 CN, 9 LGDN, 6 HGDN, 6 eHCC and 20 pHCC) from 17 patients, aiming at identifying possible relationships between these sncRNAs and liver carcinogenesis. We identified a 125 piRNA expression signature that characterize HCC from matched CNs, correlating also to microvascular invasion in HCC. Functional analysis of the predicted RNA targets of deregulated piRNAs indicates that these can target key signaling pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression, thereby affecting their activity. Interestingly, 24 piRNAs showed specific expression patterns in dysplastic nodules, respect to cirrhotic liver and/or pHCC.The results demonstrate that the PIWI-piRNA pathway is active in human liver, where it represents a new player in the molecular events that characterize hepatocarcinogenesis, from early stages to pHCC. Furthermore, they suggest that piRNAs might be new disease biomarkers, useful for differential diagnosis of dysplastic and neoplastic liver lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Antonio Rinaldi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | | | - Elena Coviello
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy.,Genomix4life, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy.,Genomix4life, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Maria Ravo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Roberta Tarallo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Luciano Milanesi
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Destro
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano-Milan, Italy.,Hepatobiliary and General Surgery Division, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Schola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The stromal morphological changes for differential diagnosis of uninodular high-grade dysplastic nodule and well-differentiated small hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:87329-87339. [PMID: 29152084 PMCID: PMC5675636 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The stromal invasion has been regarded as the most valuable clue to distinguish high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDNs) and well-differentiated small hepatocellular carcinomas (WD-SHCCs). The purposes of this study are to explore the stromal morphological changes for the differential diagnosis of these two equivocal lesions. Results Based on the systemic studies of histological characteristics of HGDNs and WD-SHCCs, the stromal morphological changes, including sinusoid capillarization, ductular reaction and solitary artery, were performed to make a differential diagnosis between them. Separately, the solitary artery had the best sensitivity (93.75%) and accuracy (88.89%), and the sinusoid capillarization had the best specificity of 90.32%. On the whole, when at least 2 stromal morphological changes were abnormal, no matter what combination, the diagnostic performance was favorable and optimal with the highest accuracy of 92.06%, balancing the sensitivity (93.75%) and specificity (90.32%). The diagnostic performances were prior to the classical immunohistochemical panel comprising heat shock protein 70, glypican 3 and glutamine synthetase with the best sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 62.50%, 80.65% and 71.43%, respectively. Materials and Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 63 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for uninodular HGDNs or WD-SHCCs at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital from 2005 to 2015. Conclusions The stromal morphological changes, containing sinusoid capillarization, ductular reaction and solitary artery could provide a more considerable diagnostic and differential diagnostic performance between HGDNs and WD-SHCCs. And they should be the key points during the histopathological diagnosis.
Collapse
|
20
|
Di Tommaso L, Roncalli M. Tissue Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Tumors: Which, When, and How. Front Med (Lausanne) 2017; 4:10. [PMID: 28280721 PMCID: PMC5322593 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Few tissue markers are currently available to pathologists in the study of hepatocellular tumors. These markers should be used carefully taking into consideration not only morphology but also, and sometimes even more important, the clinical setting where the lesion to be diagnosed had developed. Glypican-3, heat shock protein 70, and glutamine synthetase (GS) are markers currently used, as a single panel, to discriminate the nature of a <2 cm hepatocellular lesion lacking radiological features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detected in a cirrhotic patient under surveillance. Their use, which can be improved by clathrin heavy chain, is mostly requested on liver biopsy. Hepatocyte paraffin 1, arginase-1, polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen, CD10, and bile salt export pump are tissue markers used to confirm, at histology, the diagnosis of HCC made by imaging before enrollment for phase III studies on novel anti-HCC drugs. In this setting, pathologists are usually requested a conclusive diagnosis on a liver biopsy of a poorly differentiated, necrotic, enriched in stem-phenotype, carcinoma. Liver fatty acid-binding protein, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, prostaglandin D2 synthetase, GS, and β-catenin can be used either on biopsy or surgical specimen to classify hepatocellular adenoma into hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF-1α) inactivated (steatotic), inflammatory, with dysregulation of sonic hedgehog and prostaglandin pathways, β-catenin mutated, and unclassified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center , Rozzano, Milan , Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University , Rozzano, Milan , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yoo JE, Kim YJ, Rhee H, Kim H, Ahn EY, Choi JS, Roncalli M, Park YN. Progressive Enrichment of Stemness Features and Tumor Stromal Alterations in Multistep Hepatocarcinogenesis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170465. [PMID: 28114366 PMCID: PMC5256873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells, contribute to an aggressive biological behavior, which is also affected by the tumor stroma. Despite the role of CSCs and the tumor stroma in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), features of stemness have not yet been studied in relation to tumor stromal alterations in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated the expression status of stemness markers and tumor stromal changes in B viral carcinogenesis, which is the main etiology of HCC in Asia. Stemness features of tumoral hepatocytes (EpCAM, K19, Oct3/4, c-KIT, c-MET, and CD133), and tumor stromal cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD68, CD163, and IL-6 were analyzed in 36 low grade dysplastic nodules (DNs), 48 high grade DNs, 30 early HCCs (eHCCs), and 51 progressed HCCs (pHCCs) by immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR. Stemness features (EpCAM and K19 in particular) were progressively acquired during hepatocarcinogenesis in combination with enrichment of stromal cells (CAFs, TAMs, IL-6+ cells). Stemness features were seen sporadically in DNs, more consistent in eHCCs, and peaked in pHCCs. Likewise, stromal cells were discernable in DNs, showed up as consistent cell densities in eHCCs and peaked in pHCCs. The stemness features and tumor stromal alterations also peaked in less differentiated or larger HCCs. In conclusion, progression of B viral multistep hepatocarcinogenesis is characterized by an enrichment of stemness features of neoplastic hepatocytes and a parallel alteration of the tumor stroma. The modulation of neoplastic hepatocytes and stromal cells was at low levels in precancerous lesions (DNs), consistently increased in incipient cancer (eHCCs) and peaked in pHCCs. Thus, in B viral hepatocarcinogenesis, interactions between CSCs and the tumor stroma, although starting early, seem to play a major role in tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Joo Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Republic of Korea
| | - Ei Yong Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sub Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei Liver Cancer Special clinic, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital and Hunimed University of Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cong WM, Bu H, Chen J, Dong H, Zhu YY, Feng LH, Chen J, Committee G. Practice guidelines for the pathological diagnosis of primary liver cancer: 2015 update. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9279-9287. [PMID: 27895416 PMCID: PMC5107692 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i42.9279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2010, a panel of Chinese pathologists reported the first expert consensus for the pathological diagnosis of primary liver cancers to address the many contradictions and inconsistencies in the pathological characteristics and diagnostic criteria for PLC. Since then considerable clinicopathological studies have been conducted globally, prompting us to update the practice guidelines for the pathological diagnosis of PLC. In April 18, 2014, a Guideline Committee consisting of 40 specialists from seven Chinese Societies (including Chinese Society of Liver Cancer, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Liver Cancer Study Group, Chinese Society of Hepatology, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese Society of Pathology, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Digestive Disease Group, Chinese Society of Pathology, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese Society of Surgery, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Pathological Group of Hepatobiliary Tumor and Liver Transplantation, Chinese Society of Pathology, Chinese Medical Association) was created for the formulation of the first guidelines for the standardization of the pathological diagnosis of PLC, mainly focusing on the following topics: gross specimen sampling, concepts and diagnostic criteria of small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC), microvascular invasion (MVI), satellite nodules, and immunohistochemical and molecular diagnosis. The present updated guidelines are reflective of current clinicopathological studies, and include a novel 7-point baseline sampling protocol, which stipulate that at least four tissue specimens should be sampled at the junction of the tumor and adjacent liver tissues in a 1:1 ratio at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock reference positions. For the purposes of molecular pathological examination, at least one specimen should be sampled at the intratumoral zone, but more specimens should be sampled for tumors harboring different textures or colors. Specimens should be sampled at both adjacent and distant peritumoral liver tissues or the tumor margin in order to observe MVI, satellite nodules and dysplastic foci/nodules distributed throughout the background liver tissues. Complete sampling of whole SHCC ≤ 3 cm should be performed to assess its biological behavior, and in clinical practice, therapeutic borders should be also preserved, even in SHCC. The diagnostic criteria of MVI and satellite nodules, immunohistochemical panels, as well as molecular diagnostic principles, such as clonal typing, for recurrent HCC and multinodule HCC were also proposed and recommended. The standardized process of pathological examination is aimed at ensuring the accuracy of pathological PLC diagnoses as well as providing a valuable frame of reference for the clinical assessment of tumor invasive potential, the risk of postoperative recurrence, long-term survival, and the development of individualized treatment regimens. The updated guidelines could ensure the accuracy of pathological diagnoses of PLC, and provide a valuable frame of reference for its clinical assessment.
Collapse
|
23
|
Niu ZS, Niu XJ, Wang WH, Zhao J. Latest developments in precancerous lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3305-3314. [PMID: 27022212 PMCID: PMC4806188 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i12.3305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis in human chronic liver diseases is a multi-step process in which hepatic precancerous lesions progress into early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and progressed HCC, and the close surveillance and treatment of these lesions will help improve the survival rates of patients with HCC. The rapid development and extensive application of imaging technology have facilitated the discovery of nodular lesions of ambiguous significance, such as dysplastic nodules. Further investigations showed that these nodules may be hepatic precancerous lesions, and they often appear in patients with liver cirrhosis. Although the morphology of these nodules is not sufficient to support a diagnosis of malignant tumor, these nodules are closely correlated with the occurrence of HCC, as indicated by long-term follow-up studies. In recent years, the rapid development and wide application of pathology, molecular genetics and imaging technology have elucidated the characteristics of precancerous lesions. Based on our extensive review of the relevant literature, this article focuses on evidence indicating that high-grade dysplastic nodules are more likely to transform into HCC than low-grade dysplastic nodules based on clinical, pathological, molecular genetic and radiological assessments. In addition, evidence supporting the precancerous nature of large cell change in hepatitis B virus-related HCC is discussed.
Collapse
|
24
|
Nault JC, Zucman-Rossi J. TERT promoter mutations in primary liver tumors. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2016; 40:9-14. [PMID: 26336998 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing has drawn the genetic landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma and several signaling pathways are altered at the DNA level in tumors: Wnt/β-catenin, cell cycle regulator, epigenetic modifier, histone methyltransferase, oxidative stress, ras/raf/map kinase and akt/mtor pathways. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process starting with the exposure to different risk factors, followed by the development of a chronic liver disease and cirrhosis precede in the vast majority of the cases the development of HCC. Several lines of evidence have underlined the pivotal role of telomere maintenance in both cirrhosis and HCC pathogenesis. TERT promoter mutations were identified as the most frequent genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma with an overall frequency around 60%. Moreover, in cirrhosis, TERT promoter mutations are observed at the early steps of hepatocarcinogenesis since they are recurrently identified in low-grade and high-grade dysplastic nodules. In contrast, acquisition of genomic diversity through mutations of classical oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TP53, CTNNB1, ARID1A…) occurred only in progressed HCC. In normal liver, a subset of HCC can derived from the malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). In HCA, CTNNB1 mutations predispose to transformation of HCA in HCC and TERT promoter mutations are required in most of the cases as a second hit for a full malignant transformation. All these findings have refined our knowledge of HCC pathogenesis and have pointed telomerase as a target for tailored therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Nault
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des Tumeurs solides, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75010 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UFR SMBH, 93000 Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris - Seine-Saint-Denis, Site Jean-Verdier, Pôle d'Activité Cancérologique Spécialisée, Service d'Hépatologie, 93143 Bondy, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des Tumeurs solides, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75010 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UFR SMBH, 93000 Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France; Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sciarra A, Di Tommaso L, Nakano M, Destro A, Torzilli G, Donadon M, Maggioni M, Bosari S, Bulfamante G, Matsuda M, Fujii H, Ichikawa T, Morisaka H, Sano K, Ichikawa S, Roncalli M. Morphophenotypic changes in human multistep hepatocarcinogenesis with translational implications. J Hepatol 2016; 64:87-93. [PMID: 26343958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Human hepatocarcinogenesis in cirrhosis is thought to be multistep and characterized by a spectrum of nodular lesions, ranging from low to high grade dysplastic nodules (LGDN and HGDN) to early and progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC and pHCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the morphophenotypical changes of this sequence and their potential translational significance. METHODS We scored the vascular profile, ductular reaction/stromal invasion and overexpression of five biomarkers (GPC3, HSP70, GS, CHC, and EZH2), in a series of 100 resected nodules (13 LGDN, 16 HGDN, 42 eHCC and 29 small pHCC). RESULTS The score separated the four groups of nodules as individual entities (p<0.01). In the sequence, biomarker's overexpression progressively increased with parallel decrease of ductular reaction; the vascular remodeling started very early (LGDN) but did not further develop in a proportion of HCC. eHCC was the most heterogeneous entity, with marginal overlap with HGDN and pHCC. Liver environment (fibrosis, etiology) did not impact on the phenotype of the different nodules. A subclass of eHCC (16/42) without evidence of stromal invasion was identified, suggesting a "preinvasive stage" (p<0.05). For diagnosis, the application of four and five biomarkers (rather than the usual three) improved the sensitivity of the assay for the detection of eHCC (76% and 93% vs. 52%); biomarkers in alternative combinations, and also increased the sensitivity of the assay (GS+CHC+EZH2: 76%; GS+CHC+EZH2+HSP70: 90%). CONCLUSIONS This study supports the multistep nature of human hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests that eHCC is more heterogeneous than previously thought. This provides further information of the potential translational significance into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Sciarra
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Masayuki Nakano
- Pathology Department, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Annarita Destro
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy; Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Maggioni
- Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico and University of Milan, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Bosari
- Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico and University of Milan, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, Milan, Italy
| | - Masanori Matsuda
- First Department of Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- First Department of Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ichikawa
- Department of Radiology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | | | - Katsuhiro Sano
- Department of Radiology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | | | - Massimo Roncalli
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li RK, Palmer SL, Zeng MS, Qiang JW, Chen F, Rao SX, Chen LL, Dai YM. Detection of Endogenous Iron Reduction during Hepatocarcinogenesis at Susceptibility-Weighted MR Imaging: Value for Characterization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Dysplastic Nodule in Cirrhotic Liver. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142882. [PMID: 26605946 PMCID: PMC4659660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and dysplastic nodule (DN). Materials and Methods Sixty-eight cirrhotic patients with 89 hepatocellular nodules underwent SWI. The radiological features of hepatocellular nodules on SWI were classified into three types: type A (iso- or hypointensity, and background liver siderosis), type B (hyperintensity, and background liver siderosis), or type C (hyperintensity, and no background liver siderosis). Intranodular and background liver iron content was quantified and correlated with SWI pattern. Prussian blue staining was performed to quantify intranodular and background liver iron content. Results Type A pattern (n = 12) contained 11 (91.7%) DNs and 1 (8.3%) HCC, Type B pattern (n = 66) comprised 1 (1.5%) DN and 65 (98.5%) HCCs (including 12 DN-HCCs and 53 overt HCCs), and type C pattern (n = 11) was exclusively seen in HCCs. The iron scores of DN-HCCs and overt HCCs were significantly lower than those of background livers [(0.091±0.30) VS (2.18±0.87), P = 0.000; (0.11±0.41) VS (2.16±0.97), P = 0.000; respectively]. There was no significant difference between iron scores of DNs and those of background livers [(1.92±0.29) VS (2.17±039), P = 0.191]. For lesion-based and patient-based analysis of HCCs (DN-HCCs and overt HCCs), type B pattern showed a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predicative value (PPV), and negative predicative value (NPV) of 84.4% and 84.4%, 91.7% and 75%, 85.4% and 83.8%, 98.5% and 98.2%, 47.8% and 23.1%, respectively. Conclusion SWI can provide valuable information for characterization of HCC and DN based on endogenous iron reduction during hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-kun Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suzanne L. Palmer
- Department of Radiology, Keck Medical Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Meng-su Zeng
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (MSZ); (JWQ)
| | - Jin-wei Qiang
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (MSZ); (JWQ)
| | - Frank Chen
- Department of Radiology, Keck Medical Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sheng-xiang Rao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-li Chen
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-ming Dai
- Siemens Ltd, China Healthcare Sector MR Business, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zucman-Rossi J, Villanueva A, Nault JC, Llovet JM. Genetic Landscape and Biomarkers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2015; 149:1226-1239.e4. [PMID: 26099527 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 866] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as a major cause of cancer-related death. Its mortality has increased in Western populations, with a minority of patients diagnosed at early stages, when curative treatments are feasible. Only the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is available for the management of advanced cases. During the last 10 years, there has been a clear delineation of the landscape of genetic alterations in HCC, including high-level DNA amplifications in chromosome 6p21 (VEGFA) and 11q13 (FGF19/CNND1), as well as homozygous deletions in chromosome 9 (CDKN2A). The most frequent mutations affect TERT promoter (60%), associated with an increased telomerase expression. TERT promoter can also be affected by copy number variations and hepatitis B DNA insertions, and it can be found mutated in preneoplastic lesions. TP53 and CTNNB1 are the next most prevalent mutations, affecting 25%-30% of HCC patients, that, in addition to low-frequency mutated genes (eg, AXIN1, ARID2, ARID1A, TSC1/TSC2, RPS6KA3, KEAP1, MLL2), help define some of the core deregulated pathways in HCC. Conceptually, some of these changes behave as prototypic oncogenic addiction loops, being ideal biomarkers for specific therapeutic approaches. Data from genomic profiling enabled a proposal of HCC in 2 major molecular clusters (proliferation and nonproliferation), with differential enrichment in prognostic signatures, pathway activation and tumor phenotype. Translation of these discoveries into specific therapeutic decisions is an unmet medical need in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique Fonctionnelle des Tumeurs Solides, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire d'Hematologie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé, Médecine, Biologie Humaine, Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, Paris.
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique Fonctionnelle des Tumeurs Solides, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire d'Hematologie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Barcelona-Clínic Liver Cancer Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Liver Unit, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Anfuso B, El-Khobar KE, Sukowati CHC, Tiribelli C. The multiple origin of cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2015; 39 Suppl 1:S92-7. [PMID: 26186879 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 6% of all new cancer cases diagnosed, and due to its aggressiveness, it is the second most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Based on different etiological factors, genetic backgrounds, and longtime development of the disease, HCC is characterized by a high phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. Tumor variability occurs both among patients (intertumoral heterogeneity) and within a single tumor (intratumoral heterogeneity). The intratumoral heterogeneity, in particular the variability of the markers of cancer stem cells (CSC) population may determine specific behavior and prognosis of the tumor. Understanding the cellular mechanisms originating CSC will provide an important hint in the management of HCC. The characterization of the cells of origin of cancer can have significant implication in early diagnosis, in the development of appropriate therapies and in the prevention of relapse. Here, we review recent evidences on the possible cellular origin of CSC that play a role in the heterogeneity of the HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Anfuso
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, AREA Science Park Basovizza, SS14km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Korri E El-Khobar
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro 69, 10310 Jakarta, Indonesia; Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caecilia H C Sukowati
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, AREA Science Park Basovizza, SS14km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, AREA Science Park Basovizza, SS14km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhao Z, Chen GY, Long J, Li H, Huang J. Genomic losses at 5q13.2 and 8p23.1 in dysplastic hepatocytes are common events in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2015; 9:2839-2846. [PMID: 26137157 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal loci with genomic imbalances are frequently identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Greater than two-thirds of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCCs originate from liver cirrhosis following a duration of up to two decades. However, it is unclear whether these genomic imbalances occur and accumulate in dysplastic hepatocytes of the cirrhotic liver during the progression from regenerated nodules to preneoplastic lesions, including dysplastic nodules (DN). In the present study, high-grade DNs (HGDNs) of HBV-related liver cirrhosis were screened to identify loci with genomic imbalances, and the frequency of the identified loci in a group of HCCs was analyzed in order to determine whether there may be a genetic link between liver cirrhosis and HCC. Genomic DNA was extracted from six HGDNs of two cases of HBV-related liver cirrhosis and subjected to array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis with a NimbleGen 720K microarray. Loci with the most frequently observed genomic imbalances in DNs were further analyzed in 83 cases of HCC by differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR. The array CGH analysis revealed that the majority of genomic imbalances in the HGDNs were genomic losses of small segments, with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 5q13.2 and 8p23.1 identified most frequently. Of the 83 HCC cases, 30 (36.1%) cases were identified with LOH at 5q13.2, where known tumor-associated genes are located, including general transcription factor IIH subunit 2 (GTF2H2), baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 1 (BIRC1) and occludin (OCLN). LOH frequency at 8p23.1 in HCC was 61.29% (D8S1130) and 68.4% (D8S503) respectively, similar to the results obtained in previous studies. In conclusion, the results of the present study provided evidence that genomic losses at 5q13.2 and 8p23.1 identified in dysplastic hepatocytes of the cirrhotic liver are common events in HCC. HCC-associated chromosomal abnormalities may occur and accumulate in preneoplastic lesions of liver cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Yong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Long
- Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Cancer Center, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China ; Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nault JC, Calderaro J, Di Tommaso L, Balabaud C, Zafrani ES, Bioulac-Sage P, Roncalli M, Zucman-Rossi J. Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation is an early somatic genetic alteration in the transformation of premalignant nodules in hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis. Hepatology 2014; 60:1983-92. [PMID: 25123086 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Genetic determinants of the early steps of carcinogenesis on cirrhosis are still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the occurrence of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations in the transformation of cirrhotic nodules into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed a series of 268 liver samples, including 96 nodules developed in 58 patients with cirrhosis and 114 additional cirrhosis. All samples were screened for TERT promoter mutations, and in 31 nodules, for 10 genes recurrently mutated in HCC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses were performed for glypican 3, glutamine synthase, and heat shock protein 70. Six liver pathologists reviewed all the samples. Among The 96 nodules, 88 were firmly diagnosed as low-grade dysplastic nodules (LGDNs; 32 cases), high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDNs; 16 cases), early HCC (eHCC; 23 cases), or small and progressed HCC in 17 cases. The agreement between the initial diagnosis from pathological report and the final expert consensus report was moderate for the diagnosis of benign versus malignant nodules (weighted kappa = 0.530). TERT promoter mutations were highly related to the step-wise hepatocarcinogenesis because mutations were identified in 6% of LGDNs, 19% of HGDNs, 61% of eHCCs, and 42% of small and progressed HCC. TERT promoter mutation is the most frequent molecular alteration in eHCC given that the IHC criteria for diagnosis of malignancy were found in only 39% of the cases. TERT promoter mutation was also the earliest genetic alteration because mutations in 10 other genes were only identified in 28% of the small and progressed HCC. CONCLUSION Frequency of TERT promoter mutations rapidly increases during the different steps of the transformation of premalignant lesions into HCC on cirrhosis. Consequently, somatic TERT promoter mutation is a new biomarker predictive of transformation of premalignant lesions into HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Charles Nault
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des Tumeurs solides, IUH, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France; APHP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine Saint-Denis, Site Jean Verdier, Pôle d'Activité Cancérologique Spécialisée, Service d'Hépatologie, Bondy, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kim H, Park YN. Role of biopsy sampling for diagnosis of early and progressed hepatocellular carcinoma. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2014; 28:813-29. [PMID: 25260310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2014.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The current guidelines for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recommend liver biopsy for hepatic nodules which do not demonstrate the typical features of HCC on imaging. Thus, while not all HCCs are biopsied for histological confirmation, the nodules that pathologists now encounter on biopsy specimens are frequently well-differentiated early HCCs. This paper reviews the pathological features of HCC and its precursor lesions on liver biopsy specimens, with special emphasis on the differential diagnosis between well-differentiated HCCs and high-grade dysplastic nodules, and discusses the different roles of liver biopsy in diagnosis and management of early and progressed HCC. The potential role of liver biopsy for the development of molecular markers to predict prognosis and response to targeted therapy is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, and Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Svinka J, Mikulits W, Eferl R. STAT3 in hepatocellular carcinoma: new perspectives. Hepat Oncol 2014; 1:107-120. [PMID: 30190945 PMCID: PMC6114013 DOI: 10.2217/hep.13.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver damage and inflammation are strong promoters of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formation. HCC cells communicate with inflammatory and stromal cells via cytokine/chemokine signals. These heterotypic interactions inhibit immunologic anticancer activities and promote protumorigenic activities, such as angiogenesis or invasiveness. STAT3 mediates several reciprocal interactions between liver cancer cells and stromal cells and modulates preconditions of tumor formation such as chronic inflammation. Therefore, activation of STAT3 is considered as a tumor-promoting event in HCC formation. However, the oncogenic role of STAT3 in cancers has been challenged by several reports that suggest a tumor-suppressive activity. Here we discuss tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive effects of cytokine-activated STAT3 in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Svinka
- Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute for Cancer Research, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute for Cancer Research, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Eferl
- Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute for Cancer Research, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fassan M, Baffa R, Kiss A. Advanced precancerous lesions within the GI tract: the molecular background. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2013; 27:159-69. [PMID: 23809238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The mainstream carcinogenic processes involved within the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by phenotypic multistep progression cascades that eventually result in full-blown cancers. In this scenario, the understanding of the molecular dysregulations underlying the precancerous lesions is increasing but still remains incomplete. However, in recent years, the enthusiastic rise of innovative technologies (i.e., next-generation sequencing, high-throughput microarray analysis, mass spectrometry based proteomics) and the unexpected discovery of new classes of biomarkers (i.e., miRNA, long-noncoding RNAs) prompted new strength in the exploration of the accurate and comprehensive molecular characterization of premalignant and malignant neoplastic lesions. The challenge ahead lies in the reliable identification of disease progression-specific targets to enable molecular testing in the clinical management of the secondary prevention of gastrointestinal cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine DIMED, Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|