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Jahagirdar V, Rama K, Habeeb MF, Sharma M, Rao PN, Reddy DN, Singal AG, Kulkarni AV. Systemic Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in India. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101440. [PMID: 38975606 PMCID: PMC11225346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in India. This review explores the epidemiological trends and the landscape of systemic therapy for HCC in the Indian context, acknowledging the recent shift in etiology from viral hepatitis to lifestyle-associated factors. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, including data from the Global Cancer Observatory and the Indian Council of Medical Research, along with a critical analysis of various clinical trials. The article investigates systemic therapies in-depth, discussing their mechanisms, efficacy, and adaptation to Indian healthcare framework. Progression-free survival with a hazard ratio of ≤0.6 compared to sorafenib, overall survival of ∼16-19 months, and objective response rate of 20-30% are the defining thresholds for systemic therapy clinical trials. Systemic therapy for advanced HCC in India primarily involves the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, and cabozantinib, with sorafenib being the most commonly used drug for a long time. Monoclonal antibodies such as ramucirumab and bevacizumab and immune-checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab, are expanding treatment horizons. Lenvatinib has emerged as a cost-effective alternative, and the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of overall survival and progression-free survival. Despite these advances, late-stage diagnosis and limited healthcare accessibility pose significant challenges, often relegating patients to palliative care. Addressing HCC in India demands an integrative approach that not only encompasses advancements in systemic therapy but also targets early detection and comprehensive care models. Future strategies should focus on enhancing awareness, screening for high-risk populations, and overcoming infrastructural disparities. Ensuring the judicious use of systemic therapies within the constraints of the Indian healthcare economy is crucial. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of systemic therapeutic options and their optimal utilization will be pivotal in elevating the standard of HCC care in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Jahagirdar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Kaanthi Rama
- Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Secunderabad, India
| | | | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Padaki N. Rao
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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Chuma M, Uojima H, Toyoda H, Hiraoka A, Arase Y, Atsukawa M, Itokawa N, Okubo T, Tada T, Numata K, Morimoto M, Sugimori M, Nozaki A, Iwasaki S, Yasuda S, Koshiyama Y, Mishima Y, Tsuruya K, Tokoro C, Miura Y, Hidaka H, Kumada T, Kusano C, Kagawa T, Maeda S. Clinical significance of circulating biomarkers of immune-checkpoint molecules with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10680-8. [PMID: 38963640 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to identify clinically significant biomarkers of a response to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ + BV) therapy and to develop target strategies against unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC). METHOD We first investigated the potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to serve as a biomarker for predicting the therapeutic outcome in 24 u-HCC patients treated with ATZ + BV therapy. Next, we analyzed levels of immune-related cytokines in blood samples from 134 u-HCC patients who received ATZ + BV. For this, serum immune-related molecules or cancer-immune cycle-related molecules that have been reported in HCC patient sera, namely CD274, LAG-3, CCL2, 4, 5, CXCL1, 9, 10, 12, 13, CX3CL1, CCR5, IFNγ and IL-6, 8 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS More than 1% of variant read frequency (VRF) mutations were found in TP53, APC, PIK3CA and VHL, although with no correlation with treatment response. Among the 15 cytokines evaluated, CXCL9 and LAG-3 levels were significantly different between patients with objective response (OR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) following ATZ + BV treatment. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses of CXCL9 (cut-off value: 419.1 pg/ml) and LAG-3 (cut-off value: 3736.3 pg/ml) indicated areas of 0.779 and 0.697, respectively, for differentiating PD from non-PD and OR from non-OR. In multivariate analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), high serum CXCL9 (hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.412 (0.251-0.677) (p = 0.0005) for PFS and 0.252 (0.125-0.508) (p = 0.0001) for OS), and low serum LAG-3 (HR and 95% CI 0.419 (0.249-0.705) (p = 0.0011) for PFS and 0.294 (0.140-0.617) (p = 0.0012) for OS) were independent positive predictive factors. CONCLUSION Although, as far as we examined, no ctDNA mutations in blood were found to be related to ATZ + BV treatment efficacy, serum CXCL9 and LAG-3 levels, which are related to the cancer-immune cycle, were associated with treatment efficacy and could be predictive markers of the efficacy of ATZ + BV treatment in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Chuma
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Haruki Uojima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Yoshitake Arase
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Itokawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Okubo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Himeji Red Cross Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Kazushi Numata
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Manabu Morimoto
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Medical Oncology, Kanagawa Cancer Center Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugimori
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akito Nozaki
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Iwasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Yuichi Koshiyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mishima
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kota Tsuruya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Chikako Tokoro
- Division of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi-Nanbu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuki Miura
- Gastroenterology Division, Hadano Red Cross Hospital, Hadano, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hidaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
- Faculty of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Chika Kusano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Tatehiro Kagawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Shin Maeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
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Shi Y, Taherifard E, Saeed A, Saeed A. MASLD-Related HCC: A Comprehensive Review of the Trends, Pathophysiology, Tumor Microenvironment, Surveillance, and Treatment Options. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5965-5983. [PMID: 38921027 PMCID: PMC11202630 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant burden on global healthcare systems due to its considerable incidence and mortality rates. Recent trends indicate an increase in the worldwide incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and a shift in the etiology of HCC, with MASLD replacing the hepatitis B virus as the primary contributor to new cases of HCC. MASLD-related HCC exhibits distinct characteristics compared to viral HCC, including unique immune cell profiles resulting in an overall more immunosuppressive or exhausted tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, MASLD-related HCC is frequently identified in older age groups and among individuals with cardiometabolic comorbidities. Additionally, a greater percentage of MASLD-related HCC cases occur in noncirrhotic patients compared to those with viral etiologies, hindering early detection. However, the current clinical practice guidelines lack specific recommendations for the screening of HCC in MASLD patients. The evolving landscape of HCC management offers a spectrum of therapeutic options, ranging from surgical interventions and locoregional therapies to systemic treatments, for patients across various stages of the disease. Despite ongoing debates, the current evidence does not support differences in optimal treatment modalities based on etiology. In this study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on the trends, characteristics, clinical implications, and treatment modalities for MASLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Shi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (Y.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Erfan Taherifard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (Y.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Ali Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA;
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (Y.S.); (E.T.)
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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Ruli TM, Pollack ED, Lodh A, Evers CD, Price CA, Shoreibah M. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Their Hepatic-Related Side Effects: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2042. [PMID: 38893164 PMCID: PMC11171072 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent type of liver cancer. The prognosis of patients with advanced, unresectable HCC has historically been poor. However, with the emergence of immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), there is reason for optimism. Nevertheless, ICIs do not come without risk, especially when administered in patients with HCC, given their potential underlying poor hepatic reserve. Given their novelty in the management of HCC, there are few studies to date specifically investigating ICI-related side effects on the liver in patients with underlying HCC. This review will serve as a guide for clinicians on ICIs' role in the management of HCC and their potential side effect profile. There will be a discussion on ICI-related hepatotoxicity, the potential for hepatitis B and C reactivation with ICI use, the potential for the development of autoimmune hepatitis with ICI use, and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with ICI use. As ICIs become more commonplace as a treatment option in patients with advanced HCC, it is imperative that clinicians not only understand the mechanism of action of such agents but also understand and are able to identify hepatic-related side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Ruli
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Ethan D. Pollack
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Atul Lodh
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Charles D. Evers
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Christopher A. Price
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Mohamed Shoreibah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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Arima S, Kanda T, Totsuka M, Honda M, Kanezawa S, Sasaki-Tanaka R, Matsumoto N, Masuzaki R, Yamagami H, Ogawa M, Kogure H. Elderly patient with unresectable advanced‑stage hepatocellular carcinoma who received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and achieved a complete response: A case report. MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2024; 4:23. [PMID: 38595809 PMCID: PMC11002835 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2024.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis, particularly in patients with advanced-stage disease, elderly individuals and/or in those with poor liver function. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-containing therapies, such as atezolizumab, an anti-programmed death ligand-1 monoclonal antibody, plus bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody, may be effective and safe therapeutic options for elderly patients with advanced-stage HCC. The present study reports the case of a male patient his 80s who consumed alcohol with unresectable advanced-stage HCC who received combination therapy comprising atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for 6 months. The patient achieved a complete response despite the discontinuation of treatment due to nephrotoxicity. It is critical for patients with HCC and a Child-Pugh A grade to continue therapy for HCC, even if they are older. The development of more effective therapies is required for patients with advanced-stage HCC with a worse liver function than those with a Child-Pugh A grade. The case described in the present study demonstrates the need for obtaining further evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for elderly patients with advanced-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Arima
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Mai Totsuka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Masayuki Honda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Shini Kanezawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Reina Sasaki-Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Naoki Matsumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Ryota Masuzaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Yamagami
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kogure
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 137-8610, Japan
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Zhang R, Wang F, You Z, Deng D, He J, Yan W, Quan J, Wang J, Yan S. Approved immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: a large-scale meta-analysis and systematic review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:82. [PMID: 38319412 PMCID: PMC10847200 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
A meta-analysis was performed to assess the benefits and safety profile of approved immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Eligible studies were searched from Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed databases based on a well-established strategy. Following the exclusion of ineligible studies, 12 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with control group, immune checkpoint inhibitors were associated with improved ORR (OR 3.03, 95% CI 2.26-4.05, P < 0.00001), SD (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.95, P = 0.02), OS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.83, P < 0.00001), and PFS (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.87, P < 0.0003). However, no significant differences were observed in DCR (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.97-1.81, P = 0.07), PD (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67-1.21, P = 0.48), and all caused any-grade adverse events (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.62-2.39, P = 0. 57), all caused ≥ grade 3 adverse events (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.97-1.25, P = 0.14), treatment-related any-grade adverse events (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.55-2.32, P = 0.73), and treatment-related ≥ grade 3 events (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.34-1.97, P = 0.65) between the two groups. After subgroup analysis conducted, patients in the immune checkpoint inhibitor group compared with targeted drug group showed significant improvements in OS (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.84, P < 0.00001) and PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61-0.91, P = 0.004). Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated peculiar benefits in the treatment of HCC with an acceptable safety profile. Compared to targeted drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors still offer advantages in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there is still considerable room for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550001, China
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Zhiyu You
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Dongyang Deng
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Jiangyan He
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Wentao Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Jian Quan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Anshun Hospital of Guizhou Aviation Industry Group, Guizhou, 561099, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic, Kunming Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Shujuan Yan
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Tianhe District, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China.
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Ruff SM, Pawlik TM. Emerging therapies targeting growth factors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:255-262. [PMID: 38591252 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2340714] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that commonly arises in the background of chronic liver inflammation and/or cirrhosis. Chronic liver inflammation results in the production of different growth factors, remodeling of the microenvironment architecture into fibrosis, and eventually carcinogenesis. Overexpression of some growth factors has been associated with worse prognosis in patients with HCC. Targeted therapies against growth factors may disrupt cell signaling and the mechanisms that allow for cell survival (e.g. angiogenesis, proliferation, metastases). AREAS COVERED We herein review potential growth factor targets of HCC and the limited research that exists regarding targeted therapy of these ligands and their receptors. We performed an extensive literature search to investigate preclinical studies, clinical research, and clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Systemic therapy for patients with HCC is continuing to evolve. Anti-angiogenic therapy holds the most promise among targeted therapy for growth factors among patients with HCC. Improving our understanding of growth factors in HCC will hopefully lead to the development of new targeted therapies and strategies for combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ruff
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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