Novel concepts in hepatocellular carcinoma: from molecular research to clinical practice.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, burdened by a constantly increasing frequency. Therapy is currently restricted to invasive techniques but prognosis and survival are still unsatisfactory, mainly because of HCC recurrence and metastasis diffusion. This review will focus on the problem of tumor recurrence and/or metastasis, pointing out the role of the tissue microenvironment in affecting HCC behavior; new experimental findings will also be discussed in the light of their implications in medical care. Finally, new therapeutic approaches will be considered, paying particular attention to the tissue microenvironment as a potential target. In conclusion, this review will attempt to stimulate debate on translational research into HCC biology, in the field of clinical applications.
Giannelli
Gianluigi
G
Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy. g.gianelli@intmed.uniba.it
Antonaci
Salvatore
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000473:pathology; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D011379:Prognosis; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000502:physiology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D051176:beta Catenin; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib