Adaptive immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma: prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world and has a poor prognosis. Host immunity can either protect or promote tumor growth by the predominance and activation of certain subsets of immune cells. It has been established that antigens such as AFP, MAGE, glypican 3 and NY-ESO, which are highly expressed in HCC, are potential targets for T-cell responses. Several studies have come to the conclusion that cytotoxic T-cell infiltration of the tumors is indicative of a better survival, whereas the predominance of suppressor cells is associated with a worse outcome and lower survival rates. Finally, certain therapeutic strategies, including radiofrequency ablation and chemoembolization, can enhance the release and exposure of tumor antigens, which might help to overcome the immune tolerance towards the tumor. Therefore, such immune-stimulating therapeutic interventions in combination with immunotherapy strategies represent a promising future approach for HCC treatment.
Fatourou
Evangelia M
EM
2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vas. Sophias Ave., 115 27 Athens, Greece. v_fatourou@hotmail.com
Koskinas
John S
JS
D000818:Animals; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007109:Immunity; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm