MedWorm: Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and response to interferon therapy in HCV‐infected patients: effect of factors associated with the therapeutic response and incidence of HCC

Liver International — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Liver International)

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The association between Toll-like receptor 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility

BMC Cancer — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggested that TLR2 rs3804099 C/T and rs3804100 C/T polymorphisms were closely associated with HCC. In addition, the haplotypes composed of these two TLR2 synonymous SNPs have stronger effects on the susceptibility of HCC. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Cytotoxic Triterpenoid Saponins from Ardisia gigantifolia

Planta Medica — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Planta MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1298254AbstractThree new triterpenoid saponins, 1–3, together with two known saponins, 4 and 5, were isolated from the rhizome of Ardisia gigantifolia. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies. Saponins 1, 2, 4, and 5 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines, namely, Hela human cervical carcinoma cells, EJ human bladder tumor cells, HepG-2 human hepatoma cells, and BCG human gastric carcinoma cells with IC50 values in the range of 1.9–4.8 µM.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Planta Medica)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a patient with malignant insulinoma manifesting following surgery

Diabetic Medicine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although this is a rare condition, clinicians should bear in mind that insulinomas may exist together with diabetes mellitus, and it is important to have this suspicion when considering the perioperative approach and for the prevention of morbidities.© 2012 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2012 Diabetes UK (Source: Diabetic Medicine)

Proteomics-related biomarkers for HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and future prospects

Future Virology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:51:15 +0100

Future Virology , February 2012, Vol. 7, No. 2, Pages 161-171. (Source: Future Virology)

Three New Phenolic Glucosides from the Roots of Rheum palmatum.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:06:02 +0100

Authors: Wang ZW, Wang JS, Luo J, Wei DD, Kong LY Abstract A novel naphthalene glucoside, rheumone A (1), with an unprecedented skeleton containing a seven-membered lactone, and two new compounds, 1-O-phloroglucinyl-2-O-galloyl-6-O-cinnamoyl-β-D-glucoside (2) and chrysophanol 1-O-β-D-(6'-O-malonyl)glucoside (3), together with three known compounds (4-6) were isolated from the roots of Rheum palmatum. Their structures were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic analysis. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxicities towards human hepatocellular cancer cell lines Bel-7402 and Bel-7402/5Fu, and human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC-823. None of them showed cytotoxicity with IC(50) far beyond 50 μM. PMID: 22293484 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chemical and Phar...

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Drug‐related adverse events may predict efficacy in sorafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Diarrhea predicts a positive response to sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Fibroblast growth factor 19 expression correlates with tumor progression and poorer prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

BMC Cancer — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: FGF19 is critically involved in the development of HCCs. Targeting FGF19 inhibition is an attractive potential therapeutic strategy for HCC. (Source: BMC Cancer)

MS/MS library facilitated MRM quantification of native peptides prepared by denaturing ultrafiltration

BioMed Central — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Naturally occurring native peptides provide important information about physiological states of an organism and its changes in disease conditions but protocols and methods for assessing their abundance are not well-developed. In this paper, we describe a simple procedure for the quantification of non-tryptic peptides in body fluids. The workflow includes an enrichment step followed by two-dimensional fractionation of native peptides and MS/MS data management facilitating the design and validation of LC- MRM MS assays. The added value of the workflow is demonstrated in the development of a triplex LC-MRM MS assay used for quantification of peptides potentially associated with the progression of liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma. (Source: BioMed Central)

Efficacy, Safety, and Potential Biomarkers of Thalidomide plus Metronomic Chemotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Karger Publishers — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Oncology 2012;82:59–66 (DOI:10.1159/000336126) (Source: Karger Publishers)

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Reasons to consider earlier treatment of chronic HBV infections

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Introduction Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem, leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver failure. In highly endemic areas and among immigrants from these areas, most cases of chronic hepatitis B are due to HBV infection at birth or during the first year of life. Cirrhosis and HCC may occur at any age, but infections early in life are typically asymptomatic for the first few decades. Sharp rises in the incidence of fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC generally do not appear until after the age of 30, the incidence of HCC showing a sharp rise after the age of 40. Approximately 50% of deaths in HBV carriers may be due to either chronic liver disease or HCC. Cirrhosis is a consequence of hepatocyte death and chronic inflammation in the l...

Chemokine-driven lymphocyte infiltration: an early intratumoural event determining long-term survival in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion A 14 immune-gene signature, which identifies molecular cues driving tumour infiltration by lymphocytes, accurately predicts survival of patients with HCC especially in early disease. (Source: Gut)

Salvage Hepatectomy for Local Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Ablation Therapy

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:38 +0100

Conclusions The short-term and long-term results of salvage hepatectomy after incomplete percutaneous ablation therapy are equivalent to those of primary hepatectomy. Salvage hepatectomy is an acceptable treatment for patients with local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation therapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Hepatobiliary TumorsPages 1-8DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2220-yAuthors Hiroyuki Sugo, Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanYoichi Ishizaki, Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanJiro Yoshimoto, Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanHiroshi Imamura, Departm...

Interleukin-1β enhances the production of soluble MICA in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:58:29 +0100

In this study, we investigated the immunoregulatory role of IL-1β in the production of soluble MICA of HCC cells. First, we investigated the correlation between the serum IL-1β levels and soluble MICA in CH patients. Serum IL-1β levels were associated with soluble MICA levels in CH patients. The serum IL-1β levels of CH patients with the HCC occurrence were significantly higher than those of CH patients without HCC. We next examined the MICA production of IL-1β-treated HCC cells. Addition of IL-1β resulted in significant increase in the production of soluble MICA in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells, human HCC cells. But soluble MICA was not detected in both non-treated and IL-1β-treated normal hepatocytes. Addition of IL-1β did not increase the expressions of membrane-bound MICA on ...

Interactions between CYP1A1 polymorphisms and cigarette smoking are associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: evidence from epidemiological studies.

Molecular Biology Reports — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the associations of polymorphisms in CYP1A1 gene with HCC risk. Published literature from PubMed, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang Data were retrieved. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using fixed- or random-effects model. Eight studies (1,752 cases and 2,279 controls) for Ile-Val polymorphism and eight studies (933 cases and 1,449 controls) for MspI polymorphism were identified. The results showed that there was no statistically significant association between the Ile-Val polymorphism and HCC risk under all genetic models (co-dominant model: Val/Val vs. Ile/Ile: OR = 1.62, 95% CI 0.96-2.72 and Ile/Val vs. Ile/Ile: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.87-1.52; dominant model: OR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.92-1.70; recessive ...

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Human anti-EGFL7 recombinant full-length antibodies selected from a mammalian cell-based antibody display library.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We describe here the isolation of an EGFL7-specific antibody from a mammalian cell-based full-length antibody display library generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Using a novel vector, contained glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor and restriction enzyme sites NheI and ClaI, antibody libraries are displayed as whole IgG molecules on the cell surface and screened for specific antigen binding by a combination of magnetic beads and measured by cell ELISA. Anti-EGFL7 antibody was successfully isolated from the library. The mammalian cell-based full-length antibody display library is a great potential application for rapid identification and cloning of human mAbs of targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. PMID: 22297616 [PubMed - as supplie...

Diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis is suppressed in lecithin:retinol acyltransferase-deficient mice primarily through retinoid actions immediately after carcinogen administration

Carcinogenesis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Loss of retinoid-containing lipid droplets upon hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is one of the first events in the development of liver disease leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. Although retinoid stores are progressively lost from HSCs during the development of hepatic disease, how this affects hepatocarcinogenesis is unclear. To investigate this, we used diethylnitrosamine (DEN) to induce hepatic tumorigenesis in matched wild-type (WT) and lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) knockout (KO) mice, which lack stored retinoid and HSC lipid droplets. Male 15-day-old WT or Lrat KO mice were given intraperitoneal injections of DEN (25 mg/kg body wt). Eight months later, Lrat KO mice showed significantly less liver tumor development compared with WT mice, characterized by less liver t...

Aberrant cyclin A expression and centrosome overduplication induced by hepatitis B virus Pre-S2 mutants and its implication in hepatocarcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we confirmed that cyclin A was detected in the cytoplasm in the majority of HBV-related HCC tissues. In vitro, the pre-S2 mutant-initiated ER stress could induce cytoplasmic cyclin A mediated via cleavage by the calcium-dependent protease μ-calpain, resulting in an N-terminal truncated product which was preferentially located in the cytoplasm. The aberrant cyclin A expression subsequently induced centrosome overduplication, and this effect was abolished by calpain-specific inhibitors or RNA interference targeting to cyclin A. Overall, our data indicate that HBV pre-S2 mutant may elicit aberrant cyclin A expression and centrosome overduplication through ER stress induction and thereby represent a potential mechanism for the chromosome instability in HBV hepatocarcinogenesi...

Epigenetic inactivation of the canonical wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Neoplasma — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether restoration of sFRP1 affected HCC metastatic behavior. sFRP1 mRNA expression and promoter methylation in HCC tissues and cell lines were examined using RT-PCR and methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR), respectively. sFRP1 protein expression was assessed by Western Blot. We generated stable HCC cell line restoration of sFRP1 in HepG2 cells, which naturally do not express detectable sFRP1 mRNA. The effects of exogenous sFRP1 on HepG2 cell invasion were investigated using trans-well assay. Also the effects of sFRP1 re-expression on the β-catenin/T-cell factor-dependent transcription activity was measured by luciferase assay.sFRP1 promoter methylation was frequently observed in HCC tissues (60%) and cell lines (75%). All samples with sFRP1 methylat...

RNA interference-mediated silencing of Stat5 induces apoptosis and growth suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Neoplasma — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we used human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC7721 as a model to demonstrate that Stat5 was highly expressed in these cells. Next we showed that RNAi mediated Stat5 knockdown could inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of SMMC7721 cells in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Stat5 knockdown inhibited the growth and induced the apoptosis of SMMC7721 cells in xenografts in nude mice. Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo data suggest that Stat5 plays an important role in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Inhibition of Stat5 by RNAi holds promise to be a novel gene therapy vector for hepatocellular carcinoma. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma; SMMC7721; RNA interference; Stat5; apoptosis. PMID: 22296499 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Sou...

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Silencing thioredoxin induces liver cancer cell senescence under hypoxia

Hepatology Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: High TXN levels in MHCC97H cells protect them from DNA damage and cellular senescence under hypoxia. Targeting TXN might enhance the chemotherapeutic effects of some DNA‐damaging agents against hepatocellular carcinoma. (Source: Hepatology Research)

Potential Antioxidant Role of Tridham in Managing Oxidative Stress against Aflatoxin-B1-Induced Experimental Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Research Letters in Nanotechnology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:48:01 +0100

This study highlights the potent antioxidant properties of TD which contribute to its therapeutic effect in AFB1-induced HCC in rats. (Source: Research Letters in Nanotechnology)

Brain metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical features and prognostic factors

BMC Cancer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BM from HCC is rare and associated with an extremely poor prognosis. However, patients with a low RPA class may benefit from aggressive treatment. The clinical implication of extracranial metastases in HCC patients with BM needs further assessment. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Outcome of hepatectomy in super‐elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatology Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Hepatectomy for HCC was a feasible option even in super elderly patients aged 80 years or older with accurate selection. (Source: Hepatology Research)

Activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase in non‐cancerous liver tissue predicts a high risk of recurrence after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatology Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: JNK activity in non‐cancerous liver tissue is considered as a reliable predictive biomarker for post‐operative recurrence in HCC. (Source: Hepatology Research)

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Immigrant patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis have a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. To explore the impact of the differences in baseline characteristics between immigrants with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and native‐born patients on the prognosis of advanced fibrosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 318 patients (including 128 immigrants) with CHC and advanced fibrosis attending a tertiary referral clinic. Patients’ medical records were reviewed to collect data describing immigrant status, baseline characteristics, and liver‐related clinical outcomes. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analyses and Cox proportional‐hazards regression analyses were performed to explore the differences between the two groups with respect to clinical outcomes. Relative to native‐born patients, immigrant patients were older, more likely to be female, and more likely to be A...

Arginase‐1: A novel immunohistochemical marker of hepatocellular differentiation in fine needle aspiration cytology

Cancer Cytopathology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION:This study demonstrates that both arginase‐1 and HepPar‐1 are effective IHC markers of hepatocellular differentiation. Furthermore, arginase‐1 demonstrates superior sensitivity compared with GPC‐3 and HepPar‐1 in the diagnosis of HCC, whereas GPC‐3 demonstrates superior specificity, as staining is not observed in benign hepatocellular lesions. Hence, use of arginase‐1 with HepPar‐1 and GPC‐3 can aid in the diagnosis of HCC and separating from metastatic carcinoma. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer Cytopathology)

Zonation related function and ubiquitination regulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in dynamic vs. static culture conditions

BMC Genomics - Latest articles — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Pathways analysis, using gene and protein expression data from two cell culture models, confirmed specific human HCC phenotypes with regard to CYPs and kinases, and revealed a zonation-related pattern of expression. Ubiquitin-mediated regulation mechanism gives plausible explanations of our findings. Altogether, our results suggest that strategies aimed at inhibiting activated kinases and signaling pathways may lead to enhanced metabolism-mediated drug resistance of treated tumors. If that were the case, mitigating inhibition or targeting inactive forms of kinases would be an alternative. (Source: BMC Genomics - Latest articles)

Factors linked to longterm survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by tumour thrombus in the major portal vein after surgical resection

HPB: official journal of the International Hepato Pancreat Biliary Association — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although surgical outcomes in patients with HCC accompanied by MPVTT are unsatisfactory, some patients do enjoy longterm survival. When the number of recurrent nodules is less than four, local therapy should be selected with the aim of achieving 5‐year survival. (Source: HPB: official journal of the International Hepato Pancreat Biliary Association)

[Risk reduction of hepatocellular carcinoma by metformin - time for a change of paradigm?].

Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gundling F, Schepp W PMID: 22298104 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie)

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Interventional radiology in oncology: clinical management of patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization for hepatic malignancies.

Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Perez-Rojas E Abstract Interventional radiology procedures treat a variety of solid tumor malignancies. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed under fluoroscopic guidance that is used in treatment of hepatic malignancies because of hepatocellular carcinoma or malignancy that has metastasized to the liver. Patients undergoing a TACE procedure may manifest postembolization symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which may persist after discharge. Patients need to be educated on the importance of compliance with prescribed medications, clinical symptoms to be expected, and signs of potential complications that need to be reported. PMID: 22297011 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nu...

Comparison of ER/PR and HER2 statuses in primary and paired liver metastatic sites of breast carcinoma in patients with or without treatment

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:10:50 +0100

Conclusions ER/PR and HER2 statuses between primary and liver metastatic lesions of breast carcinoma can be modified after treatment but are stable in most cases during the natural metastatic process. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00432-012-1150-1Authors Jieqiong Liu, Department of Breast Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaHeran Deng, Department of Breast Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaWeijuan Jia, Department of Breast Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaYunjie Zeng, Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital,...

HCC: current surgical treatment concepts

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:04:17 +0100

Conclusions The improvement of survival in HCC patients after surgical treatment results from refinements in surgical technique and better identification of adverse prognostic factors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-15DOI 10.1007/s00423-012-0911-2Authors F. Cauchy, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France, University Denis Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, FranceD. Fuks, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France, University Denis Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, FranceJ. Belghiti, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France, University Denis Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France Journal Langenbeck's Archives of SurgeryOnline ISSN 1435-2451Print ISSN 1435-2443 (Source:...

Severe toxicity caused by sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma match the data from renal cell carcinoma

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: A Lamarca, J Feliu & J Barriuso (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

Cross-talk between TGF{beta}1 and EGFR signaling pathways induces TM4SF5 expression and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

BJ Gene — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in fibrosis and cancer, and regulated by different signaling pathways mediated through soluble factors, actin reorganization, and transcription factor actions. Because tetraspan(in) transmembrane 4 L6 family member 5 (TM4SF5) is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and induces EMT, understanding how TM4SF5 expression in hepatocytes is regulated is important. We explored the mechanisms that induce TM4SF5 expression and whether impaired signaling pathways for TM4SF5 expression inhibit acquisition of mesenchymal cell features, using human and mouse normal hepatocytes. We found that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)-mediated Smad activation caused TM4SF5 expression and EMT, and activation of the epidermal growth fac...

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Disruption of phospholipid and bile acid homeostasis in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Hepatology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:29:32 +0100

Conclusion: Phospholipid and bile acid metabolism is disrupted in NASH, likely due to enhanced hepatic inflammatory signaling. Serum LPC and bile acids may be biomarkers of NASH. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Evaluation of Liver Function After Proton Beam Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:33:54 +0100

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that liver function after PBT is significantly related to the percentage volume of normal liver that is not irradiated. This suggests that further study of the relationship between liver function and PBT is required. (Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics)

Current Role of Ultrasound in Chronic Liver Disease: Surveillance, Diagnosis and Management of Hepatic Neoplasms

Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:32:35 +0100

Ultrasound (US) has been used to evaluate liver disease for many decades. Despite certain inherent limitations in evaluating chronic liver disease on routine gray-scale US, it is still widely used for the initial evaluation in patients suspected of liver disease as well as for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening in patients with known cirrhosis. Due to recent advances in digital technology and US imaging software, various new computer protocols have been incorporated in the new US equipment. This in turn has resulted in a great improvement in image quality and image resolution. Consequently, the increased ability of US to better characterize the liver texture in general has enabled the sonographers to identify subtle changes in the liver texture and delineate smaller masses in the liv...

The role of imaging techniques in clinical decision making for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Polymorphisms in the potential functional regions of the TGF‐β 1 and TGF‐β receptor genes and disease susceptibility in HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Molecular Carcinogenesis — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease of multiple etiologies caused by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic defects. Current evidence indicates that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway has a significant impact on different cellular process. Members of the TGF‐β superfamily (TGF‐β1, the type I TGF‐β receptor [TβRI], type II TGF‐β receptor [TβRII], and type III TGF‐β receptor]) play an important role in tumorigenesis. Numerous studies show that genetic polymorphisms in TGF‐β superfamily genes are associated with HCC in East Asian populations. We studied 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genes (TGF‐β1, TβRI, TβRII, and TβRIII) to examine their associations with hepatocarcinogenesis. A total of 1228 Chin...

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Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

International Journal of Cancer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'‐DDT), an organochlorine pesticide known to have deleterious health effects in humans, has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rodents. A recent study has reported that p,p'‐DDT and its most persistent metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'‐DDE), may also be associated with HCC in humans. To examine whether there is an association between p,p'‐DDT and/or p,p'‐DDE in a population at high‐risk of developing HCC.A nested case‐control study was conducted within the 83,794 person Haimen City Cohort in China. Sera and questionnaire data were collected from all participants between 1992 and 1993. The current study included 473 persons who developed HCC and 492 who did not, frequency matched on sex, age and area of...

Hepatitis C virus to hepatocellular carcinoma

Infectious Agents and Cancer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis C virus causes acute and chronic hepatitis and can lead to permanent liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a significant number of patients via oxidative stress, insulin resistance (IR), fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and HCV induced steatosis. HCV induced steatosis and oxidative stress causes steato-hepatitis and these pathways lead to liver injury or HCC in chronic HCV infection. Steatosis and oxidative stress crosstalk play an important role in liver damage in HCV infection. This Review illustrates viral and host factors which induce Oxidative stress, steatosis and leads toward HCC. It also expresses Molecular cascade which leads oxidative stress and steatosis to HCC. (Source: Infectious Agents and Cancer)

Use of combined maximum and minimum intensity projections to determine internal target volume in 4-dimensional CT scans for hepatic malignancies.

Radiation Oncology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The tool of ITV2M is recommended as a reliable method for generating ITVs from 4D CT data sets in liver cancer. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

Value of 18F-FDG PET for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Value of 18F-FDG PET for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Can a PET scan help clinicians determine the effectiveness of certain drugs in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma? Liver International (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Researchers Discover New Therapeutic Target To Combat Liver Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at CIC Biogune, the Cooperative Centre for Research into Biosciences and led by Dr. Maria Luz Martinez Chantar, have found a strong relationship between high levels of Hu antigen R (HuR) protein and the malignancy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, through a novel molecular process in the investigation of this pathology and known as neddylation. The project provides new opportunities for making advances in the quest for personalised therapeutic applications in the treatment for Hepatocarcinoma... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Hepatocellular carcinoma screening practices and impact on survival among hepatitis B‐infected Asian Americans

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. Asians Americans have a high burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC screening practices in this population are unknown. We aimed to investigate predictors and patterns of HCC screening and its impact on survival in HBV‐infected Asian Americans. Clinical data were obtained from a retrospective cohort of 1870 HBsAg‐positive Asians in San Francisco’s safety net clinics. In 824 patients at‐risk for HCC, screening (≥1 imaging and/or AFP per year) decreased from 67% to 47% to 24% from the 1st to 2nd to 10th year after HBV diagnosis, respectively. AFP, imaging, and imaging plus AFP were used in 37%, 14%, and 49% during the first year after diagnosis, and imaging plus AFP increased to 64% by the 10th year. Among 1431 patients followed...

Monitoring Cyp2b10 mRNA expression at cessation of 2-year carcinogenesis bioassay in mouse liver provides evidence for a carcinogenic mechanism devoid of human relevance: The dalcetrapib experience.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DISCUSSION: These data from hepatic Cyp2b10 monitoring are strongly suggestive of CAR activation by dalcetrapib, a mechanism devoid of relevance towards hepatocarcinogenesis in humans; results show feasibility of Cyp2b10 as a surrogate marker for this mechanism at cessation of a carcinogenesis bioassay. PMID: 22293087 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology)

A polymorphism within ErbB4 is associated with risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese population.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: rs6147150 may be associated with HCC risk, in part through let-7c-mediated regulation, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of HCC in Chinese populations. PMID: 22294845 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Adenovirus-expressed preS2 antibody inhibits hepatitis B virus infection and hepatic carcinogenesis.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Adenovirus-mediated HBV preS2Ab expression could inhibit HBV infection in L02 cells, and then inhibit DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis and protect hepatic function in HBV transgenic mice. PMID: 22294841 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

α-fetoprotein, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 and early recurrence of hepatoma.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The evaluation of BM-AFP and BM-VEGFR-1 mRNA in patients with HCC may be a valuable predictor of disease recurrence following curative resection. PMID: 22294840 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

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Efficient human fetal liver cell isolation protocol based on vascular perfusion for liver cell–based therapy and case report on cell transplantation

Liver Transplantation — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:45:24 +0100

In conclusion, this human FL cell isolation protocol may be of interest for further clinical translation work on the development of liver cell–based therapies. Liver Transpl 18:226–237, 2012. © 2011 AASLD. (Source: Liver Transplantation)

Sequential biphasic changes in claudin1 and claudin4 expression are correlated to colorectal cancer progression and liver metastasis

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:50:34 +0100

In conclusion, sequential biphasic changes in claudin1 and claudin4 expression occur during the homing of rat CC531 CRC cells to the liver. This modulation is reflected by significant changes in claudin expression in human primary and metastatic CRC. (Source: Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine)

Re: Indeterminate 1‐2 cm nodules found on hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: Biopsy for all, some, or none?

Hepatology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:43 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Confirmation, Treatment, and Survival in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registries, 1992‐2008

Hepatology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:21 +0100

Conclusion: HCC survival is improving, because more cases are diagnosed and treated at early stages. Additional progress may be possible with continued use of clinical surveillance to follow individuals at risk for HCC, enabling early intervention. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;) (Source: Hepatology)

Can we direct organ allocation based on predicted outcome? Hepatocellular carcinoma outside of UCSF criteria or retransplant?

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:51:56 +0100

Conclusion These two very different but high risk patient populations have very different survival rates. At a time where regulatory agencies demand more and more with regards to transplant outcomes, we think the transplant community has to reflect on whether allocation justice and fair access to transplant are respected if we start allocating organs based on outcomes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00423-012-0910-3Authors Caroline Rochon, Transplant Center of Excellence, Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USAPatricia Sheiner, Transplant Center of Excellence, Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USABasant Mahadevappa, Transplant Center of Excellence, Westchester Medic...

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Global analysis of DNA methylation in early-stage liver fibrosis

BMC Medical Genomics — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study suggests that hypomethylation is crucial for the onset of and in the progression of liver fibrosis to HCC. The elucidation of this change in methylation status from the onset of fibrosis and subsequent progression to HCC may lead to a new clinical diagnosis. (Source: BMC Medical Genomics)

LSF Induces MMP-9 [Gene Regulation]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The transcription factor late SV40 factor (LSF) is overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) fostering a highly aggressive and metastatic phenotype. Angiogenesis is an essential component of cancer aggression and metastasis and HCC is a highly aggressive and angiogenic cancer. In the present studies, we analyzed the molecular mechanism of LSF-induced angiogenesis in HCC. Employing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) differentiation assay and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay we document that stable LSF overexpression augments and stable dominant negative inhibition of LSF (LSFdn) abrogates angiogenesis by human HCC cells. A quest for LSF-regulated factors contributing to angiogenesis, by chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip (ChIP-on-chip) assay, identifie...

Antitumor effects of hyaluronic acid inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone in an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model in mice

Glycobiology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our results suggest a role for 4-MU as an anticancer agent for HCC associated with advanced fibrosis. (Source: Glycobiology)

The promoting effect of adiponectin in hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Diurnal expression of Thrombopoietin is regulated by Clock.

Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings establish that Clock regulates Thpo and Mpl expression in vivo and demonstrate an important link between the body’s circadian timing mechanisms and megakaryopoiesis. (Source: Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis)

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Phosphorus liver MRSI at 3 T using a novel dual‐tuned eight‐channel 31P/1H coil

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractAlthough phosphorus‐31 (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy holds potential as noninvasive tool to monitor treatment response of liver malignancies, the lack of appropriate coils has so far restricted its use to liver lesions close to the surface. A novel eight‐channel phased‐array dual‐tuned 31P/1H coil that can assess 31P metabolism in deeper liver tissue as well is presented in this article. Analysis of its performance demonstrates that this coil can provide good sensitivity across a width of 20 cm, thereby enabling magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) scans that can fully cover axial views of the abdomen in lean subjects. In vivo results and reproducibility of 31P MRSI at 3 T of axial slices covering the full depth of the liver are shown in healthy volunteer...

The expression and effects the CABYR-c transcript of CABYR gene in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Bulletin du Cancer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. CABYR-c is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and may play an oncogenic role in heptocarcinogenesis as well as its progression. PMID: 22285430 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bulletin du Cancer)

Adrenocortical Carcinoma with Intracaval Extension to the Right Atrium: Resection on Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:57:08 +0100

Discussion Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignancy presenting frequently in advanced stage with poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is often only moderately effective, while complete surgical resection is potentially curative. In this patient, excellent short-term outcome was achieved through radical surgical resection. We continue to monitor her closely for evidence of recurrence. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Endocrine TumorsPages 1-1DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2203-4Authors Ryan Z. Swan, Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USAErin M. Hanna, Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USADavid Sindram, Division of Hepatobiliary Sur...

Clinical features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) found in 110 nephrectomized Japanese, of which 24 (22%) RCC cases showed 31 double or triple cancers

Comparative Clinical Pathology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:44:01 +0100

Abstract The causes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were investigated in 115 nephrectomized Japanese. Among them, 110 nephrectomized Japanese had RCC as follows: 86 clear cell RCC, 8 papillary RCC, 8 chromophobe RCC, 7 dialytic–multicystic RCC, and 1 liposarcoma, while 5 nephrectomized Japanese had benign renal tumors of oncocytoma (1), angiomyolipoma (2), and hemangioma (2). In the eight chromophobe RCC, three cases that resulted in death involved medullary RCC showing extensive oncogenic features. Double or triple cancers were found in 17 clear cell RCC, 5 papillary RCC, 1 chromophobe RCC, and 1 dialytic–multicystic RCC. Among 31 non-RCC found in 24 RCC cases, 23(74%) non-RCC were removed prenephrectomy. Prenephrectomy adenocarcinoma and postnephrectomy squamous cell c...

New therapeutic target to combat liver cancer discovered

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Elhuyar Fundazioa) Researchers at CIC Biogune, the Cooperative Centre for Research into Biosciences and led by Dr. Maria Luz Martinez Chantar, have found a strong relationship between high levels of Hu antigen R protein and the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma, through a novel molecular process in the investigation of this pathology and known as neddylation. The project provides new opportunities for making advances in the quest for personalized therapeutic applications in the treatment for hepatocarcinoma. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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MicroRNA‐122 suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by directly targeting Wnt/β‐catenin pathway

Liver International — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsMiR‐122 expression is down‐regulated in human HCC. Over‐expression of miR‐122 inhibits HCC cell growth and promotes the cell apoptosis by affecting Wnt/β‐catenin‐TCF signalling pathway. (Source: Liver International)

Considerations in the significance of Dickkopf‐1 levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver International — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Liver International)

Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sequential Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization and RF Ablation versus RF Ablation Alone: A Prospective Randomized Trial [Vascular and Interventional Radiology]

Radiology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The efficacy of sequential TACE-RF ablation is better than that of RF ablation alone for recurrent HCC. © RSNA, 2011 (Source: Radiology)

Which Response Criteria Best Help Predict Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Chemoembolization? A Validation Study of Old and New Models [Vascular and Interventional Radiology]

Radiology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The enhancement models more accurately helped predict long-term survival in HCC patients treated with chemoembolization. © RSNA, 2011 (Source: Radiology)

Polymorphism of the TLR4 Gene Reduces the Risk of Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Oncology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The TLR4 rs2148356 T allele is associated with a reduced risk of HCC and could slow down its clinical progression in HCV-induced chronic liver disease. PMID: 22286521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Oncology)

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Anatomical liver segmentectomy 2 for combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma with tumor thrombus in segment 2 portal branch

World Journal of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The separation method of the hepatic arteries, portal veins, and bile duct is safe and feasible for a liver cancer patient with portal vein tumor thrombus. Modified selective hepatic vascular exclusion was useful to control bleeding during liver transection. Anatomical liver segmentectomy 2 using these procedures should be considered for a patient with a liver tumor located at segment 2 arising from a damaged liver. (Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology)

Perioperative dynamic alterations in peripheral regulatory T and B cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Translational Medicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Frequencies of peripheral Tregs and Bregs in HCC patients increased after surgery. These results suggest that a postoperative combination of therapies against Tregs and Bregs may be beneficial for better outcome of HCC patients after resection. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

No Impact of Perioperative Blood Transfusion on Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatectomy

World Journal of Surgery — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:55:28 +0100

Conclusions Perioperative blood transfusion did not influence the overall and disease-free survival rate in the HCC patients studied. Perioperative blood transfusion may not be considered a poor prognostic factor for patients with HCC. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00268-012-1425-3Authors Shintaro Kuroda, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Hiroshima, 734-8551 JapanHirotaka Tashiro, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Hiroshima, 734-8551 JapanTsuyoshi Kobayashi, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Hiroshima, 734-8551 JapanAkihiko Oshita, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hiroshima U...

Assessment of arterial hypervascularity of hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison of contrast-enhanced US and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MR imaging

European Radiology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:52:02 +0100

Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasound yields a significantly higher AUC value than gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MR imaging in the assessment of arterial hypervascularity of HCC and DN. Key Points • Arterial hypervascularity is an important feature determining treatment options in hepatocellular carcinoma. • It can be assessed by contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasound or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. • CE ultrasound was more accurate than Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI in assessing intratumoral vascularity. • Hypovascular hepatic nodules should be further investigated using CE ultrasound. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory GastrointestinalPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00330-011-2372-3Authors Katsutoshi Sugimoto, Department of Gastroen...

A case of adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD)-like manifestations abruptly developing during confirmation of a diagnosis of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma

Modern Rheumatology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:51:41 +0100

Abstract A 68-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital suffering from abrupt onset of high fever accompanied by arthralgia, myalgia, sore throat, macular eruption, and liver dysfunction. Six months before the onset of these manifestations, 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) had detected, unexpectedly, three calcified thyroid lesions without 18F-FDG uptake. Two months before the onset of the present manifestations, ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration had led to a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Soon after the occurrence of the rheumatic manifestations, a subsequent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan showed not only the three thyroid lesions, the same as those in the previous scan, but also 18F-FDG upt...

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A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Preoperative Whole-Liver Chemolipiodolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:48:47 +0100

Conclusion These results indicate that preoperative selective TACE and whole-liver chemolipiodolization plus TACE do not reduce the incidence of postoperative recurrence or prolong survival in patients with resectable HCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s10620-012-2029-3Authors Masaki Kaibori, Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, 2-3-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191 JapanNoboru Tanigawa, Department of Radiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191 JapanShuji Kariya, Department of Radiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191 JapanHiroki Ikeda, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191 JapanYoshitsugu Nakahashi, Dep...

Photodynamic therapy–generated cancer vaccine elicits acute phase and hormonal response in treated mice

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:48:05 +0100

Abstract Photodynamic therapy (PDT)–generated cancer vaccines have shown promising results in preclinical studies and are being introduced in the clinics. Using an SCCVII mouse squamous cell carcinoma-based whole-cell autologous PDT vaccine model developed in our previous work, we have examined systemic effects in vaccinated mice that could be related to the induction of acute phase response. The upregulation of gene encoding serum amyloid P component (prototypic mouse acute phase reactant) was detected in the liver and to a lesser degree in the tumor of vaccinated mice at 24 h post-PDT vaccine treatment. A strong upregulation of gene for heat shock protein 70 was found in both the liver and tumor of mice at 4 h after their PDT vaccine treatment. Changes in the...

Permissiveness of human hepatoma cell lines for HCV infection

Virology Journal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We conclude that the restrictions observed later during HCV infection in these cell lines could in part be attributed to HCV-induced innate signaling. Nevertheless, the identification of two new cell lines capable of supporting authentic HCVcc infection, even at reduced levels, expands the current repertoire of cell lines amendable for the study of HCV in vitro and should aid in further elucidating HCV biology and the cellular determinants that modulate HCV infection. (Source: Virology Journal)

Cytochrome-c mediated a bystander response dependent on inducible nitric oxide synthase in irradiated hepatoma cells

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: M He, S Ye, R Ren, C Dong, Y Xie, D Yuan & C Shao (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

[Diagnostic Procedures and Results in Surgical Therapy for Cholangiocarcinoma.]

Zentralblatt fur Chirurgie — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Comparable to other malignant gastrointestinal tumours, radical surgery represents the most important prognostic factor in cholangiocarcinomas; for hilar tumours, a survival advantage is seen after extended resections (trisectionectomy or liver transplantation) if compared to more limited resections. At the time of presentation, however, the stage of disease was incurable in most patients, thus accounting for the low overall resection rates. PMID: 22274918 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Zentralblatt fur Chirurgie)

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Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Overexpression Is Closely Related to Invasiveness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: TGF-β(1) was overexpressed in invasive types of HCC and it may be involved in the rapid progression of HCC. PMID: 22269311 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Oncology)

Improved Time to Progression for Transarterial Chemoembolization Compared With Transarterial Embolization for Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Clinical Colorectal Cancer — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The addition of chemotherapy to TAE prolongs PFS and TTP. Future efforts should focus on adjunctive therapies after the embolization to increase survival. PMID: 22280845 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Colorectal Cancer)

Pre-existing type-2 diabetes is not an adverse prognostic factor in patients with renal cell carcinoma: A single-center retrospective study.

Urologic Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: In our experience, the prevalence of DM in RCC patients is close to 10%. Such a condition does not determine any significant influence on prognosis of RCC. PMID: 22281433 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Urologic Oncology)

Cyclin G1‐mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via PI3‐K/Akt signaling facilitates liver cancer progression

Hepatology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Cyclin G1 plays a pivotal role in HCC metastasis and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

AKT/mTOR activation induces a module of metabolic changes contributing to growth in insulin‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present results indicate that activation of the AKT/mTOR cascade by unconstrained insulin signaling induces a defined module of metabolic alterations in hepatocytes contributing to aberrant cell growth. Thus, inhibition of AKT/mTOR and related metabolic changes might represent a novel preventive and therapeutic approach to effectively inhibit insulin‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

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A model for dropout assessment of candidates with or without hepatocellular carcinoma on a common liver transplant waiting list

Hepatology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:The proposed model, with the allocation of deMELD, has the potential to allow for a dynamic and combined comparison of opportunities to receive a graft for HCC and non‐HCC patients on a common waiting list. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

A novel lectin from agrocybe aegerita shows high binding selectivity for terminal n-acetylglucosamine

BJ Cell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A novel lectin was isolated from the mushroom Agrocybe aegerita (designated AAL-2) by affinity chromatography with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) coupled Sepharose 6B after (NH4)2SO4 precipitation. The AAL-2 coding sequence (1224 bp) was identified by performing a homologous search of the five tryptic peptides identified by mass spectrometry against the translated transcriptome of A. aegerita. The molecular weight of AAL-2 was calculated to be 43.175 kDa from mass spectrometry (MS), which was consistent with the data calculated from the amino acid sequence. To analyze the sugar binding properties of AAL-2, a glycan array composed of 465 glycan candidates was employed and the result showed that AAL-2 bound with high selectivity to terminal, nonreducing GlcNAc residues, and further analysis re...

Increasing disparity in waitlist mortality rates with increased MELD scores for candidates with versus without hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver Transplantation — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractCandidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within Milan criteria receive standardized Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) exception points due to the projected risk of tumor expansion beyond Milan criteria, meant to be equivalent to a 15% risk of 90‐day mortality from listing, with additional points every 3 months, equivalent to a 10% increased mortality risk. We analyzed the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 1/1/05‐5/31/09 to compare 90‐day waitlist outcomes of HCC vs. non‐HCC candidates with similar MELD scores. 259 (4.2%) HCC candidates initially listed with 22 MELD exception points were removed for death or clinical deterioration within 90 days of listing vs. 283 (11.0%) non‐HCC candidates with initial laboratory MELD scores of 21‐23. 93 (4.6...

Multicenter results of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for non-resectable primary liver tumors.

Acta Oncologica — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Higher rates of FFLP were achieved by SBRT in the treatment of primary liver malignancies with low toxicity. PMID: 22263926 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Oncologica)

Synthesis, Anticancer Activity and Radiosensitizing Evaluation of Some New 2-Pyridone Derivatives.

Arzneimittel-Forschung — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: El-Said MS, El-Gazzar MG, Al-Dosari MS, Ghorab MM Abstract Based on the reported anticancer activity of 2-pyridone, a new series of 6-amino-5-cyano-1-(3-ethylphenyl)-2-oxo-4-substituted-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbo-nitriles 4a-p were synthesized and tested for in-vitro anticancer activity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell line and liver human tumor cell line (HEPG2). Radiosensitizing activity was also evaluated. The starting material 2-cyano-N-(3-ethylphenyl)-acetamide 3 was obtained via reaction of 3-ethyl aniline 1 with ethyl cyanoacetate under condition of fusion. Upon treatment of compound 3 with aromatic aldehyde and malononitrile in the presence of catalytic amount of piperidine yielded the corresponding 1,2-dihydropyridine derivative 4a-p. Also chromenes 5...

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Radiofrequency ablation combined with systemic chemotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma liver metastases improves response to treatment and survival outcomes

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsRFA combined with chemotherapy is a promising treatment for NPC metastatic liver disease with improved local response, PFS, and OS compared to current chemotherapy protocols. J. Surg. Oncol © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Surgical Oncology)

Cabozantinib found to treat patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Drug Development Technology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Exelixis's cabozantinib has demonstrated positive effects in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cohort patients during the ongoing Phase 2 randomized discontinuation trial (RDT). (Source: Drug Development Technology)

Multi-pathway network analysis of mammalian epithelial cell responses in inflammatory environments.

Biochemical Society Transactions — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:28:54 +0100

Authors: Clarke DC, Lauffenburger DA Abstract Inflammation is a key physiological response to infection and injury and, although usually beneficial, it can also be damaging to the host. The liver is a prototypical example in this regard because inflammation helps to resolve liver injury, but it also underlies the aetiology of pathologies such as fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cells sense their environment, including the inflammatory environment, through the activities of receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways. These pathways are organized in a complex interconnected network, and it is becoming increasingly recognized that cellular adaptations result from the quantitative integration of multi-pathway network activities, rather than isolated pathways causing par...

Histone H4 histidine phosphorylation: kinases, phosphatases, liver regeneration and cancer.

Biochemical Society Transactions — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:24:21 +0100

Authors: Besant PG, Attwood PV Abstract Phosphorylation of histone H4 on one or both of its two histidine residues has been known to occur in liver cells for nearly 40 years and has been associated with proliferation of hepatocytes during regeneration of the liver following mechanical damage. More recently, large increases in histone H4 histidine kinase activity have been found to occur associated with proliferation and differentiation of liver progenitor cells following chemical damage that prevents hepatocyte proliferation. In addition, it has been shown this histone H4 histidine kinase activity is elevated nearly 100-fold in human foetal liver and several hundredfold in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue compared with normal adult liver. In the present paper, we review what is cur...

Late‐Evening Snack with Branched‐Chain Amino Acids Improves Liver Function after Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatology Research — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:48:04 +0100

Conclusions: LES with BCAA supplementation significantly and rapidly improves liver functioning and CPS in LC patients who have undergone RFA for HCC. Control of blood‐sugar levels is necessary when calorie‐containing BCAA is administered to LC patients with impaired glucose tolerance. (Source: Hepatology Research)

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Advanced Concept of Anatomic Resection of the Liver: Preservation of Subsegment during Right Paramedian Sectoriectomy

Journal of the American College of Surgeons — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:57:33 +0100

A 78-year-old male was referred with a hepatic tumor. He has a history of segment 8 ventral area resection, his liver function was normal, and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes was 10.1%. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen level was elevated (7.4 ng/mL) and both α-fetoprotein level and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin level were within normal range. The tumor size was found to be 8 cm in diameter and, under CT, was also found to contain much fat. The tumor was locatedin the right paramedian sector (RPMS), and was found attached to several portal branches of RPMS, except for one perfusing the dorsal part of segment 5 (). Volumetric analysis showed the volume of the RPMS to be 335 cm3 (27.9% of the total liver volume), and that of the dorsal part of segment 5 to be 46 cm3 (3.5%). Needle ...

Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinomas in Watershed Segments: Utility of C-Arm Computed Tomography for Treatment Planning

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:07:51 +0100

We describe the impact C-arm CT can have on determining a dual blood supply in watershed region tumors and, more importantly, its ability to portray incomplete treatment at the time of the procedure itself. An exemption from obtaining informed consent was provided by the institutional review board for this retrospective report. All data were handled in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. (Source: Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR)

In hepatocellular carcinoma miR‐519d is upregulated by p53 and DNA hypomethylation and targets CDKN1A/p21, PTEN, AKT3 and TIMP2

The Journal of Pathology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:02:18 +0100

In conclusion, we assess the oncogenic role of miR‐519d in HCC by characterizing its biological functions including the modulation of response to anticancer treatments and by identifying CDKN1A/p21, PTEN, AKT3 and TIMP2 among its targets. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: The Journal of Pathology)

Boron delivery with liposomes for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT): biodistribution studies in an experimental model of oral cancer demonstrating therapeutic potential.

Radiation and Environmental Biophysics — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Heber EM, Kueffer PJ, Lee MW, Hawthorne MF, Garabalino MA, Molinari AJ, Nigg DW, Bauer W, Hughes AM, Pozzi EC, Trivillin VA, Schwint AE Abstract Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) combines selective accumulation of (10)B carriers in tumor tissue with subsequent neutron irradiation. We previously demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of BNCT in the hamster cheek pouch oral cancer model. Optimization of BNCT depends largely on improving boron targeting to tumor cells. Seeking to maximize the potential of BNCT for the treatment for head and neck cancer, the aim of the present study was to perform boron biodistribution studies in the oral cancer model employing two different liposome formulations that were previously tested for a different pathology, i.e., in experimental ma...

Carcinogenicity of ortho-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride in rats and mice by two-year drinking water treatment.

Archives of Toxicology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Matsumoto M, Suzuki M, Kano H, Aiso S, Yamazaki K, Fukushima S Abstract The carcinogenicity of ortho-phenylenediamine (o-PD) was examined by administrating o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (o-PD2HCl) in dinking water to groups of 50 F344/DuCrj rats and 50 Crj:BDF(1) mice of both sexes for 2 years. The drinking water concentration of o-PD2HCl was 0, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 ppm (wt/wt) for male rats; 0, 250, 500 or 1,000 ppm for female rats; 0, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 ppm for male mice; and 0, 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 ppm for female mice. Two-year administration of o-PD2HCl produced a dose-dependent increase in the incidences of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas in rats of both sexes and in female mice, and hepatocellular adenomas in male mice. In mice, the incidences of he...

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Hepatitis C virus induced insulin resistance impairs response to anti viral therapy.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: El-Zayadi AR, Anis M Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important risk factor for insulin resistance (IR). The latter is the pathogenic foundation underlying metabolic syndrome, steatosis and cirrhosis, and possibly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors ultimately leads to the development of IR. Obesity is considered a major risk factor, with dysregulation of levels of secreted adipokines from distended adipose tissue playing a major role in IR. HCV-induced IR may be due to the HCV core protein inducing proteasomal degradation of insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2, blocking intracellular insulin signaling. The latter is mediated by increased levels of both tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and suppresso...

Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic: Detection of early hepatocellular carcinoma by enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:47:51 +0100

(Source: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Early on‐treatment predictions of clinical outcomes using alpha‐fetoprotein and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin responses in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:47:18 +0100

Conclusions: Early on‐treatment AFP response was predictive of OS in treatment‐naïve patients with advanced HCC receiving HAIC and CCRT as an initial treatment modality. Furthermore, DCP response was useful for predicting PFS in patients with CCRT. (Source: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Different signal intensity at Gd‐EOB‐DTPA compared with Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI in hepatocellular carcinoma transgenic mouse model in delayed phase hepatobiliary imaging

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Gd‐EOB‐DTPA is superior to Gd‐DTPA for detecting HCC in contrast agent‐enhanced MRI in the c‐myc/TGFα transgenic mouse model and there was no difference between the hyperintense or hypointense appearance of HCC. Either way, HCCs can easily be distinguished from liver parenchyma in mice. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

The effects of hepatitis B virus integration into the genomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients [RESEARCH]

Genome Research — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV integration into the host genome has been reported but its scale, impact and contribution to HCC development is not clear. Here, we sequenced the tumor and non-tumor genomes (>80X coverage) and transcriptomes of four HCC patients and identified 255 HBV integration sites. Increased sequencing to 240X coverage revealed a proportionally higher number of integration sites. Clonal expansion of HBV-integrated hepatocytes was found specifically in tumor samples. We observe a diverse collection of genomic perturbations near viral integration sites, including direct gene disruption, viral promoter-driven human transcription, viral-human transcript fusion and DNA copy number alteration. Thus, we rep...

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2-Amino-3-Methylimidazo[4,5-f]Quinoline (IQ) Promotes Mouse Hepatocarcinogenesis by Activating Transforming Growth Factor-{beta} and Wnt/{beta}-Catenin Signaling Pathways

Toxicological Sciences — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The purposes of the present study were to investigate the modifying effects of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), a genotoxic carcinogen produced during cooking of protein-rich foods, and elucidate underlying mechanisms in a two-stage hepatocarcinogenesis mice model. Six-week-old B6C3F1 mice were subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy at the beginning of the study, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine on day 1. Starting 1 week later, they were fed diets containing IQ at doses of 30, 100, or 300 ppm for 39 weeks. A dose-dependent trend for increase in eosinophilic altered foci as well as eosinophilic hepatocellular adenomas was observed, along with significant elevation in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in the 100- and 300-ppm IQ groups ...

{alpha}-TTP Function in Chloroquine Toxicity [Lipids]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We reported previously that CQ treatment caused α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP), a gene product of familial vitamin E deficiency, to change its location from the cytosol to the surface of acidic organelles. Here we show that α-TTP plays a novel role in protecting against CQ toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. In the presence of CQ, rat hepatoma McARH7777 cells, which do not express α-TTP endogenously, showed more severe cytotoxicity, such as larger vacuolation of acidic organelles and caspase activation, than α-TTP transfectant cells. Similarly, α-TTP knockout mice showed more severe CQ toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity and retinopathy, than wild-type mice. These effects were not ameliorated by vitamin E supplementation. In contrast to bafilomycin A1 treatment, which prevents CQ...

Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Oncology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cheng AL, Shen YC, Zhu AX Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary type of liver cancer, and both the age-adjusted incidence and mortality of HCC have steadily increased in recent years. Advanced HCC is associated with a very poor survival rate. Despite accumulating data regarding the risk factors for HCC, the mechanisms that contribute to HCC tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. Signaling through the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family is involved in fibrosis and its progression to cirrhosis of the liver, which is a risk factor for the development of HCC. Furthermore, several alterations in FGF/FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling correlate with the outcomes of HCC patients, suggesting that signaling through this family of proteins contributes to the developme...

AKR1B10 Expression and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A StudyAKR1B10 Expression and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Study

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Are certain biomarkers more reliable than others at revealing the extent of disease in hepatocellular carcinoma? Liver International (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Foxa1 and Foxa2 Are Essential for Sexual Dimorphism in Liver Cancer

Cell — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Zhaoyu Li, Geetu Tuteja, Jonathan Schug, Klaus H. Kaestner. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sexually dimorphic in both rodents and humans, with significantly higher incidence in males, an effect that is dependent on sex hormones. The molecular mechanisms.... (Source: Cell)

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Survivin-mediated Therapeutic Efficacy of Gemcitabine through Glucose-regulated Protein 78 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:35 +0100

Conclusions We conclude that survivin knockdown may contribute to a therapeutic effect of gemcitabine through GRP78 on HCC cells. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Translational Research and BiomarkersPages 1-9DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2188-zAuthors Chin-Sheng Hung, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, TaiwanShen-Fu Lin, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, TaiwanHui-Hsiung Liu, Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, TaiwanLi-Jen Kuo, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, TaiwanLi-Tzu Li, Imaging Core Facilities, Institute of Cellular and Organism...

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease: a case–control study

Cancer Causes and Control — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:58:24 +0100

Abstract The majority of data on risk factors (RFs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comes from studies involving populations without underlying liver disease. It is important to evaluate RFs for HCC in patients with chronic liver disease since HCC rarely occurs in those without underlying liver disease. We conducted a hospital-based case–control study of 259 incident HCC cases and 781 controls by convenience sampling between 02/2001 and 12/2009 from the liver clinic at Stanford University Medical Center. The study population was 41% White, 14% Hispanic, 3% African American, 40% Asian American, and 2% other race/ethnicity. RFs were examined through medical records and an in-person questionnaire. Alcohol and tobacco use was calculated by cumulative grams of alcohol or c...

An overview of evidence-based management of hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: RFA should be the first-line treatment in patients with a single small HCC tumor ≤ 3 cm. Careful patient selection is crucial prior to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), as the procedure may be associated with an increased risk of liver failure. Tamoxifen has no role to play in the treatment of HCC. Sorafenib should be the first-line treatment in patients with advanced and inoperable HCC. The role of Sorafenib in the management of early stage HCC remains to be determined. (Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics)

Hepatic haemangiomas: possible association with IL-17

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Based on these findings, we propose that IL-17 may mediate the angiogenesis in a IL-6-Stat3-dependent manner and play an important role in the pathophysiology of hepatic haemangioma. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation Using Internally Cooled Wet Electrodes for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

American Journal of Roentgenology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Percutaneous RFA using internally cooled wet electrodes is safe and provides successful local tumor control in patients with HCC. The safety and effectiveness of RFA using internally cooled wet electrodes are comparable to those reported in the literature using conventional RFA electrodes and are similar for nonsubcapsular and subcapsular tumors. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)

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Informed consent in surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis

Hepatology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Serum and glucocorticoid kinase 3 at 8q13.1 promotes cell proliferation and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, we examined the potential role of the candidate amplified oncogene SGK3 at 8q13.1 in HCC pathogenesis. We found amplification and overexpression of SGK3 was frequently detected in clinical HCC specimens and that SGK3 genomic activation was significantly associated with poor outcome of patients (P=0.028). Functionally, we found that overexpression of SGK3 in HCC cells increased cell cycle progression through G1, cell survival, clonogenicity, anchorage‐independent growth, and tumor formation in nude mice. In contrast, RNAi silencing of SGK3 inhibited its oncogenic effects. We provide evidences that SGK3 promotes HCC growth and survival through inactivating GSK3‐β and BAD respectively. We also find that expression of SGK3, which like AKT is activated by PI3K/PDK1 signalin...

Paediatric malignant liver tumours.

Bulletin du Cancer — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Brugières L, Branchereau S, Laithier V Abstract Tumours and pseudotumours of the liver are a heterogeneous group of neoplasm including 60% of malignant tumours. Malignant liver tumours account for less than 2% of the lesions in children and vary considerably in incidence throughout the paediatric age range, with hepatoblastoma, rhabdoid tumour of the liver, hemangioendothelioma, biliary tract rhabdomysosarcoma and mesenchymal hamartoma in the first two years of life and hepatocellular carcinoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and undifferentiated sarcoma in older children and adolescents. Treatment of malignant epithelial tumours is based on the surgical resection of the tumour associated with pre- and postoperative chemotherapy including cisplatinum. Modalities of the treatm...

The significance of portal vein embolization in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.

Neoplasma — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:30:02 +0100

The significance of portal vein embolization in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Neoplasma. 2012;59(2):175-82 Authors: Zboril P, Vyslouzil K, Klementa I, Skalicky P, Vomackova K, Cerna M, Cwiertka K Abstract The first aim of the present paper was to evaluate hypertrophy of liver parenchyma after portal vein embolization in patients after systemic chemotherapy for colorectal carcinoma metastases and planned extensive liver resections. The second aim was to study whether hypertrophy of the liver parenchyma remnant after could influence the postoperative course large liver resections in long-term chemotherapy within complex therapy of colorectal carcinoma.The prospective study comprised of 43 patients with colorectal hepatic metastases in whom liver resections of ...

Diagnostic performance of Des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) for Hepatocellular carcinoma: A Bivariate Meta-analysis.

Neoplasma — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:30:02 +0100

In conclusion, the major role of DCP is the moderate confirmation of HCC. More prospective studies of DCP are needed in future. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, pooled analysis, sandwich ELISA, diagnostic test. PMID: 22248272 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neoplasma)

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Effects of pantoprazole as a HIF-1α inhibitor on human gastric adenocarcinoma sgc-7901 cells.

Neoplasma — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:30:02 +0100

In conclusion, the major role of DCP is the moderate confirmation of HCC. More prospective studies of DCP are needed in future. Keywords: gastric cancer, proton pump inhibitors, HIF-1α PMID: 22248271 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neoplasma)

Oncogenic {beta}-catenin triggers an inflammatory response that determines the aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:38:56 +0100

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its pathogenesis is frequently linked to liver inflammation. Gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin are frequent genetic modifications found in human HCCs. Thus, we investigated whether inflammation was a component of β-catenin–induced tumorigenesis using genetically modified mouse models that recapitulated the stages of initiation and progression of this tumoral process. Oncogenic β-catenin signaling was found to induce an inflammatory program in hepatocytes that involved direct transcriptional control by β-catenin and activation of the NF-κB pathway. This led to a specific inflammatory response, the intensity of which determined t...

Hepatoblastoma: recent developments in research and treatment

Seminars in Pediatric Surgery — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:36:29 +0100

Hepatoblastoma is the most common liver tumor of early childhood. According to recent studies its incidence seems to be increasing in North America and Europe. Since new histological variants have been described recently the formerly clear-cut distinction of hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma may not be valid anymore and a new histological classification will be inaugurated by an international working group. Recent research identified prognostically relevant gene signatures as well as potential molecular targets for therapy of hepatoblastoma. The multicentric study groups in the USA, Europe and Japan recommend cisplatin based chemotherapy for neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment. However, their risk stratification systems and general treatment strategies differ substantially. Theref...

Treatment of Colorectal Peritoneal Carcinomatosis With Systemic Chemotherapy: A Pooled Analysis of North Central Cancer Treatment Group Phase III Trials N9741 and N9841 [Gastrointestinal Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion pcCRC is associated with a significantly shorter OS and PFS as compared with other manifestations of mCRC. Future trials for mCRC should consider stratifying on the basis of pcCRC status. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Effect of interferon therapy on first and second recurrence after resection of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatology Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that on first HCC recurrence, a curative treatment should be considered in order to prevent a second recurrence if possible. In addition, IFN therapy contributes to improved prognosis after curative treatment, even in patients with recurrent HCC. (Source: Hepatology Research)

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Outcome and survival analysis of pulmonary metastasectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma [THORACIC]

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary metastasectomy for HCC in selected patients resulted in relatively good outcomes with regard to OS. History of recurrence and serum DCP levels were shown to be candidates of prognostic factors for OS. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)

A 40-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the constitutive promoter of MDM2 confers risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population.

Gene — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dong D, Gao X, Zhu Z, Yu Q, Bian S, Gao Y Abstract The pathogenesis of HCC is a multistage process with the involvement of genetic factors. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible association between a 40-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism (indel) at constitutive promoter of MDM2 and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Chinese population. Using 420 HCC patients and 423 control subjects, we genotyped the indel polymorphism (rs3730485) using polymerase chain reaction method. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the polymorphism and HCC susceptibility. Under co-dominant model, we found that the ins/del and del/del genotype of indel was associated with a significantly increased risk of HCC compared with its homozygote ins/...

Hepatocellular and Cholangiolar Carcinoma-Derived Cell Lines Reveal Distinct Sets of Chromosomal Imbalances

Pathobiology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Pathobiology 2012;79:115–126 (DOI:10.1159/000334100) (Source: Pathobiology)

Danazol: Hepatocellular carcinoma in an elderly patient: case report

Reactions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:18 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Hepatitis B vaccine induces apoptotic death in Hepa1–6 cells

Apoptosis — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:10:56 +0100

We report that hepatitis B vaccine exposure resulted in significant upregulation of the key genes encoding caspase 7, caspase 9, Inhibitor caspase-activated DNase (ICAD), Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK-1), and Apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). Upregulation of cleaved caspase 3,7 were detected by western blot in addition to Apaf-1 and caspase 9 expressions argues that cell death takes place via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in which release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria triggers the assembly of a caspase activation complex. We conclude that exposure of Hepa1–6 cells to a low dose of adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine leads to loss of mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis induction, and cell death, apoptosis effect was observed also in ...

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Liver transplantation in septuagenarians receiving meld exception points for hepatocellular carcinoma: The national experience

Liver Transplantation — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:While patients ≥ 70 comprise a small fraction of the transplants performed in the U.S., patients in this cohort transplanted for HCC are an even smaller subset. Overall, transplantation in this age group yields outcomes inferior to younger cohorts. However, unlike the <70 population receiving MELD exception points, overall liver transplant survival is not impacted by HCC at advanced age. © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (Source: Liver Transplantation)

Golgi protein 73 versus alpha-fetoprotein as a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma: a diagnostic meta- analysis

BMC Cancer — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The current evidence indicates that serum GP73 has a comparable accuracy to AFP for the diagnosis of HCC, while the value of serum GP73 in combination with AFP for HCC detection deserves further investigation. (Source: BMC Cancer)

New Gastroprotective Labdeneamides from (4S,9R,10R) Methyl 18-carboxy-labda-8,13(E)-diene-15-oate

Planta Medica — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Planta MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280453AbstractStarting from the diterpene (4S,9R,10R) methyl 18-carboxy-labda-8,13(E)-dien-15-oate (PMD) and its 8(9)-en isomer [PMD 8(9)-en], 11 amides were prepared and assessed for a gastroprotective effect in the ethanol/HCl-induced gastric lesions model in mice. Basal cytotoxicity of the compounds was determined on the following human cell lines: normal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5), gastric epithelial adenocarcinoma (AGS), and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2). All compounds are described for the first time. At the single oral dose of 0.1 mg/kg, compounds 1, 10, and 11 presented a strong gastroprotective effect, at least comparable with that of the reference compound lansoprazole at 1 mg/kg, reducing gastric lesions by 76.7, 67.7, and 77.2 %, respectiv...

Oncological Efficiency Analysis of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Primary and Metastatic Cancer: A Single-Center UK Experience [Original Article]

Archives of Surgery — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Our data support the safety and oncological efficiency of laparoscopic resection for liver malignant neoplasms. Adequate patient selection and extensive experience in hepatic and laparoscopic surgery are essential prerequisites to optimize outcomes. (Source: Archives of Surgery)

Hepatitis B infection: current concepts and future challenges

QJM — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global health problem affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. Chronic carriage of HBV is related to the age when the infection occurs; the younger the age the higher the chronicity rate. Knowledge of the natural history of CHB is important for the management of the disease. The goal of hepatitis B treatment is to prevent cirrhosis, liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. In clinical practice, treatment response is determined by the suppression of serum HBV DNA levels. However, current antiviral therapies are usually unable to achieve sustained off-treatment responses and eradicate the infection. Impairment of immune responses including defective innate non-cytolytic antiviral function together with exhausted T cells and the tolerogenic li...

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Chronic dietary toxicity and carcinogenicity study with potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate in Sprague Dawley rats.

Toxicology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Butenhoff JL, Chang SC, Olsen GW, Thomford PJ Abstract To investigate toxicity and neoplastic potential from chronic exposure to PFOS, a two-year toxicity and cancer bioassay was conducted with potassium PFOS (K(+)PFOS) in male and female Sprague Dawley rats via dietary exposure at nominal K(+)PFOS concentrations of 0, 0.5, 2, 5, and 20μg/g (ppm) diet for up to 104 weeks. Additional groups were fed 20ppm for the first 52 weeks, after which they were fed control diet through study termination (20ppm Recovery groups). Scheduled interim sacrifices occurred on Weeks 4, 14, and 53, with terminal sacrifice between Weeks 103 and 106. K(+)PFOS appeared to be well-tolerated, with some reductions in body weight occurring in treated rats relative to controls over certain study perio...

Proteomic analysis of human hepatoma cells expressing methionine adenosyltransferase I/III Characterization of DDX3X as a target of S-adenosylmethionine.

Journal of Proteomics — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schröder PC, Fernández-Irigoyen J, Bigaud E, Serna A, Hernández R, Lu SC, Mato JM, Prieto J, Corrales FJ Abstract Methionine adenosyltransferase I/III (MATI/III) synthesizes S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in quiescent hepatocytes. Its activity is compromised in most liver diseases including liver cancer. Since SAM is a driver of hepatocytes fate we have studied the effect of re-expressing MAT1A in hepatoma Huh7 cells using proteomics. MAT1A expression leads to SAM levels close to those found in quiescent hepatocytes and induced apoptosis. Normalization of intracellular SAM induced alteration of 128 proteins identified by 2D-DIGE and gel-free methods, accounting for deregulation of central cellular functions including apoptosis, cell proliferation and survival. Human Dead-bo...

ABCB6 is dispensable for erythropoiesis and specifies the new blood group system Langereis

Nature Genetics — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Virginie Helias, Carole Saison, Bryan A Ballif, Thierry Peyrard, Junko Takahashi, Hideo Takahashi, Mitsunobu Tanaka, Jean-Charles Deybach, Hervé Puy, Maude Le Gall, Camille Sureau, Bach-Nga Pham, Pierre-Yves Le Pennec, Yoshihiko Tani, Jean-Pierre Cartron & Lionel Arnaud The human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB6 has been described as a mitochondrial porphyrin transporter essential for heme biosynthesis, but it is also suspected to contribute to anticancer drug resistance, as do other ABC transporters located at the plasma membrane. We identified ABCB6 as the genetic basis of the Lan blood group antigen expressed on red blood cells but also at the plasma membrane of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and we established that ABCB6 encodes a new blood group sy...

Dual behavior HCV Core gene in regulation of apoptosis is important in progression of HCC.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jahan S, Ashfaq UA, Khaliq S Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis which can lead to HCC (Hepatocelluar carcinoma) via oxidative stress, steatosis, insulin resistance, fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. Apoptosis is essential for the control and eradication of viral infections. In acute HCV infection, enhanced hepatocyte apoptosis is significant for elimination of viral pathogen. In case of chronic HCV, down regulation of apoptosis and enhanced cell proliferation not only causes HCV infection persistency in the majority of patients. However, the impact of apoptosis in chronic HCV infection is not well understood. It may be harmful by triggering liver fibrosis, or essential in interferon (IFN) induced HCV elimination. Regulation of apoptosis in hepa...

A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Marker and Hedgehog Pathway Mediator, Glypican-3, Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Viability: A Novel Outcome of Hepatic Tumor-Stroma Interactions

Journal of Surgical Research — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:29:57 +0100

Conclusions: For the first time, we show that HCC-HSC interactions lead to downregulation of Hh signaling in HSC. in part, this appears to be mediated by HCC's paracrine secretion of GPC3, an HCC biomarker, which inhibits Hh signaling and HSC viability. the underlying reasons for this inhibition remain unclear but may be related to GPC3 regulation of peritumoral angiogenesis. in summary, we expand upon data suggesting a role for tumor-stroma interactions in hepatic carcinogenesis-fibrinogenesis. These findings may have clinical implications, as a trial is underway to investigate the efficacy of anti-GPC3 therapy for HCC. (Source: Journal of Surgical Research)

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Chrysin Activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Reduces Colon Cancer Cell Viability

Journal of Surgical Research — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:29:56 +0100

Conclusions: We have found that treatment of colon and rectal cancer cell lines with Chrysin induces AhR activity, upregulates p21, and decreases cell proliferation in vitro. Interestingly, the AhR seems to have bifunctional activities in that its activation has been implicated in the cause of cancer and in the prevention of cancer. These studies are the first to begin to understand the role of AhR in prevention of colon cancer as well as the pathway by which Chrysin exerts its anti-proliferative effects. (Source: Journal of Surgical Research)

Incidental Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Liver Transplant Recipients is Associated With Fatty Liver Disease and Conveys a Low Risk of Recurrent Malignancy After Transplant

Journal of Surgical Research — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:28:58 +0100

(Source: Journal of Surgical Research)

Overexpression of SCCRO2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Correlates With Increased Neddylation Activity

Journal of Surgical Research — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:28:56 +0100

(Source: Journal of Surgical Research)

High co-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 and Snail is associated with poor prognosis after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Medical Oncology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:54:33 +0100

Abstract VEGFR-1-mediated signaling promotes invasiveness by direct tumor activation in some cancers. However, VEGFR-1 expression and its relationship with clinical features and prognosis in HCC remained unclear. Overexpression of Snail is common in HCC and associated with poorer prognosis. Therefore, expression of VEGFR-1 and Snail was investigated in HCC cell lines and tissue specimens in our study, and special attention was paid to evaluating the role of VEGFR-1 expression in prognosis of HCC. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect expression of VEGFR-1, Snail and MMP-9 in 4 HCC cell lines, respectively. Moreover, expression of these proteins was confirmed on the samples from 95 HCC patients who underwent curative resection using immunohistochemistry. R...

Anti-tumor effects of Astragalus on hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo

Indian Journal of Pharmacology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that Astragalus has significant anti-tumor effect in vivo in inducing apoptosis of H22 tumor cells by promoting protein expression of Bax, decreasing protein expression of Bcl-2 gene, and markedly increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. (Source: Indian Journal of Pharmacology)

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Dose volume histogram analysis of focal liver reaction in follow-up multiphasic CT following stereotactic body radiotherapy for small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: We proposed 30Gy/5 fractions as TD of FLRs following SBRT for patients with HCC and liver cirrhosis. This TD will enable us to predict injured liver volume and to avoid complication beforehand from toxicity. Further pathological and clinical studies, in addition to more practical and precise data of DVH, are needed to clarify the significance of FLRs. PMID: 22248506 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

The long-term outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after living donor liver transplantation: a comparison of right and left lobe grafts

Surgery Today — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:48:54 +0100

Conclusions The long-term outcomes in the HCC patients with LL grafts were similar to those of patients receiving RL grafts, and the outcomes of the donors of LL grafts were more favorable. Therefore, LL grafts should be considered when selecting LDLT for HCC to ensure donor safety. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00595-011-0086-4Authors Akinobu Taketomi, Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanKen Shirabe, Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanTakeo Toshima, Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu Universi...

Identification of small molecule activators of the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway using a cell-based screen.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100

Authors: Tai ZF, Zhang GL, Wang F Abstract Type I interferons (IFN-α/β) have been widely used in the treatment of many viral and malignant diseases by activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, but the side effects of protein-based IFN therapy severely limit their clinical use. Discovering small molecules to activate the JAK/STAT pathway will greatly facilitate the development of new drugs which have similar pharmacological function to IFNs but with fewer side effects. To screen a natural products-based library, we established a cell-based screening assay using human hepatoma HepG2 cells stably transfected with a plasmid where the luciferase reporter activity is driven by interferon α-stimulated response element ...

RNAa-mediated overexpression of WT1 induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells

World Journal of Surgical Oncology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These data show that RNAa-mediated overexpression of WT1 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. (Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology)