Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
06:38

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis

Published on: September 12, 2019

mTOR inhibitors for hepatocellular cancer: a forward-moving target

Gerhard Treiber1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Zollernalb Clinic, Academic Teaching Hospital of Tuebingen University, Balingen, Germany. gt@helico.de

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|February 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

mTOR inhibitors show promise in treating hepatocellular cancer (HCC) by reducing tumor growth and vascularity. Combinations with chemotherapy and findings in liver transplant patients suggest potential for advanced HCC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cell growth and angiogenesis.
  • mTOR pathway activation is observed in 40-50% of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) cases.
  • mTOR inhibitors (mTORIs) demonstrate efficacy in preclinical HCC models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of mTOR inhibitors in hepatocellular cancer treatment.
  • To discuss the efficacy of mTORIs alone and in combination therapies for HCC.
  • To summarize current clinical data and ongoing trials involving mTORIs for advanced HCC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies using hepatoma cell lines and rat HCC models.
  • Analysis of available clinical data, primarily from retrospective studies in liver transplant recipients.
  • Discussion of ongoing prospective clinical trials for advanced HCC treatment.

Main Results:

  • mTORIs effectively reduced cell growth and tumor vascularity in preclinical HCC models.
  • Synergistic effects were noted between mTORIs and chemotherapeutic agents.
  • Retrospective data suggest lower HCC recurrence rates in liver transplant patients treated with sirolimus for immunosuppression compared to calcineurin inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
  • Combination therapies involving mTORIs and other agents warrant further investigation.
  • Ongoing clinical trials are crucial for establishing the role of mTORIs in advanced HCC management.

More Related Videos

Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer06:51

Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer

Published on: July 21, 2018

Transarterial Administration of Oncolytic Viruses for Locoregional Therapy of Orthotopic HCC in Rats08:55

Transarterial Administration of Oncolytic Viruses for Locoregional Therapy of Orthotopic HCC in Rats

Published on: April 15, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...