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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
[Treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma]
1Semmelweis Egyetem, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar Radiológiai és Onkoterápiás Klinika Budapest Ulloi út 78/A 1082. dank@radi.sote.hu
Insights
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a global health concern, with rising incidence linked to viral infections and aflatoxin exposure. Novel targeted therapies like Sorafenib offer new hope for advanced HCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Primary hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a leading global malignancy, with incidence varying by region and etiology.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are primary drivers of HCC in Asia, Africa, and Western countries, respectively.
- Climate change-induced aflatoxin contamination poses a future risk for HCC, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) epidemiology, etiology, and treatment.
- To highlight the challenges in managing advanced HCC and the need for effective surveillance.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies, including targeted agents and their impact on patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data on HCC incidence and risk factors.
- Analysis of etiological factors including viral infections (HBV, HCV) and environmental toxins (aflatoxins).
- Evaluation of current and novel treatment modalities for advanced HCC, focusing on systemic therapies and targeted agents.
Main Results:
- HCC incidence is increasing globally, influenced by migration patterns and viral hepatitis prevalence.
- Aflatoxin exposure represents a significant, yet potentially manageable, risk factor for HCC development.
- Systemic chemotherapy has shown limited efficacy, while targeted therapies like Sorafenib demonstrate survival benefits in advanced stages.
Conclusions:
- Early detection and surveillance of high-risk populations are crucial for improving HCC outcomes.
- Minimizing exposure to etiological factors, such as aflatoxins, is essential for future public health strategies.
- Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular cancer, with ongoing clinical trials exploring further options.
Abstract:
Primary hepatocellular cancer is the fifth most common solid tumor worldwide. Its incidence is the highest in the Third World, however, a risen incidence has been observed recently also in developed countries, due to increasing migration. In Asia and Africa the main etiological factor for HCC is chronic HBV infection, whereas in the Western world HCV etiology predominates. Additional increase in HCC incidence is expected as a consequence of climate change, since risk of aflatoxin contamination in agricultural products increases with hot and dry growing conditions. Aflatoxins are the most potent hepatocarcinogens in nature; therefore minimization of aflatoxin exposition will be a main task of food security in the future. The majority of HCC patients are diagnosed in advanced stages, and treatment possibilities are limited for this patient population. Follow-up of risk populations by means of tumor surveillance is therefore essential. Experience with systemic chemotherapy has been disappointing with low response rates and high toxicity. Recently, novel treatment options have emerged, including the use of specific targeted agents, blockers of signaling pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Sorafenib, an oral multikinase-inhibitor is the first systemic agent to demonstrate survival benefit in advanced hepatocellular cancer. Several new, promising therapeutic options are being tested in clinical trials.
