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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Translating the molecular diversity of hepatocellular carcinoma into clinical practice
Kornelius Schulze1, Jessica Zucman-Rossi2
1Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des Tumeurs solides, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Deciphering genomic diversity could improve clinical care for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, our study group identified 161 putative driver genes and 2 new mutational signatures, and demonstrated that 28% of patients harbor targetable alterations. This could be the first promising step in the development of genome-based clinical trials.
Insights
Genomic diversity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) reveals 161 driver genes and 2 new mutational signatures. This discovery paves the way for targeted therapies and genome-based clinical trials in HCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding the genomic landscape of HCC is crucial for advancing patient care.
- Current treatment strategies can be limited by the heterogeneity of HCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decipher the genomic diversity within hepatocellular carcinoma.
- To identify novel driver genes and mutational signatures in HCC.
- To assess the prevalence of targetable genetic alterations for potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive genomic analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patient samples.
- Identification and characterization of putative driver genes.
- Discovery and analysis of novel mutational signatures.
- Evaluation of targetable alterations using established bioinformatics pipelines.
Main Results:
- Identification of 161 putative driver genes contributing to HCC development.
- Discovery of 2 novel mutational signatures specific to hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Demonstration that 28% of HCC patients possess targetable genetic alterations.
- Significant genomic heterogeneity observed across the patient cohort.
Conclusions:
- Deciphering genomic diversity in HCC offers a promising avenue for improved clinical management.
- The identified driver genes and mutational signatures provide new insights into HCC pathogenesis.
- The high prevalence of targetable alterations supports the development of personalized, genome-based clinical trials for HCC.
