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Phosphorylated ERK is a potential prognostic biomarker for Sorafenib response in hepatocellular carcinoma

Yuelong Liang1, Jiang Chen1, Qingsong Yu1

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.

Cancer Medicine
|October 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Phosphorylated ERK (pERK) may predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient response to Sorafenib treatment. High pERK levels indicate potential sensitivity, offering a biomarker for personalized HCC therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Sorafenib is the sole approved drug for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), targeting Raf kinases.
  • Its high cost and variable efficacy necessitate predictive biomarkers for patient selection.
  • Phosphorylated ERK (pERK) is a critical downstream effector in the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate phosphorylated ERK (pERK) as a predictive biomarker for Sorafenib treatment efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Main Methods:

  • In vitro cell viability assays were conducted to assess Sorafenib's effect based on pERK levels.
  • Patient-derived HCC xenografts with varying pERK expression were used to evaluate tumor growth inhibition by Sorafenib.

Main Results:

  • Sorafenib efficacy varied significantly in vitro depending on the baseline pERK expression.
  • Sorafenib treatment markedly reduced tumor growth rates in patient-derived xenografts exhibiting high pERK levels.

Conclusions:

  • Phosphorylated ERK (pERK) demonstrates potential as a predictive biomarker for Sorafenib sensitivity in HCC treatment.
  • Identifying patients with high pERK could guide personalized therapeutic strategies for HCC.
Keywords:
BiomarkersHepatocellular carcinomaPhosphorylated ERKSorafenib

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