Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
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A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

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Molecular Bases of Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Jose J G Marin1,2, Rocio I R Macias1,2, Maria J Monte1,2

  • 1Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.

Cancers
|June 27, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows poor outcomes due to chemoresistance. Understanding molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance (MOC) can identify biomarkers and targets for improved HCC treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its poor prognosis and resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
  • Current treatments, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like sorafenib and regorafenib, offer only modest survival benefits for HCC patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • This review updates current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance (MOC) in HCC.
  • It aims to identify factors influencing HCC response to various pharmacological treatments, including chemotherapy, TKIs, and immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive review of existing literature on HCC chemoresistance.
  • Analysis of molecular data related to gene expression and drug response in HCC.

Main Results:

  • Over one hundred genes implicated in seven distinct MOC have been identified.
  • These genes offer potential biomarkers for predicting treatment failure in HCC.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding MOC is crucial for improving HCC treatment efficacy.
  • Identified genes represent potential therapeutic targets for novel strategies to enhance HCC sensitivity to pharmacological agents.
Keywords:
DNA repairapoptosiscancer stem cellepithelial-mesenchymal transitionliver cancermetabolismmultidrug resistancerefractorinesstransporttumor environment

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