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The past, present, and future of liver cancer research in China
Lichao Sun1, Yuan Yang2, Yang Li2
1Department of Health Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing, 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, PR China.
Abstract:
Liver cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide and China accounts for nearly half of the global burden of liver cancer. Effective interventions such as hepatitis vaccinations, new blood tests and imaging tests significantly decreased the incidence worldwide, especially in China. Unraveling the systemic and molecular mechanisms of liver cancer would contribute to develop more effective therapies to prolong the 5 year survival of the patients. The Chinese funding agencies have been paying high attention to the basic and translational research of liver cancer. Over the last decade, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) initiated a panel of research programs which supported liver cancer research in multiple directions. Besides, great progress has been made in basic and clinical research, platform construction and drug development in the field of liver cancer. In this article, we summarized the funding landscape, research progress, cooperation among countries and institutions, and drug discovery in China, with an attempt to compare the status and outcome with our peers globally.
Insights
China leads global liver cancer burden, but effective interventions are decreasing incidence. Research funding and progress in China aim to develop better therapies and improve patient survival rates worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Oncology
- Translational Cancer Research
- Global Health Disparities
Background:
- Liver cancer is a leading cause of global cancer mortality, with China bearing a significant burden.
- Effective interventions like hepatitis vaccination and advanced diagnostics have reduced liver cancer incidence.
- Understanding liver cancer's mechanisms is crucial for developing novel, survival-prolonging therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the funding landscape and research progress in liver cancer within China.
- To analyze the impact of Chinese funding agencies, particularly the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
- To compare China's liver cancer research status and outcomes with global peers.
Main Methods:
- Review of funding initiatives and research programs by Chinese agencies.
- Analysis of advancements in basic and clinical research, platform construction, and drug development.
- Comparative assessment of China's research output against international benchmarks.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in liver cancer research, platform development, and drug discovery in China.
- Increased attention and funding from Chinese agencies towards liver cancer research.
- Evidence of growing international cooperation in the field.
Conclusions:
- China's focused efforts in liver cancer research are yielding substantial progress.
- Continued investment and research are essential to further improve patient outcomes and reduce global liver cancer burden.
- International collaboration can accelerate advancements in liver cancer therapy and prevention.
