Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Translational research on drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma
Valerie Chew1,2, Chien-Huai Chuang3, Chiun Hsu4,5,6
1Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Translational research plays a key role in drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, unique challenges exist in this field because of the limited availability of human tumor samples from surgery, the lack of homogenous oncogenic driver mutations, and the paucity of adequate experimental models. In this review, we provide insights into these challenges and review recent advancements, with a particular focus on the two main agents currently used as mainstream therapies for HCC: anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy. First, we examine the pre-clinical and clinical studies to highlight the challenges of determining the optimal therapeutic combinations with biologically effective dosage for HCC. Second, we discuss biomarker studies focusing on anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1-based combination therapy. Finally, we discuss the progress made in our collective understanding of tumor immunology and in multi-omics analysis technology, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy, characterize different patient subgroups, and facilitate the development of novel combination approaches to improve treatment efficacy. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of efforts in translational research aiming at advancing our understanding of and improving the treatment of HCC.
Insights
Translational research for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) faces challenges in sample availability and experimental models. Advancements in anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy offer new treatment strategies for HCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
- Drug Development
Background:
- Translational research is crucial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) drug development and biomarker discovery.
- Challenges include limited human tumor samples, non-uniform driver mutations, and inadequate experimental models.
- Current mainstream therapies for HCC involve anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review challenges and recent advancements in translational research for HCC.
- To focus on anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy in HCC treatment.
- To discuss progress in understanding tumor immunology and multi-omics for improved HCC therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of pre-clinical and clinical studies on HCC therapeutic combinations.
- Analysis of biomarker studies for anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1 combination therapy.
- Examination of advancements in tumor immunology and multi-omics analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified challenges in determining optimal therapeutic combinations and dosages for HCC.
- Highlighted the role of biomarker studies in anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1 combination therapy.
- Demonstrated how tumor immunology and multi-omics enhance understanding of immunotherapy mechanisms and patient stratification.
Conclusions:
- Progress in translational research is improving the understanding and treatment of HCC.
- Novel combination approaches are being developed to enhance treatment efficacy.
- Further research in tumor immunology and multi-omics is vital for advancing HCC therapies.
More Related Videos
08:40A Biomimetic Model for Liver Cancer to Study Tumor-Stroma Interactions in a 3D Environment with Tunable Bio-Physical Properties
Published on: August 7, 2020
00:06An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
