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An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Engineering principles for rationally design therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma
Alexis Hernández-Magaña1, Antonio Bensussen2, Juan Carlos Martínez-García2
1Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
Abstract:
The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
Insights
Rationally designed cancer treatments targeting cell plasticity show promise for hepatocellular carcinoma but face challenges. Systems biology and engineering principles offer new strategies for optimizing clinical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Systems Biology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Novel cancer therapies focus on cell plasticity to prevent epithelial-to-cancerous cell transformation.
- Treatments targeting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have shown limited success in controlling cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review engineering principles applicable to rationally designing HCC treatment strategies.
- To assess the clinical viability of implementing systems biology and engineering in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of engineering principles relevant to cancer biology.
- Analysis of the feasibility of clinical implementation for systems biology-based cancer treatments.
Main Results:
- Current rationally designed treatments have not fully controlled HCC progression.
- Systems biology offers a framework for optimizing cancer therapies using engineering principles.
Conclusions:
- Engineering principles and systems biology present a promising avenue for developing advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatments.
- Further research is needed to confirm the clinical applicability and efficacy of these engineering-driven approaches in oncology.
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