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Fascin-1 in primary liver cancers, perspectives for targeted therapy
Lydia Dif1, Grégoire Manaud1, Violaine Moreau1
1Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France; Projet de Recherche Enfants, Adolescents et Cancer, Ligue Contre le Cancer, France.
Abstract:
Primary liver cancers are the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of chemotherapeutics, immunotherapies and anti-angiogenic drugs, survival rates have not improved. Worse, most patients do not respond to the most effective therapies. Patient stratification is necessary to increase the likelihood of effective treatment. More targeted therapies are definitely needed. Here, we provide an overview of the role of Fascin-1, an F-actin-bundling protein, in cell migration and invasion. We focus on its impact and clinical relevance in liver tumorigenesis. We propose Fascin-1 as a marker of poor prognosis for primary liver cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma. Fascin-1 is found to be overexpressed in all these cancers and is usually associated with undifferentiated tumors and worse outcomes. We then review current approaches to targeting Fascin-1 in primary liver cancers. Finally, we offer perspectives that may foster cancer research and open new avenues for Fascin-targeted therapies in liver cancers and beyond.
Insights
Fascin-1 protein is overexpressed in primary liver cancers, indicating a poor prognosis. Targeting Fascin-1 may lead to new, effective therapies for liver cancer patients who currently have limited treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Primary liver cancers are a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Current treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy show limited efficacy, with most patients not responding.
- There is a critical need for patient stratification and targeted therapies in liver cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Fascin-1, an F-actin-bundling protein, in liver cancer.
- To evaluate Fascin-1's clinical relevance and potential as a prognostic marker.
- To discuss current and future strategies for targeting Fascin-1 in liver malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Fascin-1's function in cell migration and invasion.
- Analysis of Fascin-1 expression in primary liver cancers (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma).
- Examination of the association between Fascin-1 overexpression and tumor characteristics/outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fascin-1 is overexpressed across various primary liver cancers.
- Overexpression of Fascin-1 correlates with undifferentiated tumors and poorer patient outcomes.
- Fascin-1 is implicated in promoting cancer cell migration and invasion.
Conclusions:
- Fascin-1 is a potential marker of poor prognosis for primary liver cancers.
- Targeting Fascin-1 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cancer.
- Further research into Fascin-1-targeted therapies could improve treatment outcomes.
