Heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma contributes to cancer progression

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2015 Jun;94(3):337-47. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.01.009. Epub 2015 Jan 29.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous disease displaying differences in angiogenesis, extracellular matrix proteins, the immune microenvironment and tumor cell populations. Additionally, genetic variations and epigenetic changes of HCC cells could lead to aberrant signaling pathways, induce cancer stem cells and enhance tumor progression. Thus, the heterogeneity in HCC contributes to disease progression and a better understanding of its heterogeneity will greatly aid in the development of strategies for the HCC treatment.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Cancer stem cells; Genetic variation; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Heterogeneity; Invasion; Signaling pathway; Tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Burden
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology