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Experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma: developments and evolution

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Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. The biological mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis and progression are poorly understood. Experimental models of HCC provide valuable tools to evaluate the risk factors, new treatment modalities and biologic characteristics. Under the constant evolution in model design and technology development, new experimental models continue to emerge, including spontaneous models, induced models, viral models, transplantable models, and genetically engineered models. These models are used as tools to investigate basic biological mechanisms of growth and differentiation, oncogene function, and as systems to test new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. The progress in HCC model construction and studies are summarized in this review.

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Acknowledgment

This work is supported by the grants from the New-Century Excellent Talents Supporting Program of the Ministry of Education of China (No. NCET-04-0669), the Foundation for the Author of National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of PR China (No. 200464), the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 20675058), the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups (No. 20621502), NSFC and Sate Key Scientific Research Project (2008ZX10002-021).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviors, No 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, 430071, Wuhan, China

    Long Wu

  2. Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China

    Zhao-You Tang

  3. Department of Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No 99, Ziyang Road, Wuchang District, 430072, Wuhan, China

    Yan Li

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  1. Long Wu
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Correspondence to Yan Li.

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Wu, L., Tang, ZY. & Li, Y. Experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma: developments and evolution. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 135, 969–981 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-009-0591-7

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