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Impact of Genetic Targets on Cancer Therapy pp 67–90Cite as

Impact of Genetic Targets on Cancer Therapy: Hepatocellular Cancer

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Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((volume 779))

Abstract

Understanding cancer at the genetic level had gained significant attention over the last decade since the human genome was first sequenced in 2001. For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) a number of genome-wide profiling studies have been published. These studies have provided us with gene sets, based on which we can now classify tumors and have an idea about the likely clinical outcomes. In addition to that, genomic profiling for HCC has provided us a better understanding of the carcinogenesis process and identifies key steps at multiple levels (i.e. Genetics, molecular pathways) that can be potential targets for treatment and prevention. Although still an incurable disease, unresectable HCC has one proven systemic therapy, sorafenib, and many under active investigation. With advancement in technology and understanding of hepatocarcinogenesis, scientists hope to provide true personalized treatment for this disease in the near future. In this review article we discuss advances in understanding genetics and pathogenesis of HCC and the currently available and ongoing trials for targeted therapies. These emerging therapies may guide the development of more effective treatments or possibly a cure for HCC.

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Abbreviations

AASLD:

American Asssociation for the Study of Liver Disease

BCLC:

Barcelona clinic liver cancer

BRAF:

V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1

CRC:

Colorectal cancer

FDA:

Food and Drug Administration

EGF:

Epidermal growth factor

ERK:

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases

FGF:

Fibroblast growth factor

FRAP1:

FK506 binding protein 12-rapamycin associated protein 1

GEMOX:

Gemcitabine/ Oxaliplatin

HBV:

Hepatitis B virus

HCV:

Hepatitis C virus

HCC:

Hepatocellular carcinoma

HGFR:

Hepatocyte growth factor receptor

IFN:

Interferon

IGF:

Insulin like growth factor

IL6:

Interleukin 6

JAK:

Janus kinase

KIT:

V-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog

mAb:

Monoclonal antibody

MAPK:

Mitogen activated protein kinase

mTOR:

Mammalian target of rapamycin

NASH:

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

PI3K:

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase

PDGF:

Platelet-derived growth factor

PDGFR:

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor

PR:

Partial remission

RCT:

Randomized controlled trial

RECIST:

Response evaluation criteria in solid tumors

SCFR:

Stem cell factor receptor

SD:

Stable disease

SHARP:

Sorafenib hepatocellular carcinoma assessment randomized protocol

STAT:

Signal transducer and activator of transcription

STORM:

Sorafenib as adjuvant treatment in the prevention of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma

TAE:

Transarterial chemoembolization

TACE:

Transarterial chemoembolization

TKI:

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor

TLR:

Toll like receptors

TNFα:

Tumor necrosis factor α

ToGA:

Trastuzumab for gastric adenocarcinoma

VEGF:

Vascular endothelial growth factor

VEGFR:

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Program of Liver, Pancreas, and Foregut Tumors, Penn State College Of Medicine, Mail Code H070, 500 University Derive, 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA

    Osama Hamed, Eric T. Kimchi, Mandeep Sehmbey, Niraj J. Gusani, Jussuf T. Kaifi & Kevin Staveley-O’Carroll

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  1. Osama Hamed
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  2. Eric T. Kimchi
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  3. Mandeep Sehmbey
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  4. Niraj J. Gusani
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  5. Jussuf T. Kaifi
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  6. Kevin Staveley-O’Carroll
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Correspondence to Osama Hamed .

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    Wafik S El-Deiry

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Hamed, O., Kimchi, E.T., Sehmbey, M., Gusani, N.J., Kaifi, J.T., Staveley-O’Carroll, K. (2013). Impact of Genetic Targets on Cancer Therapy: Hepatocellular Cancer. In: El-Deiry, W. (eds) Impact of Genetic Targets on Cancer Therapy. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 779. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6176-0_4

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