循环肿瘤细胞及游离DNA甲基化在肝细胞癌患者中的研究进展

随着对肿瘤认识的不断深入,人们发现在原发肿瘤形成和生长的早期阶段,肿瘤细胞即可以脱离原发肿瘤组织释放到外周血形成循环肿瘤细胞,同样在肿瘤形成的早期阶段就会出现肿瘤细胞的坏死和凋亡,这些凋亡或坏死的肿瘤细胞也可以释放其DNA入外周血形成血浆或血清游离的DNA,因此对肿瘤患者循环肿瘤细胞及游离DNA的分析被认为是实时的"液相活检",肿瘤患者中的循环肿瘤细胞具有非常强的异质性,我们可以根据其物理和生物学性质采用不同的技术对其进行富集和检测;可以借助现代分子生物学手段对循环游离DNA进行提取,并对其遗传学和表观遗传学的异常改变进行分析,这可为肿瘤的早期诊断、疗效评估、复发监测及预后判断提供重要的信息.本文结合本课题组的研究重点,就循环肿瘤细胞及游离DNA及其甲基化在肝细胞癌患者的研究进行综述.     

Liquid biopsy in patients with pancreatic cancer: Circulating tumor cells and cell-free nucleic acids

Despite recent advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer(PCa) remains extremely poor. To provide optimal treatment for each patient with Pca, superior biomarkers are urgently needed in all phases of management from early detection to staging, treatment monitoring, and prognosis. In the blood of patients with cancer, circulating tumor cells(CTCs) and cell-free nucleic acids(cf NAs), such as DNA, m RNA, and noncoding RNA have been recognized. In the recent years, their presence in the blood has encouraged researchers to investigate their potential use as novel blood biomarkers, and numerous studies have demonstrated their potential clinical utility as a biomarker for certain types of cancer. This concept, called "liquid biopsy" has been focused on as a less invasive, alternative approach to cancer tissue biopsy for obtaining genetic and epigenetic aberrations that contribute to oncogenesis and cancer progression. In this article, we review the available literature on CTCs and cfN As in patients with cancer, particularly focusing on PCa, and discuss future perspectives in this field.     

Liquid biopsy of gastric cancer patients:Circulating tumor cells and cell-free nucleic acids

To improve the clinical outcomes of cancer patients,early detection and accurate monitoring of diseases are necessary.Numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations contribute to oncogenesis and cancer progression,and analyses of these changes have been increasingly utilized for diagnostic,prognostic and therapeutic purposes in malignant diseases including gastric cancer(GC).Surgical and/or biopsy specimens are generally used to understand the tumor-associated alterations;however,those approaches cannot always be performed because of their invasive characteristics and may fail to reflect current tumor dynamics and drug sensitivities,which may change during the therapeutic process.Therefore,the importance of developing a non-invasive biomarker with the ability to monitor real-time tumor dynamics should be emphasized.This concept,so called"liquid biopsy",would provide an ideal therapeutic strategy for an individual cancer patient and would facilitate the development of"tailor-made"cancer management programs.In the blood of cancer patients,the presence and potent utilities of circulating tumor cells(CTCs)and cell-free nucleic acids(cfNAs)such as DNA,mRNA and microRNA have been recognized,and their clinical relevance is attracting considerable attention.In this review,we discuss recent developments in this research field as well as the relevance and future perspectives of CTCs and cfNAs in cancer patients,especially focusing on GC.     

Radiomics for the detection of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, accounting for about 90% of liver cancer cases. It is currently the fifth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Moreover, recurrence of HCC is common. Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a major factor associated with recurrence in postoperative HCC. It is difficult to evaluate MVI using traditional imaging modalities. Currently, MVI is assessed primarily through pathological and immunohistochemical analyses of postoperative tissue samples. Needle biopsy is the primary method used to confirm MVI diagnosis before surgery. As the puncture specimens represent just a small part of the tumor, and given the heterogeneity of HCC, biopsy samples may yield false-negative results. Radiomics, an emerging, powerful, and non-invasive tool based on various imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and positron emission tomography, can predict the HCC-MVI status preoperatively by delineating the tumor and/or the regions at a certain distance from the surface of the tumor to extract the image features. Although positive results have been reported for radiomics, its drawbacks have limited its clinical translation. This article reviews the application of radiomics, based on various imaging modalities, in preoperative evaluation of HCC-MVI and explores future research directions that facilitate its clinical translation.     

肝细胞癌患者肝移植术后肿瘤复发转移的防治

肝细胞癌(HCC)仍是目前发病率较高的消化道肿瘤,肝移植能从根本上切除肿瘤病灶,是HCC综合治疗方案中的主要手段之一。移植后肿瘤的复发和转移问题,是影响受体长期生存的主要因素。近年来,得益于全球范围的技术改进和经验积累,在HCC的诊疗方面取得了的长足的发展和进步。针对HCC肝移植适应证、复发转移预测、肝移植围手术期干预和术后HCC复发的综合治疗等方面进行探讨。     

Heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma contributes to cancer progression

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.     

Embolization of an unusual metastatic site of hepatocellular carcinoma in the humerus

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is the fish most common cancer in the world. This case documents an unusual metastatic presentation of HCC in the humerus. Preoperative palliative arterial embolization of the tumor was performed to arrest severe tumor bleeding caused by the biopsy. Embolization turned out to be useful also in limiting/preventing potential uncontrolled bleeding during subsequent amputation.     

Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: From basic research to clinical use

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is a common cancer worldwide with a poor prognosis. Few strategies have been proven efficient in HCC treatment, particularly for those patients not indicated for curative resection or transplantation. Immunotherapy has been developed for decades for cancer control and is attaining more attention as a result of encouraging outcomes of new strategies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells and immune checkpoint blockade. Right at the front of the new era of immunotherapy, we review the immunotherapy in HCC treatment, from basic research to clinical trials, covering anything from immunomodulators, tumor vaccines and adoptive immunotherapy. The mechanisms, efficacy and safety as well as the approach particulars are unveiled to assist readers to gain a concise but extensive understanding of immunotherapy of HCC.     

Multidetector CT of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. Numerous surgical and nonsurgical treatment options are available for the management of patients with HCC. Successful long-term outcome is dependent on early detection of HCC, as well as accurate delineation of the number and location of tumor nodules. We present the different manifestations of hepatocellular carcinoma as depicted by multidetector-row CT with advanced image processing.     

Early detection of liver cancer: Diagnosis and management

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and the incidence is rising. Despite a wide array of treatment options, fewer than half of candidates for potentially curative treatments receive them. The diagnosis and management of HCC require a multidisciplinary approach involving various clinical specialties. The foundation of diagnosis is high-quality imaging, with MRI being the test of choice. Some patients also require guided biopsy when MRI is equivocal. Treatment options depend upon the tumor stage and the degree of underlying synthetic dysfunction. Potentially curative treatments include surgical resection and transplantation. Other treatments that prolong survival include percutaneous ablation and transarterial chemoembolization. A new oral agent, sorafenib, was recently shown to prolong survival in patients with advanced HCC. By increasing surveillance and treatment of HCC, outcomes for these patients may be improved.     

肝癌外泌体源性miRNA表达及其临床价值

肝细胞癌(HCC)早期诊断和有效治疗,仍然是困扰医学界的难题。外泌体是直径为40~100 nm的微小囊泡,内含蛋白质、脂质和核酸,作为信息物质交换的转运载体,在调控生物分子功能、维持细胞内环境中起重要作用。HCC外泌体功能包括胞间信息交换、新血管生成、癌细胞转移与多药耐药等,可介导微小RNA(miRNA)转化以调控肿瘤进展的微环境,进而影响癌细胞的病理生理学行为。外泌体源性miRNA可用于HCC监测或为早期诊断潜在特异标志物,且可作为HCC治疗靶目标,具有开发应用前景。现综述HCC外泌体源性miRNA研究的新进展。     

肝细胞癌早期诊断与治疗对策新进展

肝细胞癌（hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC）是人类癌症致死的主要疾病,也是慢性肝病、尤其是肝硬化患者的主要死亡原因。早期发现HCC并给予有效的治疗将会明显改善HCC患者的生存期。目前没有有效的肿瘤标记物,可每6个月复查1次B超,发现肝内结节后,行肝组织活检或肝动脉造影。有效的治疗包括外科手术切除术、肝移植术和经皮消融术。在HCC早期确诊并实施这些有效治疗,5年生存率通常可超过60％。     

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Surgeon's view on latest findings and future perspectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver-derived malignancy with a high fatality rate. Risk factors for the development of HCC have been identified and are clearly described. However, due to the lack of tumor-specific symptoms, HCC are diagnosed at progressed tumor stages in most patients, and thus curative therapeutic options are limited. The focus of this review is on surgical therapeutic options which can be offered to patients with HCC with special regard to recent findings, not exclusively focused on surgical therapy, but also to other treatment modalities. Further, potential promising future perspectives for the treatment of HCC are discussed.     

Leberresektion vs. Lebertransplantation bei HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women in the world. For surgical treatment, two options are available: surgical resection and orthotopic liver transplantation. The treatment algorithms in Germany are currently determined by the S3 guideline and by the revised guideline for organ transplantation; however, the final decision should be discussed on an individual basis in an interdisciplinary tumor conference. Surgical resection is recommended for all patients with resectable HCC without underlying cirrhosis or compensated chronic liver disease and sufficient liver function. Resection should be minimally invasive and parenchyma-sparing. For HCC in cirrhosis within the Milan criteria, liver transplantation is indicated in principle. A match model for end-stage liver disease (matchMELD) can be applied in order to facilitate timely organ allocation. Due to the organ shortage, liver donations from living donors should be evaluated. Bridging therapies such as transarterial chemoembolization are recommended. For non-transplantable patients, surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation is recommended in regard to the functional resectability.     

Biomarkers for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although the prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor, the5-year survival rate is 70% if patients are diagnosed at an early stage. However, early diagnosis of HCC is complicated by the coexistence of inflammation and cirrhosis. Thus, novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC are required. Currently, the diagnosis of HCC without pathological correlation is achieved by analyzing serum α.fetoprotein levels combined with imaging techniques. Advances in genomics and proteomics platforms and biomarker assay techniques over the last decade have resulted in the identification of numerous novel biomarkers and have improved the diagnosis of HCC. The most promising biomarkers,such as glypican-3, osteopontin, Golgi protein-73 and nucleic acids including microRNAs, are most likely to become clinically validated in the near future. These biomarkers are not only useful for early diagnosis of HCC, but also provide insight into the mechanisms driving oncogenesis. In addition, such molecular insight creates the basis for the development of potentially more effective treatment strategies. In this article,we provide an overview of the biomarkers that are currently used for the early diagnosis of HCC.     

肝细胞癌的综合介入治疗

肝细胞癌（HCC）是世界范围内第五大常见肿瘤,每年新增病例超过50万。由于HCC早期症状隐匿,大多数患者在确诊时已是中晚期,失去了接受治愈性治疗的机会。而中晚期HCC患者由于肝功能损伤及肿瘤进展致预后很差,目前,以肝动脉栓塞化疗术（TACE）为主的综合介入治疗已成为中晚期HCC的主要治疗方式。本文就HCC的综合介入治疗的最新进展综述如下。     

Biology of hepatic cancer stem cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy of the liver and is the third most frequent cause of cancer death worldwide. Although advances in HCC detection and treatment have increased the likelihood of a cure at early stages of the disease, HCC remains largely incurable because of late presentation and tumor recurrence. Only 25% of HCC patients are deemed suitable for curative treatment, with the overall survival at just a few months for inoperable patients. Additionally, this disease is particularly difficult to treat because of the high recurrence rate, its chemotherapy-resistant nature and the premalignant nature of surrounding cirrhotic liver disease. In the past few years, compelling evidence has emerged in support of the hierarchic cancer stem cell (CSC)/tumor-initiating cell (T-IC) model for solid tumors, including HCC. Understanding the characteristics and function of CSCs in the liver has also shed light on HCC management and treatment, including the implications for prognosis, prediction and treatment resistance. In this review, a detailed summary of the recent progress in liver CSC research with regard to identification, regulation and therapeutic implications will be discussed.     

Hepatitis B viral load affects prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a complex disease that is dually challenging to treat due to underlying chronic liver disease in addition to the cancer itself.The prognosis of patients with HCC is determined by intrahepatic tumor status and reserved hepatic function.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)is an established major risk factor of HCC development,and HBV viral load is being increasingly recognized as a prognostic factor in the presence of established HCC.High HBV viral load may affect the prognosis of HBV-related HCC patients in several ways.First,it is associated with more frequent recurrence of HBV-related HCC after treatment.Second,it is associated with more occurrence and severity of potentially life-threatening HBV reactivation.Last,it is associated with more worsened liver function,which limits the therapeutic options for HBV-related HCC.HBV,directly or indirectly,can induce hepatocarcinogenesis.In patients with a high HBV DNA level and subsequent active hepatitis,adhesion molecules expressed on the sinusoidal cells are up-regulated and may increase intrahepatic metastasis.HCC progression after treatment can lead to a poor prognosis by reducing number of normal functioning hepatocytes.Thus,high HBV viral load can affect the prognosis of patientswith HCC by frequent recurrence after treatment for HCC and deterioration of hepatic function associated with HCC progression.Recent meta-analysis showed that antiviral treatment reduces HCC recurrence and liver-related mortality after curative therapy of HCC.Given the strong relationship between high HBV DNA load and poor survival outcome of HCC patients due to cancer progression,it is expected that long-term antiviral therapy results in the sustained HBV suppression,control of inflammation,reduction in HCC progression,and eventually in improved overall survival.