Liver cancer articles from across Nature Portfolio

DTX1 mediates ubiquitination modification of TUBB3 to inhibit the PTEN/AKT axis and block M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in hepatocellular carcinoma.

A deep learning radiopathomic signature based on features of CT images and whole-slide histology predicts recurrence-free survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and is relevant to Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and tumor immune infiltration.

NK cell dysfunction in tumor microenvironment remains elusive. The authors here identify SAMSN1 as an immune checkpoint that mediates NK function. Specifically, global or NK cell-specific deletion of SAMSN1 restores NK function and improves prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma mouse models.

A study published in Science shows that liver zonation shapes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. In mice, HCC predominantly originates from zone 3 hepatocytes, where GSTM2 and GSTM3 drive initiation by inhibiting ferroptosis, revealing metabolic vulnerabilities in liver cancer.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, anti-PD-(L)-1 antibodies combined with either bevacizumab or anti-CTLA4 antibodies are the standard of care for advanced-stage tumours. Now, two phase III studies (CheckMate 9DW and APOLLO) have reported positive survival results in the first-line setting, although with distinct implications for clinical practice.

GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide significantly outperformed placebo in an ongoing phase 3 trial, showing reductions in steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis, in addition to cardiometabolic benefits.