Hepatocellular carcinoma-related target network (HCC target network)

The Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-related target network represents the complex, interconnected system of signaling pathways and molecular entities that drive the initiation, progression, and metastasis of primary liver cancer (Zhu et al., Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 2023). This network encompasses several critical pathways, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway for angiogenesis, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways for cell survival and proliferation, and the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway for oncogenesis (Dimri et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020). Because HCC is characterized by high molecular heterogeneity, therapeutic strategies often focus on multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like sorafenib or lenvatinib that simultaneously disrupt multiple nodes within this network (Llovet et al., NEJM, 2008). Recent advancements have also integrated immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD-1/PD-L1, into the network model to address the immunosuppressive microenvironment (Finn et al., NEJM, 2020). Understanding this network is essential for overcoming drug resistance and developing personalized treatment regimens for patients with advanced HCC (NIH, National Cancer Institute).

Other names

HCC molecular networkLiver cancer signaling networkHepatocellular carcinoma pathway networkHCC interactome

Multi-kinase inhibition (targeting VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR, and RAF), inhibition of angiogenesis, and immune checkpoint blockade (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition) across various nodes within the signaling network.