Tumor microvasculature in hepatic tumors

The tumor microvasculature in hepatic tumors encompasses newly formed and remodeled small vessels within and around liver cancers, notably HCC, including distinct vascular patterns (capillary-like and sinusoid-like/VETC). Microvascular invasion (MVI)—tumor cells within endothelium-lined vascular spaces detected microscopically—is a common, adverse pathological feature linked to higher recurrence and poorer overall survival after surgery or transplant, with reported incidence roughly 15–57%. Tissue and imaging assessments of microvessels (e.g., MVD, morphometrics on advanced ultrasound) are being explored for diagnosis, staging, and prognosis; however, MVI remains primarily a histopathologic diagnosis. Anti-angiogenic strategies (e.g., sorafenib or VEGF/VEGFR pathway inhibition) aim to modulate this vasculature but, in the specific adjuvant setting for MVI-positive HCC, supporting data are heterogeneous and mainly retrospective.

Other names

Tumor microvasculature in liver tumorsTumor neovascularization in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)Microvascular invasion in HCC (pathology feature; often abbreviated MVI)Intra-tumoral vascularization of hepatic tumors

Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and vascular signaling (e.g., VEGF/VEGFR blockade; multikinase inhibition affecting tumor vessels)