Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Interventions
Background: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of most important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Indeed, HBV is considered a group 1 human carcinogen and is a highly oncogenic agent. HBV cannot be effectively controlled or completely eliminated, so chronic HBV infection is a public health challenge worldwide. Summary: It is now believed that HBV-induced HCC involves a complex interaction between multiple viral and host factors. Many factors contribute to HBV-associated HCC, including products of HBV, viral integration and mutation, and host susceptibility. This review outlines the main patho...
Source: Gastrointestinal Tumors - November 6, 2014 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research
Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
This article reviews those components in the CP-PC connection, including the role of macrophages, the maintenance of genome stability, cytokines, and other nodal factors such as nuclear factor kappa B, COX-2 and reactive oxygen species. Key Message: The molecular mechanisms that underlie CP and PC provide novel targets for future therapies for PC. Practical Implications: The stromal-desmoplastic reaction plays an important role in initiating and sustaining chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Recently, two targeted anti-tumor agents, erlotinib and nab-paclitaxel, have shown promising therapeutic efficacy. Notably, b...
Source: Gastrointestinal Tumors - November 6, 2014 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research
Unique Clinicopathology of Proximal Gastric Carcinoma: A Critical Review
Background: Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease with respect to its molecular and histopathological features. Proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) and distal gastric carcinoma (DGC) are two distinct clinical entities, suggesting the existence of different pathogenic mechanisms. PGC arises in a narrow region of the proximal stomach below the gastroesophageal junction. It accounts for around half of gastric cancers in men, with an increasing incidence worldwide and a predominance in elderly males. Summary: At present, the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the onset of PGC remain unknown. This mini-review presents the most ...
Source: Gastrointestinal Tumors - November 6, 2014 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research
