Sorafenib inhibits macrophage-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Tumor-associated macrophages, crucial components of the microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma, hamper anti-cancer immune responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of sorafenib on the formation of the tumor microenvironment, especially the relationship between polarized macrophages and hepatocytes. Macrophage infiltration was reduced in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated with sorafenib. In vitro, sorafenib abolished polarized macrophage-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells but not normal hepatocytes. Moreover, sorafenib attenuated HGF secretion in polarized macrophages, and decreased plasma HGF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, sorafenib abolished the pol

SUBMITTER: Deng YR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5122390 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature