Updates on the hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met axis in hepatocellular carcinoma and its therapeutic implications.

ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Since the diagnosis of HCC is difficult, in many cases patients with HCC are diagnosed advanced stage of development. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition receptor (c-Met) axis is a key signaling pathway in HCC, either via canonical or non-canonical pathways. Available treatments against HCC based upon HGF/c-Met inhibition can increase patient lifespan, but do not reach the expected therapeutic benefits. In HCC, c-Met monomers can bind other receptor monomers, activating several noncanonical signaling pathways, leading to increased cell proliferation, invasion, motility, and drug resistance. All of these processes are enhanced by the tumor microenvir

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Vilas JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6127652 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature