Scientists have discovered a new subtype of high-risk liver cancer in children.
Until recently, all cases of liver cancer in children were classified as rare hepatocellular carcinomas called hepatoblastoma (HB) or the more common hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology describes molecular analysis techniques to assess a patient’s tumor profile, including gene composition and activity.
Researchers have found cases that do not fit the classification of hepatoblastoma (HB) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), called hepatoblastoma, with the features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HBC).
“In our single-center study, the histological features exhibited in HBC are associated with the molecular features of HB and HCC, HBC has poor outcomes regardless of patient age, and transplanted HBC. Outcome was shown to be better than HBC treated with chemotherapy and surgery alone,” the study noted.
Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine in the United States said treatment options for HB and HCC differ dramatically. Most HBs show good results after treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and resection.
This discovery may lead to special treatment procedures to combat life-threatening conditions.
By staging childhood cancer cases, patients can improve their treatment options and outcomes. However, the researchers say this can be particularly difficult for tumors that have a combination of HB and HCC features.
According to the researchers, CHB is more resistant to standard chemotherapy and has poor outcomes when not treated with more aggressive surgical approaches, including transplantation.
This study suggests new ways to place HBCs that may help develop specialized therapies.
“Our findings emphasize the importance of molecular tests to accurately classify these tumors in order to optimize recommended treatments at the time of initial diagnosis,” said Dolores, author of the article.・ López Terrada states.
“Our analysis suggests that children with CHB may benefit from treatment strategies that differ from guidelines for patients with hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.
The findings underscore the importance of molecular testing and early intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer.
Source: Metro
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