About this Research Topic
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy and fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Recent advances in systemic and neoadjuvant and downstaging therapies have led to changes in many guidelines regarding cancer therapy.Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, have emerged as a significant breakthrough in treating advanced, unresectable liver cancers. These therapies play a crucial role by interfering with the cancer's ability to evade the immune system, thus enhancing the body's ability to fight the tumor.
The efficacy of ICIs, however, varies among patients, drawing attention to the complex regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 in the immune escape of liver cancer. The regulation of PD-L1 involves various levels and signaling pathways, including gene variation, epigenetic inheritance, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. High expression of PD-L1 has been identified as a key factor affecting the success of immunotherapy in liver cancer. Despite the progress, challenges remain in fully understanding the roles and regulation of PD-L1 in different cell types within the tumor microenvironment and in developing effective combined treatment strategies.
The aim and scope of this Research Topic is to address the important issues around ICI of HCC, review treatment guidelines, and highlight the latest developments. We welcome submissions of a research or clinical nature. Review articles are also encouraged. The main topics include:
- Optimal regimen of immunotherapy for HCC
- Monitoring of efficacy during treatment
- Selection of subsequent treatment regimens
The efficacy of ICIs, however, varies among patients, drawing attention to the complex regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 in the immune escape of liver cancer. The regulation of PD-L1 involves various levels and signaling pathways, including gene variation, epigenetic inheritance, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. High expression of PD-L1 has been identified as a key factor affecting the success of immunotherapy in liver cancer. Despite the progress, challenges remain in fully understanding the roles and regulation of PD-L1 in different cell types within the tumor microenvironment and in developing effective combined treatment strategies.
The aim and scope of this Research Topic is to address the important issues around ICI of HCC, review treatment guidelines, and highlight the latest developments. We welcome submissions of a research or clinical nature. Review articles are also encouraged. The main topics include:
- Optimal regimen of immunotherapy for HCC
- Monitoring of efficacy during treatment
- Selection of subsequent treatment regimens
Keywords: Immunotherapy, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Prognosis, TME
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