Roles and Molecular Mechanisms of Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Microvascular Invasion: A Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being a leading cause of cancer-related death, has high associated mortality and recurrence rates. It has been of great necessity and urgency to find effective HCC diagnosis and treatment measures. Studies have shown that microvascular invasion (MVI) is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis after hepatectomy. The abnormal expression of biomacromolecules such as circRNAs, lncRNAs, STIP1, and PD-L1 in HCC patients is strongly correlated with MVI. Deregulation of several markers mentioned in this review affects the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, EMT, and anti-apoptotic processes of HCC cells through multiple complex mechanisms. Therefore, these biomarkers may have an important clinical role and serve as promising interventional targets for HCC. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the functions and regulatory mechanisms of MVI-related biomarkers in HCC.

Automated summary

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death, and effective diagnosis and treatment measures are urgently needed. Microvascular invasion (MVI) has been identified as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis after hepatectomy. Abnormal expression of biomacromolecules in HCC patients, such as circRNAs, lncRNAs, STIP1, and PD-L1, is strongly associated with MVI. These biomarkers play important roles in the progression and development of HCC cells through multiple complex mechanisms.