Abstract:

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) processes cancer stem cells. Some specific cell markers were found, but required further verification. The effects of signal conduction regulation in the process of occurrence, development, transfer and recurrence of HCC are a key topic in present research. However, chemotherapy and radiotherapy against properties of HCC also need further attention.
OBJECTIVE: To review hepatocarcinoma stem cell source, stem cell marker, signal conduction regulation, therapeutic resistence principle and corresponding therapeutic strategy.
METHODS: The key words were “cancer stem cells, hepatocellular carcinoma, markers, therapy”. We retrieved PubMed database for articles on hepatocarcinoma stem cell marker, molecular regulation and treatment published from January 1996 to January 2010. Vip Database and Tsinghua Tongfang Full Text Database were searched using the same key words for articles published from January 1996 to January 2010. Finally, 30 articles were included in accordance with inclusion criteria.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Studies have suggested that there is cell subpopulation with cancer stem cell properties. Its source is multiple and associates with tumor metastasis. At present, hepatocarcinoma stem cell markers such as OV6, AFP, c-kit, EpCAM and CD90 play important roles in identifying and screening stem cells. Studies indicated that cancer related signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, Shh, Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, play an important role in the regulation of hepatocarcinoma stem cells. For drug resistant properties of stem cells, molecular target therapy, differentiation therapy and antibody therapy are used for treating hepatoma and obtain primary curative effect, but these require further investigation.