Researchers at Stony Brook University Medical Center have identified a family of genes linked to the development of liver cancer. Led by Wadie F. Bahou, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Genetics, the team discovered in a mouse model that the loss of one specific gene (Iqgap2) in this family causes Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), known as primary cancer of the liver. They also found that when another member of the gene family (Iqgap1) is turned on, a more aggressive form of the disease occurs.
According to Dr. Bahou, the findings demonstrate that both genes could serve as a basis to develop important targets for early diagnosis and/or treatment of HCC, which accounts for more than 80 percent of all liver cancer in humans. The disease kills 500,000 to 1 million adults annually worldwide. Treatment for advanced HCC is often ineffective. A recently approved chemotherapy drug developed to treat metastatic liver cancer provides disease stabilization, but is not a cure.
"This is an exciting development in the field of cancer research, as there is a tremendous need for targeted therapies for liver cancer," said Dr. Bahou. "The data resulting from our research provides important insights into genes that may predispose to HCC development," he added, further noting that the model is a valuable tool for testing therapeutic agents aimed at curing liver cancer.
