Gene expression profiles of naive and liver-directed therapy treated lesions in hepatocellular carcinoma patients on explant

Presenter: Paul Thevenot PhD | Ochsner Health System Background: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT), liver-directed therapy (LDT) serves as a bridge to LT and improves overall survival. Patients with an objective response LDT are more likely have lower grade HCC at improved recurrence-free survival after LT. Unfortunately, >80% of complete radiographic prior viable in the explant liver, dramatically increasing recurrence risk. Understanding molecular pathways associated resistance could help identify therapeutic targets promote pathologic necrosis improve this study, we analyzed mRNA expression patterns LDT-targeted treatment naïve lesions treatment. Methods: RNA was extracted from FFPE tumor samples 18 single center cohort. Four had 2 lesion blocks one patient 3, for total 24 isolates. Multiplex transcriptomic gene analysis performed using NanoString nCounter® Tumor Signaling 360 panel containing 780 genes 48 involved biology microenvironment well antitumoral immune responses. Results: During quality control, 3 were excluded due degradation. The cohort included 7 14 targeted (Table 1). Partial present 8 tumors, ranging 10-90%. Prior LT, arterial hyperenhancement lesions, although only met LI-RADS 5 criteria definitive HCC. There large degree overlap profiles samples. Of investigated, 58% (452/780) all while just 25% (198/780) absent No significant differences observed between versus LDT-treated or partially necrotic lesions. Stratification based on also yielded no expression. Direct comparisons intrahepatic within same 4 patients. Results showed identical without any differentially expressed both Conclusion: tumors remarkably similar. history characteristics did not impact common cancer those evasion immunity. high profile multifocal suggests spread opposed de novo generation. Factors driving tumoral may extend beyond pathways.