Richard L. Hesketh, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Berk Usta PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mohammad Ghasemi-rad MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rahul Anil Sheth MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rahmi Oklu MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. Tumor microenvironment in HCC is unique both in composition, its interaction with the surrounding chronically inflamed liver and inhibits drug delivery to intracellular targets. 2. Gap junctions control intercellular communication and tumor homeostasis and are down regulated in HCC. 3. Combination of drugs and therapeutic interventions has potential to overcome the intrinsic barriers to drug delivery. 4. Regulation of gap junctions could potentially lead to enhanced effects of anti-tumor drugs.

Significant advances in our understanding of the drivers of HCC have been possible with the advent of the ‘omic age. Despite the increasing number of possible targets, drug treatment fails to induce long term remission. Specific mutations that lead to drug resistance occur but recently the role of the tumor microenvironment has been increasingly implicated in determining drug resistance. This exhibit will describe the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment that impede drug delivery and the role of gap junctions in tumorigenesis. It will emphasise future chemotherapeutic and interventional tools that have the potential to overcome these barriers and promote drug delivery and efficacy, ultimately improving survival for this silent killer. The value of microfluidic technology including liver-on-a-chip will be discussed.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14019058/14019058_pz63.pdf

Hesketh, R, Usta, B, Ghasemi-rad, M, Sheth, R, Oklu, R, The Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mind the Gap!.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14019058.html