Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern, ranking as the sixth most common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recent advancements in systemic therapies, including neoadjuvant and downstaging approaches, have prompted updates in cancer treatment guidelines. Among these advancements, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have emerged as a pivotal breakthrough for treating advanced, unresectable liver cancers. These therapies enhance the immune system's ability to combat tumors by disrupting the cancer's immune evasion mechanisms. However, the efficacy of ICIs varies among patients, highlighting the intricate regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 in liver cancer's immune escape. The regulation of PD-L1 is complex, involving gene variation, epigenetic inheritance, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. High PD-L1 expression is a critical factor influencing the success of immunotherapy in liver cancer. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in comprehensively understanding PD-L1's roles and regulation within the tumor microenvironment and developing effective combination treatment strategies.
This research topic aims to address the critical issues surrounding immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary objectives include reviewing current treatment guidelines, exploring the latest developments in immunotherapy, and identifying optimal treatment regimens. Specific questions to be answered include understanding the regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 in different cell types within the tumor microenvironment and determining the most effective combined treatment strategies. By investigating these areas, the research seeks to enhance the efficacy and precision of immunotherapy for HCC patients.
To gather further insights into the frontier developments in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Optimal regimen of immunotherapy for HCC
- Monitoring of efficacy during treatment
- Selection of subsequent treatment regimens
- Mechanisms of PD-L1 regulation in the tumor microenvironment
- Development of combination treatment strategies
- Impact of genetic and epigenetic factors on immunotherapy outcomes
- Clinical trials and real-world evidence in HCC immunotherapy"
Keywords: Immunotherapy, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Prognosis, TME
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
