Abstract

Understanding Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Using Mouse Models

Kanaga Sabapathy, Professor and Head, National Cancer Centre

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading global cause of cancer death, is endemic in Asia, and is one of the top 5 cancers in Singapore. It is a deadly disease with an overall five-year survival of about 5%. HCC development is linked to multiple factors including diet, alcohol, inflammation and microorganisms. Although molecular advances over the last decade have led to an increased understanding of the genetic changes that occur in HCC, there is still inadequate knowledge about the full spectrum of molecular mechanisms and epigenetic events that occur in hepatocarcinogenesis. This void is reflected in the dearth of biomarkers for HCC detection and the knowledge of specific dominant pathways that control and contribute to the respective stages of HCC, as the molecular complexion would likely differ with advancing stages of HCC. We have therefore been trying to model HCC using the HBsAg transgenic mice, which mimics healthy human carriers with HBsAg, and which have been exposed to environmental factors such as aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1). Data on the relevance of these and other related mouse models will be presented.