Abstract:
The present study is aimed at exploring the anti-tumor effects of PDI on HCC and the
underlying molecular mechanism as well functions associated signalling pathway for
specific cancer diagnosis. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is actually a key factor
underlining the development and progression of HCC. As for the conventional serum
biomarker, Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) which has been long used for HCC diagnosis and
prognosis, its function has gradually been found not only as a passive biomarker, but
also as an active player in regulation of the TME. This review aims at identifying the
various functions of AFP in the context of the TME of HCC, particularly on tumor
growth, angiogenesis, immune regulation and differentiation and metastasis. The review
also analyses some of the clinical aspects of AFP in HCC such as the therapeutic
potential of AFP and its ability to predict the effectiveness of treatments. Newer studies
on other novel biomarkers associated with AFP and genetic aspects of the function of
AFP in TME are presented and future strategies in AFP-directed therapies further
elaborated. Elucidating the multifaceted nature of the relationship between AFP and
TME will be crucial for designing the new therapeutic approaches that can enhance the
HCC diagnostics and treatment.
