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. 2008 Jul 1;99(1):151–159. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604440

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Copyright © 2008 Cancer Research UK

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Complex interactions of host tissue with developing liver cancer. Hepatocarcinogenesis is characterised by multiple steps of increasing aberrations in cellular signalling networks, which starts in the transition from normal cells to early precursor lesions. The gradual formation of liver cancer is accompanied by the development of a specific tumour microenvironment, consisting of immune cells, small vessels, myofibroblasts, and extracellular matrix components. In advanced stages of tumour development, myofibroblastoid (MF)-cells enhance migration of hepatocarcinoma (HCC)-cells and neoangiogenesis. In contrast, the B-lymphoblastoid (BLC)-cells induce death of the malignant hepatocytes. Furthermore, BLC- and MF-cells release factors that stimulate growth of premalignant hepatocytes. Thus, the complex interactions between the microenvironment and the different stages of epithelial transformation affect proliferation, migration and death of cells, neoangiogenesis, and outgrowth of additional liver tumours.