High resolution spatial transcriptomics identifies insufficient radiofrequency ablation induces hepatocellular carcinoma progression via CEBPD/CXCL2 axis
Advanced imaging reveals how liver tumors regrow after incomplete treatment, pointing toward drug combinations that might prevent recurrence.
Using high-definition spatial transcriptomics (Visium HD) integrated with scRNA-seq in 6 patients undergoing surgery after insufficient RFA, this study reveals a heat stress–CEBPD–CXCL2 axis that drives immunosuppression and recurrence in HCC. Functional validation in murine models supports CXCR2 inhibition as a potential strategy to prevent RFA-induced recurrence.
What the study was
- Study design
- Translational study (spatial transcriptomics + in vitro + orthotopic mouse model)
- Population
- HCC patients (n=6) with surgical resection post-insufficient RFA, plus in vitro and murine models
- Sample size
- 6
- Category
- Drug Development
- Maturity
- Exploratory
- Journal
- Hepatology
Why it surfaced
Novel spatially resolved mechanism for a clinically important problem (HCC recurrence post-RFA affects 20-70% of patients treated ablatively). Visium HD on clinical FFPE samples is a technically advanced approach. Score limited by small human cohort (n=6) and mixed model. CXCR2 inhibitors are an active pharmacological class.
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