Oncofetal Gene SALL4 in Aggressive Hepatocellular Carcinoma

SALL4, which is expressed in fetal but not adult liver, is reexpressed in a subgroup of hepatocellular cancers associated with a poor prognosis. In mice, treatment aimed at inhibiting SALL4 has antitumor effects. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Although the epidemiologic risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma are well known, 1 the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis are not well characterized. Elucidation of these mechanisms may allow identification of new candidates for therapeutic targeting. Although surgery, liver transplantation, and radiologic intervention may be viable options for patients with early-stage disease, the prognosis associated with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma remains bleak. 2 Combination chemotherapy has not improved overall survival but has nonetheless been in wide use for many years because of its possible role in palliation. The need to understand the molecular pathogenesis . . .