20.500.12556/DiRROS-28877 Angiogenetic factors in hepatocellular carcinoma during transarterial chemoembolization a pilot study Angiogenetic factors in hepatocellular carcinoma during transarterial chemoembolization : a pilot study Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and remains a significant global health challenge. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the treatment of choice for intermediate-stage HCC patients. While TACE induces localized cytotoxic and ischemic tumor necrosis, the resultant hypoxia paradoxically activates pro-angiogenic signaling pathways, which may promote tumor revascularization and recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of angiogenetic factors pre- and post-TACE to assess their dynamic changes and potential clinical implications. Methods: Twenty-five intermediate-stage HCC patients were included in this monocentric prospective study. Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline (pre-TACE), 24 h, 3 days, and 1 month post-TACE. Angiogenic factor levels were analyzed using a multiplex bead-based assay. Results: Angiopoietin-2 levels were significantly elevated three days post-TACE, followed by a gradual decline after one month. A similar pattern was observed for hepatocyte growth factor, with a marked increase at 24 h post-TACE and subsequent normalization. Endothelin-1 also exhibited a temporary increase, although it was only detected in four patients. Fibroblast growth factors (1 and 2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A were detected in a limited number of patients, which may indicate low systemic release or the need for a more sensitive detection method. Conclusions: These findings suggest that TACE induces a transient increase in angiogenic factors, likely due to tumor ischemia, tissue injury, or microenvironmental responses. Future studies should explore more sensitive detection methods and evaluate whether these factors could serve as prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in HCC treatment. hepatocellular carcinoma transarterial chemoembolization angiogenesis angiopoietin-2 HGF VEGF-A FGF-1 FGF-2 endothelin-1 transarterijska kemoembolizacija angiogeneza angiopoetin-2 HGF VEGF-A FGF-1 FGF-2 endotelin-1 true false true Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik Neznano 2026-04-10 11:40:38 2026-04-10 11:40:39 2026-04-11 03:54:49 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2025 0 0 Nasl. z nasl. zaslona; Opis vira z dne 1. 9. 2025; 12 str. issue 16, [article no.] 2642 Vol. 17 2025 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 616.36-006 2072-6694 10.3390/cancers17162642 247145475 RAZ_Osredkar_Josko_2025.pdf RAZ_Osredkar_Josko_2025.pdf 1 48FA01F3A4B99BA3772BE78DF430EFC0 ad7116f7fcdcc8d2da625d49c3e31559431fcf4de0e81a08706a86a012d8d296 7755984b-34c1-11f1-b941-001a4af901a5 https://dirros.openscience.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=43050 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/16/2642 1 57ae3ba0-34c1-11f1-b941-001a4af901a5 https://dirros.openscience.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=43049 Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana 0 0 0