PDGFRα: A new therapeutic target in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops most often in a background of chronic inflammatory liver injury from viral infection or alcohol use. Most HCCs are diagnosed at a stage at which surgical resection is not feasible. Even in patients receiving surgery rates of recurrence and metastasis remain high. There are few effective HCC therapies and hence a need for novel, rational approaches to treatment. Platelet derived growth factor receptor-? (PDGFR-?) is involved in tumor angiogenesis and maintenance of the tumor microenvironment and has been implicated in development and metastasis of HCC. Objective: To examine PDGFR-α as a target for therapy of HCC and explore opportunities and strategies for PDGFR-α inhibition. Methods: A review of relevant literature. Results/conclusions: Targeted inhibition of PDGFR-α is a rational strategy for prevention and therapy of HCC.