Mechanisms of Hepatocarcinogenesis Development in an Acidic Microenvironment

Abstract

Liver cancer represents one of the most common solid tumors globally. Despite curative improvements made in liver cancer therapy these years, the 5-year survival rate of liver cancer remains poor. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of liver cancer is essential for optimizing therapeutic strategies. In recent years, it has been discovered that the acidic tumor microenvironment attributed to increased glycolysis, and hypoxia contributes to liver cancer progression through promoting cancer cell proliferation, metabolic adaptation, and migration and invasion. In this paper, research advances in the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis development under an acidic microenvironment are reviewed.