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A rare form of cancer found in mice
DH Web Desk
Last Updated IST

Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem have discovered the cell of origin of mixed liver/biliary duct carcinomas, a rare type of liver cancer, in mice.

Interleukin 6 is a pro-inflammatory immunological messenger that has been linked to cancer development (IL-6). The amount and size of tumour were reduced in mice after IL-6 was blocked. The journal Hepatology published the study's findings. Hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic biliary duct carcinoma, and a hybrid form known as combined liver/biliary duct carcinoma (cHCC/CCA) are all included in the term ‘liver cancer’. The cHCC/CCA cells display characteristics of both cancer types. This uncommon cHCC/CCA is thought to be extremely aggressive and responds terribly to current therapies.

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(Published 23 August 2022, 14:10 IST)