A promising tool to elucidate the molecular characteristics of HCC are patient-derived organoids (PDOs), three-dimensional cultures of cells that self-organise according to tissue-specific patterns and can be used to test the susceptibility of a specific tumour to anticancer agents. In this study, PDOs for HCC will be developed that closely resemble the tumour microenvironment in vivo and mimic the crosstalk of the gut-liver axis to establish a correlation with patient prognosis and test the efficacy of available systemic therapies.
Capacity to express informed consent;
Age ≥18 years;
Suspected radiological diagnosis of HCC or diagnosis of HCC with indications for surgical resection.
Age < 18 years;
Contraindications to liver biopsy (ascites, platelets<50,000, INR>1.7);
Contraindications to HCC resection surgery;
Active viral infection;