Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that viscoelasticity, a biophysical property of tissues, is a more accurate predictor of liver cancer than stiffness, particularly in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. This groundbreaking study challenges the long-standing belief that tissue stiffness is the primary marker for liver cancer risk. People with Type 2 diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop liver cancer, even in the absence of cirrhosis, due to the elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that alter the extracellular matrix of liver tissue. The researchers found that liver samples from diabetics showed higher viscoelasticity without significant changes in stiffness, suggesting that viscoelasticity plays a crucial role in cancer progression.
The study, published in Nature, used a combination of patient samples, animal models, and laboratory-grown cells in 3D culture to explore the effects of viscoelasticity on liver cancer. The team discovered that a more viscoelastic matrix promotes invasive behavior in liver cells, enabling them to escape natural barriers and spread uncontrollably. This finding highlights the potential of viscoelasticity as a key marker for liver cancer in diabetic patients.
Current guidelines recommend liver cancer screening only for those with cirrhosis, leaving many diabetic patients undiagnosed. The study’s results could lead to new screening recommendations, especially for those with Type 2 diabetes. The team plans to further investigate viscoelasticity’s role in liver cancer progression through clinical trials, with the goal of improving early detection and treatment. This research could also have broader implications for understanding cancer risks in diabetic patients across different cancer types, including breast cancer.
