<p>The lymphatic system in the liver has long been regarded as a passive transport route responsible for interstitial fluid drainage. However, recent research has redefined it as a “new frontier in hepatology,” playing active and multifaceted roles in liver disease progression, ascites formation, and tumor immune responses. In malignancies such as liver cancer, lymphatic vessels function as conduits for lymph node metastasis, while simultaneously serving as pathways for tumor antigens and tumor-induced inflammatory cells, potentially contributing to the modulation of the immune microenvironment. This review first outlines the latest findings regarding the lymphatic system in non-neoplastic tissues. Next, we examine recent studies investigating the impact of lymphatic vessels on cancer progression. Furthermore, we focus specifically on the hepatic lymphatic system in both non-neoplastic and cancerous states. Finally, we conclude by discussing the potential role of hepatic lymphatic vessels in regulating the tumor microenvironment in liver cancer.</p>

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Lymphatic system in the liver: a new frontier in liver physiology and oncology

  • Reiichiro Kondo,
  • Rio Sonoda,
  • Jun Akiba

摘要

The lymphatic system in the liver has long been regarded as a passive transport route responsible for interstitial fluid drainage. However, recent research has redefined it as a “new frontier in hepatology,” playing active and multifaceted roles in liver disease progression, ascites formation, and tumor immune responses. In malignancies such as liver cancer, lymphatic vessels function as conduits for lymph node metastasis, while simultaneously serving as pathways for tumor antigens and tumor-induced inflammatory cells, potentially contributing to the modulation of the immune microenvironment. This review first outlines the latest findings regarding the lymphatic system in non-neoplastic tissues. Next, we examine recent studies investigating the impact of lymphatic vessels on cancer progression. Furthermore, we focus specifically on the hepatic lymphatic system in both non-neoplastic and cancerous states. Finally, we conclude by discussing the potential role of hepatic lymphatic vessels in regulating the tumor microenvironment in liver cancer.