Broad-spectrum kinome profiling identifies CDK6 upregulation as a driver of lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Lenvatinib is the FDA-approved targeted drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the efficacy is modest due to drug resistance. Tumor kinome re-wiring governs drug resistance in resistant cancer cells, which is an obstacle for efficient cancer therapy. Therefore, identification the kinases critical for this rewiring process in HCC is crucial.This study reveals the new role of CDK6 and its mechanistic insight in regulation of cancer stemness and drug resistance. These results support the combination treatment of lenvatinib with palbociclib for advanced HCC patients. Further studies will optimize patient target selection and identify the best treatment combinations.