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Shrestha et al. Hepatoma Res 2019;5:32 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-5079.2019.24 Page 13 of 17

combination therapy. There have not been sufficient studies exploring novel immune checkpoint molecules
and predictive biomarkers for ICIs in HCC. The relationship between EMT and immune checkpoint
molecules presents a promising combinatorial approach for the treatment of HCC.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Made substantial contributions to conception and design of the study, manuscript writing: Shrestha R,
Jayachandran A
Manuscript revision and interpretation: Shrestha R, Bridle KR, Crawford D, Jayachandran A
Final approval of manuscripts: Shrestha R, Bridle KR, Crawford D, Jayachandran A

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
This manuscript publication is funded by Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2019.

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