Boosting NAD+ for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide yet has limited therapeutic options. We recently demonstrated that inhibition of de novo nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis is responsible for DNA damage, thereby initiating hepatocarcinogenesis. We propose that boosting NAD+ levels might be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic approach in HCC.