British journal of anaesthesia
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Opioid receptors are implicated in cancer progression and long-term patient outcomes. However, the prognostic significance, underlying mechanisms, and therapeutic value of mu-opioid receptor (MOP) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. ⋯ MOP plays a key oncogenic function in hepatocarcinogenesis. Its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Furthermore, MOP inhibitors may be a promising strategy for HCC therapy.