The presence of PIM3 increases hepatoblastoma tumorigenesis and tumor initiating cell phenotype and is associated with decreased patient survival

Study demonstrates PIM3 kinase overexpression increases hepatoblastoma tumor growth and cancer stem cell characteristics in cell lines and patient-derived xenografts. Strong PIM3 expression correlates with decreased patient survival, suggesting potential as both a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in this most common pediatric liver malignancy.