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Gene and protein expression of RCAS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Masahide Ikeguchi1, Yasuaki Hirooka, Nobuaki Kaibara

  • 1Division of Operating Room, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8504, Japan. masaike@grape.med.tottori-u.ac.jp

Anticancer Research
|February 26, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells (RCAS1) protein levels in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors predict transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) effectiveness. High RCAS1 expression indicates better survival after TAE for new tumor development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Hepatobiliary Surgery

Background:

  • Receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells (RCAS1) is a tumor-associated antigen expressed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell membranes.
  • RCAS1 expression can induce apoptosis in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, potentially impacting anti-tumor immunity.
  • The clinical significance of RCAS1 in HCC, particularly its correlation with treatment outcomes, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical importance of RCAS1 gene and protein expression in surgically resected HCC.
  • To evaluate the correlation between RCAS1 expression levels and patient survival, especially after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for recurrent tumors.
  • To determine if RCAS1 expression can serve as a prognostic marker for HCC patients undergoing TAE.

Main Methods:

  • RCAS1 gene and protein expression were quantified in 60 HCC patients using real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.
  • Expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological features, including tumor differentiation, progression, and disease-free survival.
  • Survival analysis was performed for patients who developed new tumors and received TAE, stratifying by RCAS1 expression levels.

Main Results:

  • RCAS1 mRNA and protein expression levels showed a significant positive correlation.
  • RCAS1 protein was detected in 75% of HCC cases, with high immunoreactivity in 31.7%.
  • High RCAS1 protein expression in primary tumors was associated with significantly longer survival (41.4 months) after TAE compared to low expression (23.5 months) in patients with new tumor development (p = 0.024).

Conclusions:

  • RCAS1 protein expression in primary HCC tumors is not correlated with tumor differentiation or progression.
  • Low RCAS1 protein expression in primary tumors is an independent poor prognostic factor for patients who develop new tumors after initial resection.
  • RCAS1 protein expression may serve as a valuable predictive marker for the effectiveness of TAE treatment in HCC patients with recurrent disease.

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