A morpho-molecular prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality with suboptimal prognostication.
• Accurate prediction of HCC patient outcomes is crucial for effective treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel prognostication algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• To identify key molecular and clinicopathological predictors of survival in HCC.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry evaluated 13 biomarkers in 121 HCC tissues, validated in 85 cases.
• Results compared with gene expression data from 228 HCC patients.
• A morpho-molecular prognostic model (MMPM) was constructed.

Main Results:

• p53, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), CD44, CD31, tumor size, and vascular invasion significantly predicted worse HCC survival.
• The MMPM independently predicted overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (P<0.000).
• HCC patients were stratified into high-risk (HCC(high)) and low-risk (HCC(low)) groups with distinct survival outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The MMPM effectively classifies HCC patients into good vs. poor prognosis groups.
• This model aids in predicting recurrence risk after hepatic resection.
• MMPM provides a valuable tool for personalized HCC management.