Hepatocellular tumors: immunohistochemical analyses for classification and prognostication.
Regina Cheuk-Lam Lo1, Irene Oi-Lin Ng
1Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Chinese Journal of Cancer Research = Chung-Kuo Yen Cheng Yen Chiu
|January 30, 2013
Summary
Immunohistochemical markers aid in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and subtyping hepatocellular adenomas. These biomarkers also help determine HCC prognosis and tumor cell origin.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Improved classification of hepatocellular nodules since 1995 and 2009.
- Need for better distinction between high-grade dysplastic nodules and early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Emergence of extensive immunohistochemical and molecular data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic and prognostic utility of biomarkers in hepatocellular nodules, hepatocellular adenomas, and HCC.
- To discuss the role of biomarkers in subclassifying HCC based on tumor cell origin.
Main Methods:
- Review of immunohistochemical and molecular data.
- Analysis of diagnostic panels for small, well-differentiated tumors and HCC.
- Evaluation of biomarkers for hepatocellular adenoma subtyping and HCC prognostication.
Main Results:
- Glypican-3, heat shock protein 70, and glutamine synthetase are useful for diagnosing HCC.
- Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), β-catenin, glutamine synthetase, serum amyloid protein, and C-reactive protein aid in subtyping hepatocellular adenomas.
- Tissue biomarkers show potential for HCC prognostication and subclassification.
Conclusions:
- Immunohistochemical markers are valuable tools in the diagnosis and subtyping of liver lesions.
- Biomarkers play a crucial role in understanding HCC heterogeneity and guiding patient management.
