Comprehensive allelotyping of human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. (57/1182)

We performed a genome-wide scan for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 22 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) cases using 168 polymorphic microsatellite markers throughout all of the human chromosomes and 48 markers of which LOH is reportedly characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Markers with LOH in more than 30% of informative cases were observed at 21 loci. Among these, eight markers on 6q (three loci), 4q (two loci), 9q, 16q, and 17p shared high frequencies of LOH with HCC in our previous study. As for gross appearance, mass-forming type tumors showed higher frequency of LOH (P < 0.001) compared with other types. Compared by tumor size (< or =5 cm versus >5 cm), number (multiple versus solitary), and the International Union Against Cancer TNM classification (stage IVB versus II-IVA), LOH was observed more frequently in advanced stages (P < 0.01, respectively). However, LOH frequency does not differ regardless of lymph node status (pN0 versus pN1). Frequent LOH on 1p36 including the p73 locus was noted in large tumors without lymph node metastasis. These suggest that ICC shares some common carcinogenic steps with HCC such as LOH of 4q and 6q and that inactivation of tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 1p36 contributes to progression of ICC but not to metastatic traits.  (+info)

Altered expression of beta-catenin without genetic mutation in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. (58/1182)

beta-catenin which has a role in E-cadherin mediated cell-to-cell adhesion, and is also involved in Wnt signaling pathways as a downstream signaling molecule accumulating in the cytoplasm and nucleus constitutively activates Tcf/LEF-associated transcription of oncogenic genes. We examined the expression pattern and the genetic alteration of beta-catenin to determine the role of beta-catenin in cancer formation and/or progression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). beta-catenin expression was immunohistochemically examined in 71 surgically resected ICC samples, and correlation between the expression pattern and clinicopathologic factors was investigated. Mutation analysis of beta-catenin exon 3, which included the responsible element for Wnt signaling was done in 55 samples, using PCR-SSCP and direct sequence methods. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the reduced membranous expression of beta-catenin in 58 (82%) ICCs and aberrant nuclear expression in 11 (15%) ICCs. The membranous expression was preserved in 62% of the papillary adenocarcinomas, and was frequently reduced in tumors with a poorer histological differentiation (84%), with a significant difference (P =.01). Genetic analysis showed that none of the 55 ICCs examined carried mutations in beta-catenin exon 3. The present study indicates that reduced membranous expression of beta-catenin is associated with non-papillary ICCs which have a more malignant behavior, and that nuclear translocation of beta-catenin results in oncogenic events. Mutations in beta-catenin exon 3 do not appear to be responsible for nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in ICCs.  (+info)

Staging, resectability, and outcome in 225 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. (59/1182)

OBJECTIVE: To analyze resectability and survival in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma according to a proposed preoperative staging scheme that fully integrates local, tumor-related factors. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: In patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, long-term survival depends critically on complete tumor resection. The current staging systems ignore factors related to local tumor extent, preclude accurate preoperative disease assessment, and correlate poorly with resectability and survival. METHODS: Demographics, results of imaging studies, surgical findings, pathology, and survival were analyzed prospectively in consecutive patients. Using data from imaging studies, all patients were placed into one of three stages based on the extent of ductal involvement by tumor, the presence or absence of portal vein compromise, and the presence or absence of hepatic lobar atrophy. RESULTS: From March 1991 through December 2000, 225 patients were evaluated, 77% of whom were seen and treated within the last 6 years. Sixty-five patients had unresectable disease; 160 patients underwent exploration with curative intent. Eighty patients underwent resection: 62 (78%) had a concomitant hepatic resection and 62 (78%) had an R0 resection (negative histologic margins). Negative histologic margins, concomitant partial hepatectomy, and well-differentiated tumor histology were associated with improved outcome after all resections. However, in patients who underwent an R0 resection, concomitant partial hepatectomy was the only independent predictor of long-term survival. Of the 9 actual 5-year survivors (of 30 at risk), all had a concomitant hepatic resection and none had tumor-involved margins; 3 of these 9 patients remained free of disease at a median follow-up of 88 months. The rates of complications and death after resection were 64% and 10%, respectively. In the 219 patients whose disease could be staged, the proposed system predicted resectability and the likelihood of an R0 resection and correlated with metastatic disease and survival. CONCLUSION: By taking full account of local tumor extent, the proposed staging system for hilar cholangiocarcinoma accurately predicts resectability, the likelihood of metastatic disease, and survival. Complete resection remains the only therapy that offers the possibility of long-term survival, and hepatic resection is a critical component of the surgical approach.  (+info)

cDNA arrays and immunohistochemistry identification of CD10/CALLA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. (60/1182)

The histological diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be complicated by difficulty in differentiation from cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains currently in use are suboptimal in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Using cDNA array analysis for differential gene expression, we demonstrated a significant increase in mRNA expression level of CD10/CALLA, a type 2 cell-surface metalloproteinase, in HCC, which was subsequently confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. To test the possibility of using CD10/CALLA as a diagnostic marker for HCC, various intrahepatic tumors were studied immunohistochemically using a monoclonal antibody for CD10. A characteristic canalicular-staining pattern was observed in normal hepatocytes and at the apical surface of bile duct epithelial cells. The canalicular expression of CD10 was identified in 9 of 15 HCCs examined (60%), whereas 10 cholangiocarcinomas and 8 of 9 metastatic carcinomas lacked this staining. In three of the six HCCs negative for CD10, the surrounding nonneoplastic liver tissue was also negative, suggesting fixation-associated loss of immunoreactivity. Six HCCs had stronger CD10 staining in tumor cells when compared to the surrounding nonneoplastic tissue. Three cases of benign bile duct adenomas also expressed CD10 at the luminal aspect. One of the MCs showed a diffuse, cytoplasmic staining for CD10, a pattern readily distinguishable from that of HCC. A panel of other immunohistochemical markers were also studied for comparison, including polyclonal anti-carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK20, and alpha-fetoprotein. Our results demonstrate that cDNA arrays can be effectively used to identify new diagnostic markers, and that CD10 is a reliable marker for identifying HCC, particularly when used in conjunction with a panel of immunohistochemical markers (polyclonal anti-carcinoembryonic antigen, CK7, CK20, and alpha-fetoprotein) and in the distinction from cholangiocarcinoma.  (+info)

Primary liver carcinoma in genetic hemochromatosis reveals a broad histologic spectrum. (61/1182)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a well-known complication of genetic hemochromatosis (GH). However, the frequency of primary liver carcinoma (PLC) with biliary differentiation, such as cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and combined hepatocholangiocarcinoma (CHCC), in GH remains unclear We analyzed the histologic type of 20 PLCs occurring in the background of GH; all patients were homozygotic for the C282Y mutation. Ten were depleted of iron by successive phlebotomies, while the remaining 10 were untreated. Histologically, 13 cases were classified as HCC, 3 as CC, and 4 as CHCC. Immunohistochemical detection of Hep Par 1, cytokeratin 19 (CK19), and MUC1 supported this classification; PLC with biliary differentiation was immunoreactive for MUC1 in 86% (6/7) of cases and for CK19 in 100% (7/7) of cases. The nontumoral liver exhibited no cirrhosis or extensive fibrosis in 6 cases. Von Meyenburg complexes were present in 11 cases and intraparenchymal bile duct adenomas in 3. These data suggest that PLCs in patients with GH present a wide histologic spectrum, with tumors showing frequent biliary differentiation; may arise on a nonfibrotic or a cirrhotic liver; and often are associated with Von Meyenburg complexes and to a lesser extent with bile duct adenomas.  (+info)

The expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), and Mcl-1 in benign, dysplastic, and malignant biliary epithelium. (62/1182)

AIM: Cholangiocarcinoma can be cured by surgery, but only in a minority of cases. The activation of apoptosis is a major mode of action of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which have limited benefit in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. The antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family (Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), and Mcl-1) are important inhibitors of apoptosis, but have not been investigated extensively in cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: The expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), and Mcl-1 was investigated in normal biliary epithelium (17), biliary dysplasia (three), and invasive cholangiocarcinoma (51), in addition to three human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The expression of Bcl-2 was not detected in normal or malignant biliary tissue. In contrast, granular cytoplasmic Bcl-X(L) and Mcl-1 staining was found in 60-100% of cells in all normal, dysplastic, and malignant specimens, including the human cell lines examined in this study. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Mcl-1 and Bcl-X(L), but not Bcl-2, are involved in the survival of normal and neoplastic cells in the biliary tree. By prolonging survival through blocking apoptosis, these proteins might be reducing the efficacy of cytotoxic anticancer treatments in cholangiocarcinoma.  (+info)

Immunohistochemical characterization of canine hyperplastic hepatic lesions and hepatocellular and biliary neoplasms with monoclonal antibody hepatocyte paraffin 1 and a monoclonal antibody to cytokeratin 7. (63/1182)

Immunostaining with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) hepatocyte paraffin 1 (Hep Par 1) and an MoAb to cytokeratin 7 (CK7) was performed on 105 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine hyperplastic and neoplastic hepatic lesions. Hep Par 1 was detected in 12/12 hyperplastic nodules, 17/17 hepatocellular adenomas, and 37/40 hepatocellular carcinomas. The staining was disseminated, granular, and cytoplasmic. This antibody did not react with normal or neoplastic biliary epithelium. Other hepatic tumors or tumors metastatic to the liver did not bind Hep Par 1 except one metastatic intestinal carcinoma. MoAb to CK 7 stained all hyperplastic biliary epithelium and benign cholangiocellular tumors (5/5) and 14/18 cholangiocellular carcinomas. One hepatocellular carcinoma had cells positive for both Hep Par 1 and CK 7. Liver was the only normal tissue tested that reacted with MoAb Hep Par 1. Only five nonhepatic tumors (one adrenocortical carcinoma, one interstitial cell tumor of the testis, one melanoma, and two salivary adenocarcinomas) of 277 tumors tested had focal/multifocal staining for Hep Par 1. Prolonged fixation did not alter the staining with Hep Par 1. We conclude that Hep Par 1 is a specific and sensitive marker for canine hepatocellular tumors and allows distinction between hepatocellular and biliary neoplasms.  (+info)

Oncocytic biliary cystadenocarcinoma is a form of intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm of the liver. (64/1182)

Biliary cystadenocarcinoma with oncocytic differentiation was first reported in 1992. This is a report of a second case. The patient (a 71-year-old man) was admitted to our hospital complaining of abdominal fullness. Multicystic lesions were identified in the left hepatic lobe radiologically. The patient died of peritoneal dissemination of carcinoma 20 months later. At autopsy, the tumor of the left hepatic lobe was found to be composed of adjoining multiple cystic lesions and a solid lesion with infiltration of the hepatic hilus and peritoneal dissemination. Histologically, the multicystic lesions were covered by papillary neoplastic epithelial cells with an eosinophilic granular cytoplasm resembling that of oncocytes and a fine fibrovascular core. The cyst wall was fibrous, but there was no mesenchymal stroma. In the solid lesion and infiltrated areas, acidophilic and granular carcinoma cells formed small glandular or solid cord patterns with much mucin secretion (mucinous carcinoma). Immunohistochemically, carcinoma cells of both components were found to contain many mitochondria and showed the phenotypes of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Interestingly, the intrahepatic biliary tree also was invaded by carcinoma cells. This may be a case of intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm of the left hepatic lobe followed by secondary cystic dilatation of the affected bile duct.  (+info)