Pathological prognostic factors in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Relevant studies on the pathological factors of hepatocellular carcinoma in relation to prognosis are reviewed. Morphological features of the tumour, both gross and histological, have been found to be significantly related to tumour recurrence and patient survival. Recently, with applications of newer antibodies and techniques, studies on cellular proliferation activities using proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 antibodies, and assessment of argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions have been shown to provide good prognostic significance. Flow cytometric studies on DNA ploidy and studies on expression of genes, particularly p53 tumour suppressor gene, are also reviewed, but the results are less unanimous. In conclusion, these pathological prognostic factors help to guide the clinicians in the management of patients and in assessment of long-term prognosis.