Aim: To compare the cells of mucosal extension (ME) and radial invasion (RI) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) for optimal resection.
Materials and methods: Forty-six patients underwent surgery for HCCA between 1992 and 2004. Immunohistochemical expressions of p53, Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), mucin 1 (MUC1), and E-cadherin were assessed at five different sites of the tumour and compared between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups.
Results: Expression of E-cadherin was significantly lower in RI cells than in ME cells, and that of MMP7 and MUC1 was significantly higher in RI cells than in ME cells. Ki-67 expression was higher in ME cells than in RI cells. During the 11-year follow-up, recurrence in patients with R0 resection was associated with significantly lower E-cadherin, higher MMP7, and higher Ki-67 expression.
Conclusion: Removal of as many RI cells as possible should be a priority in resection of HCCA, followed by removal of ME cells. E-Cadherin appears to be associated with recurrence of HCCA.
Keywords: E-cadherin; Hilar cholangiocarcinoma; Ki-67; MMP7; MUC1; recurrence.
Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.