14039 Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in many types of cancers, plays an important role in the tumorigenesis, and is indicated to be a promising target for cancer therapy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer with one of the worst prognosis, and new therapeutic approaches are required. The aim of this study was to clarify a possible role of EGFR expression on clinico-pathology of HCC. Methods: HCC tissues were obtained from 36 HCC patients (23 men and 13 women, range 45–80 years old) who underwent curative surgery. EGFR status of the tumors was assessed by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. The percentage of positive tumor cells was scored as follows: 0+, no positive tumor cells; 1+, 1–10% positive cells; 2+, 10–50% positive cells; 3+, >50% positive cells. The staining intensity of membrane was evaluated as follows: 0+, negative; 1+, weak; 2+, moderate; 3+, strong. A composite score (EGFR score) was obtained by calculating the sum of these two scores. The tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed with Ki-67 labeling and ssDNA labeling, respectively. Results: EGFR expression was detected in 33 (91.7%) of 36 tumors. EGFR score ranged from 0 to 6. Higher EGFR score was related with poorer histologic grade (P = 0.005 by Kruskal-Wallis) and advanced pathologic stage (P = 0.038 by Kruskal-Wallis). EGFR score correlated positively with Ki-67 labeling indices (r = 0.358 and P = 0.032 by Spearman), and correlated negatively with apoptosis indices (r = −0.388 and P = 0.019 by Spearman). EGFR score did not affect disease free survival (DFS) or over all survival (OS), after curative surgery. Conclusions: Higher expression of EGFR, assessed with IHC, associates with more aggressive pathologic features, increased tumor cell proliferation, and reduced tumor cell apoptosis. However, further examination is needed to clarify its predictive significance. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
SNRPB-mediated RNA splicing drives tumor cell proliferation and stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma
