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World Journal of Surgical Oncology
Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Hepatocellular Carcinoma | Research

Angiogenic inflammation and formation of necrosis in the tumor microenvironment influence patient survival after radical surgery for de novo hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhosis

Authors: Georgi Atanasov, Karoline Dino, Katrin Schierle, Corinna Dietel, Gabriela Aust, Johann Pratschke, Daniel Seehofer, Moritz Schmelzle, Hans-Michael Hau

Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Tumor escape mechanisms mediated in the tumor microenvironment can significantly reduce the capacity of the anti-tumor function of the immune system. TIE2-expressing monocytes (TEMs), related angiopoietins, and tumor necrosis are considered to have a key role in this process. We aimed to investigate the abundance and clinical significance of these biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 58 HCC patients received surgery with a curative intent. The abundance of TEMs, angiopoietin-1 and -2 were detected in tumor specimens of the HCC patients (n = 58), and together with the occurrence of histologic tumor necrosis, were associated with established clinicopathological characteristics and survival.

Results

Patients with HCC characterized by necrosis and TEMs revealed reduced both overall survival and recurrence-free survival (all p < 0.05). Angiopoietins and TEMs were associated with metastatic and recurrent HCC. Furthermore, the formation of histologic tumor necrosis was associated with advanced tumor stage and density of TEMs (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Histologic tumor necrosis, TEMs, and related angiopoietins were associated with multiple HCC parameters and patient survival. The tumor necrosis–TEM–angiopoietin axis may offer a novel diagnostic modality to predict patient outcome after surgery for HCC.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Angiogenic inflammation and formation of necrosis in the tumor microenvironment influence patient survival after radical surgery for de novo hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhosis
Authors
Georgi Atanasov
Karoline Dino
Katrin Schierle
Corinna Dietel
Gabriela Aust
Johann Pratschke
Daniel Seehofer
Moritz Schmelzle
Hans-Michael Hau
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
World Journal of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7819
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-019-1756-8

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