Immunohistochemical Coexpression of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule and Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background and Aim The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has been proposed as a marker for cancer stem cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as in the development of novel target therapies. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of EpCAM and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in HCC patients and their association with clinicopathological characteristics. Methods This study included Child-Pugh A HCC patients undergoing curative surgical resection. Results A significant difference was observed in the ratio between the different phenotypes (p = 0.002), identifying 12 (29.3%) EPCAM positive tumors and 29 (70.7%) negative tumors. EpCAM+ expression was associated with AFP + (OR = 12.5, 95% CI, 1.9-84.1, p<0.001). In univariate analysis, a significant association was observed between AFP+ and EPCAM+ and the serum AFP level. A diameter of ≤ 5 cm was associated with EPCAM+, while angiolymphatic invasion was associated with APF+. In a multivariate analysis, only tumors of ≤ 5 cm were significantly associated with EpCAM+ (OR = 8.7; 95%CI, 1.27-100.0; p = 0.022). The overall survival rate was 74.9%, 69.4%, 69.4%, and 53.5% at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. Conclusion A considerable number of patients with EpCAM+ HCC would benefit from a specific target therapy.

rs62139665 Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of EpCAM Is Associated With Hepatitis C Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Egyptians

“…Former studies reported significant association of EpCAM expression in HCC with high tumor grade and AFP level (36,37). In our current study, the expression levels of AFP and EpCAM were significantly higher in the HCC group relative to the HCV and control groups.…”

Screening for aberrantly methylated and differentially expressed genes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with cirrhosis

“…Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, acting as a Ca 2+ -independent homophilic cell adhesion molecule [13]. EpCAM has been reported to be involved in malignant proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and tumor recurrence [1].…”

EpCAM, Ki67, and ESM1 Predict Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation

“…EpCAM expression was identified as brownish fine granular cytoplasmic and/ or membranous staining. EpCAM-positive expression was considered when >10% of cells demonstrated a moderate or strong stain 18 …”

“…Ep-CAM-positive expression was considered when > 10% of cells demonstrated a moderate or strong stain. 18 A semi-quantitative immunoreactivity scoring system (IRS) was based on the proportion of positive cells and intensity of staining to determine the expression status as follow; 0 (negative, <5%); 1+ (weak, 5% to 30%); 2+ (moderate, 30% to 60%); and 3+ (strong, > 60%). 19 Ki67-positive expression was identified as brownish nuclear staining.…”