The expression status of vessels-encapsulated tumor cluster structure in hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer and their liver metastatic tumor

Abstract

Objective To study the expression of vessels-encapsulated tumor cluster (VETC) structure in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal cancer, together with their hepatic metastases. Methods Fifty cases of HCC and 40 cases of colorectal cancer tissues, together with their metastatic tissues were collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of VETC structure in HCC and colorectal cancer, as well as their hepatic metastases. Results In the 50 cases of primary HCC tissues, 34 cases were VETC negative (68.00%), and the remaining 16 cases were VETC positive (32.00%). The hepatic metastases of all the VETC-negative primary HCC tissues were VETC negative. Nine cases of the hepatic metastases in VETC-positive group were VETC negative, while the ohter 7 cases were VETC negative (43.75%). None of the colorectal cancer cases and their hepatic metastases was VETC positive. Conclusion VETC structure is frequently found in HCC, but rarely seen in colorectal cancer. VETC structure may be a potential pathway for liver metastasis. Key words: Vessels-encapsulate tumor cluster; Carcinoma, hepatocellular