The relationship between p53 mutation and the size and distribution of hepatits B virus related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly seen malignancies in the world. The p53 gene is considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between tumour size and distribution and p53 mutation in patients with HBV related HCC. The 21 patients included in this study all had HCC related with HBV infection and liver cirrhosis. p53 mutation was investigated in tumor tissues by immunohistochemical methods. AH patients underwent radiological studies (US, CT, MRI) to determine tumor size and distribution with regard to focality (unifocal or multifocal). p53 mutation was found in 6 of the 21 patients (28%). Although no correlation was found between tumor size and p53 mutation, multifocal distribution of the tumor correlated significantly with p53 mutation. Our findings suggest that p53 positivity may be related to a poor prognosis and these patients should be taken into consideration for palliative treatment modalities.