Positive cytokeratin 19 expression promotes poor outcomes in HCC

Key clinical point: Among hepatitis B virus-positive HCC patients, the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate was higher in those with negative expression of cytokeratin 19 compared to those who were CK19-positive. 

Major finding: In a multivariate analysis, CK19 expression was significantly associated with poor recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 1.586, P = 0.042); other independent predictors were postoperative platelet > 300/L (HR 2.82), satellite nodule (HR = 1.71), 95 microvascular invasion (HR = 1.61), and tumor without capsule (HR 1.87).

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 674 adults with hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent resection between January 2010 and May 2020. Researchers used a multivariate analysis to create a nomogram of 2-year recurrence-free survival.

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Disclosures: The study was supported by the Gansu Science and Technology Department. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Shuyao W et al. J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Sep 10. doi: 10.1007/s11605-021-05107-w.