AJSP2503 - CME/CMLE - Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma based on varying cutoffs of tumoral steatohepatitic changes-AJSP2503

AJSP2503 - Educational Activity

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The study investigates steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma (SH-HCC), a subtype of liver cancer, to understand its clinicopathologic features, prognosis, and the significance of varying proportions of steatohepatitis within the tumor. The research analyzes 505 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), categorizing them into conventional HCC (CV-HCC) and SH-HCC based on differing cutoff percentages of steatohepatitis (5%, 30%, and 50%).<br /><br />The study finds that hepatitis C virus infection is a major underlying cause in both CV-HCC and SH-HCC but notes a higher prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in SH-HCC cases. Morphological features like glycogenated nuclei and Mallory-Denk bodies are more common in SH-HCC regardless of cutoff percentage. Despite these histopathologic differences, no significant variation is found in overall survival rates between SH-HCC and CV-HCC across the various steatohepatitic cutoffs.<br /><br />SH-HCC has diverse associated etiologies, including metabolic and viral factors, though hepatitis C virus remains the most prevalent risk factor. Research shows no unique molecular signature that categorically defines SH-HCC, posing a challenge to its classification as a distinct subtype.<br /><br />The study underscores that different cutoff thresholds for steatohepatitis do not significantly impact clinical outcomes or prognostic factors, suggesting that SH-HCC may be better recognized as a histopathologic pattern rather than a distinct HCC subtype. The findings call for further molecular research to better understand SH-HCC and its implications in liver carcinogenesis. The study also points to the necessity of standardizing SH-HCC classification criteria to improve understanding and treatment strategies. Overall, while SH-HCC shows distinct histopathologic features, its prognostic impact remains unclear, necessitating further investigation.

Keywords

steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma

SH-HCC

liver cancer

clinicopathologic features

prognosis

steatohepatitis

hepatitis C virus

metabolic dysfunction

histopathologic pattern

molecular research