Close correlation of p53 mutation to microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Mutation of p53 is a poor prognostic indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although poor histologic differentiation of HCC has been associated with p53 mutations, the exact reasons for unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with HCC remain to be clarified. In this study, we evaluate the as sociation between p53 mutation and histopathologic features of HCCs, as wel l as tumor recurrences and survival. We examined 20 HCCs and surrounding li ver tissues from patients who underwent surgical resection, and we performe d direct sequencing of p53 gene. p53 mutations were found in 9 of 20 HCCs; none were found in the surrounding liver tissue. p53 mutations were frequen t in large, multinodular, and poorly differentiated HCCs. Five of 9 with p5 3 mutation (in contrast. none of 11 with wild-type mutation) showed microva scular invasions. Hepatocellular carcinoma recurred in 6 of 9 with p53 muta tion, in contrast to only 2 of 11 with wild-type mutation. The 1-year survi val rate with p53 mutation was significantly lower than that with wild-type . In conclusion, it is suggested that p53 mutations tend to be commonly ass ociated with microvascular invasions, which may result in micrometastasis, followed by frequent recurrences.