Gene Expression in Fixed Tissues and Outcome in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The authors have established a method for the analysis of gene expression in tissue specimens preserved in formaldehyde. The expression profile of tissue adjacent to primary hepatocellular carcinoma, rather than the cancer itself, is associated with late recurrence. This finding, together with other data, suggests that the late recurrences are actually second primary tumors. The gene expression profile of tissue adjacent to primary hepatocellular carcinoma, rather than the cancer itself, is associated with late recurrence. This finding, together with other data, suggests that the late recurrences are actually second primary tumors. In developing countries, hepatocellular carcinoma often comes to medical attention when the tumors are at an advanced stage and curative therapies are of limited benefit. In developed countries, however, at-risk populations of patients (e.g., those who are infected with hepatitis virus and have cirrhosis) are often under close surveillance; as a result, hepatocellular carcinoma is usually detected when the tumors are small and treatment is more likely to be successful. 1 , 2 Nevertheless, recurrences eventually occur in most patients. 1 , 2 Studies suggest that chemopreventive strategies may suppress recurrence and prolong survival, 1 , 3 – 6 although these findings are still uncertain. It would . . .