Influence of clear cell carcinoma on the post-hepatectomy prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

The authors aimed to identify factors that independently influence the survival of patients with primary clear cell carcinoma of the liver (PCCCL). A total of 470 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to identify potential factors associated with prognosis of PCCCL. Patients with PCCCL showed significantly higher disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with patients with non-clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma. Multivariate analysis revealed that AFP level, tumor size, liver cirrhosis and portal vein tumor thrombosis were risk factors for DFS. Tumor size, capsule formation and Ki-67 were risk factors for OS. Satellite nodules acted as a protective factor for DFS and OS. PCCCL is associated with better prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor size and satellite nodules may be independent predictors of OS and DFS.