Circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after hepatic resection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We recently demonstrated that an activated inflammation in a non-tumorous portion was a significant risk factor for recurrence in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to provide further proof for this mechanism by explaining the relation ship between the post-operative hepatitis state and intrahepatic recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect cICAM-1 in the serum of 18 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after hepatic resection.

RESULTS

A complete surgical resection of the tumor masses did not result in a significant reduction of cICAM-1 levels. The levels of aminotransferase after hepatic resection in patients with an increased level of cICAM-1 in the post operative period (n = 7) were much higher than in patients with a decreased level of cICAM-1 (n = 11) (p < 0.05). The 1-, 2- and 3- year disease free survival rates in the former group were 42.9%, 14.3% and 0%, respectively, and those in the later group were 72.7%, 54.5% and 54.5%, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The enhancement of inflammation in the remnant liver tissue is related to intrahepatic recurrence after hepatic resection through adhesion molecules, such as cICAM-1.