Abstract
Background
Primary hepatic malignant epithelial neoplasia includes several different types of tumors, among which includes cholangiocarcinoma (CC), the second most frequent cancer of the liver after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the most common hepatic epithelial malignant neoplasms are metastatic adenocarcinomas (AC). Hepatocyte paraffin 1 antibody (Hep Par 1) is a monoclonal antibody that reacts with normal and neoplastic liver cell. Anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule monoclonal antibody 31 (MOC-31) is an antibody directed against a cell surface glycoprotein. Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) is expressed in normal and neoplastic epithelia.
Aim
To study the usefulness of the immunohistochemistry of Hep Par 1, MOC-31, and CK7 in differentiating primary and secondary carcinomas in the liver. Materials and methods The present study included 45 specimens from cases of primary and metastatic liver tumors, including 15 primary HCCs in the liver, four intrahepatic CCs, and 26 metastatic ACs in the liver. They were studied to evaluate Hep Par 1, MOC-31, and CK7 expression.
Results
The sensitivity of Hep Par 1 for HCC in the study group was 73.3%, whereas its specificity was 100%. The sensitivity of MOC-31 for AC in the study group was 96.4%, whereas its specificity was 91%. The sensitivity of CK7 for CC in the study group was 100%, whereas its specificity was 54%.
Conclusion
Hep Par 1 has very sensitive and specific immunostaining for HCC, MOC-31 is a useful marker for AC with high sensitivity and specificity, and CK7 is highly sensitive for CC but its specificity is low. A combination of Hep Par 1 and MOC-31 is the most useful combination of two antibodies for the distinction between HCC and AC.