Correlation of Morphological Alterations and Genetic Expressions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Clinico-Pathological Study in the Indian Population.

Apr 11
1 min read

Updated: May 17

Dr. Sumit Kumar Vishwakarma, Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Ram Krishna Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal, MP

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in India. While its risk factors (such as HBV/HCV and NAFLD) are well-known, the correlation between the tumor’s physical structure (morphology) and the underlying genetic changes remains a subject of ongoing research.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the correlation between morphological alterations (such as tumor grade and growth pattern) and the expression of key genetic markers in HCC patients.

Methods: This is a retrospective clinico-pathological study involving a sample of 150 HCC patients from a tertiary care center in Bhopal (MP). Histopathological analysis of tumor tissue samples was conducted according to Edmondson-Steiner grading. For genetic expression, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to analyze TP53 mutations and GPC3 (Glypican-3) markers.

Results: The study found that TP53 overexpression was significantly higher in Grade III and IV tumors (poorly differentiated) ($p < 0.05$). A macro-trabecular growth pattern was directly associated with high serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) levels and aggressive genetic profiling. In the Indian context, HCC cases associated with cirrhosis exhibited higher genetic instability compared to non-cirrhotic cases.

Conclusion: Morphological grading remains a cost-effective and efficient tool for HCC prognosis, reflecting underlying genetic changes. This correlation opens new avenues for precision medicine and targeted therapy, which could be particularly beneficial for Indian patients.

Keywords: Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Morphological Alterations, Genetic Expression, TP53, Indian Population, Histopathology.