Survivin-positive circulating tumor cells as a marker for metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Jing Yu, Zhan Wang, Hua Zhang, Yi Wang, Dongqing Li
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and survivin are indicators for tumor stage and metastasis, as well as epitheliomesenchymal transition, in various cancers, including hepatocellular cancer (HCC). AIM: To explore the potential of survivin-positive CTCs, specifically, as a marker for tumor progression in HCC patients. METHODS: hybridization. RESULTS: All 179 patients were positive for CTC markers, and 94.41% of the CTCs were positive for survivin. The CTC and survivin-positive CTC counts were significantly higher in the HCC patients than in the normal controls, and were significantly associated with tumor stage and degree of differentiation. Further, survivin overexpression was found to induce HepG2 cell proliferation, reduce apoptosis, and improve invasive ability. CONCLUSION: Survivin shows upregulated expression (indicative of anti-apoptotic effects) in HCC. Thus, survivin-positive CTCs are promising as a predictor of HCC prognosis and metastasis, and their accurate measurement may be useful for the management of this cancer.