CEACAM1 cytoplastic expression is closely related to tumor angiogenesis and poorer relapse-free survival after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

backgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) and its effects on tumor angiogenesis and relapse-free survival (RFS) after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

methodsExpression of CEACAM1 and CD34 was immunohistochemically detected in HCC specimens from 97 patients. Microvessel density (MVD) was determined by counting CD34-positive endothelial cells. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the effects of CEACAM1 on clinicopathologic factors, tumor angiogenesis, and RFS.

resultsCEACAM1 expression was detected in 91 HCC specimens; 53 cases showed membranous expression and 38 cases showed cytoplastic expression. CEACAM1 cytoplastic expression was significantly associated with tumor size, number of tumors, vascular invasion, satellite nodules, Edmondson-Steiner grade, TNM stage, and MVD (p < 0.05 for all). Moreover, CEACAM1 cytoplastic expression was significantly associated with poorer RFS. The 3-year RFS of patients with CEACAM1 cytoplastic expression was significantly lower than that of those with CEACAM1 membranous expression (26.3 vs. 52.8%, p = 0.005). Cox analysis revealed that CEACAM1 cytoplastic expression was an independent prognostic factor for 3-year RFS (p = 0.031).

conclusionCEACAM1 expression was common in HCC, and CEACAM1 cytoplastic expression was closely associated with tumor progression, angiogenesis, and poorer RFS, indicating that cytoplastic CEACAM1 might be a predictor of relapsing phenotype and a possible novel target of antiangiogenic therapy for patients with HCC.