RHOC MRNA Detected In The Liver Resection Specimens By Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR Predicts Recurrence After Curative Hepatectomy For Hepatocellular Carcinoma

AIM:To determine whether detection of the liver resection specimens by real-time quantitative RT-PCR(rRT-PCR) targeting of RHOC mRNA predicts HCC recurrence after curative hepatectomy.METHODS:rRT-PCR was performed to observe RHOC mRNA in 82 cases of liver resection specimens.The free survival rate was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method.Tumor free survival were compared between patients with high and low expression level of RHOC mRNA groups by log-rank test.The factors independently influencing recurrence were classified into early(＜2 years) and late phase(＞2 years). Risk factors for recurrence after surgery in each group were analyzed by the COX model.RESULTS:The mRNA expression of RHOC mRNA was found in all HCC tissues.The expression level of RHOC mRNA in HCC tissues was 1.18±0.77(mean±SD).Multivariate analysis showed that the high expression level of RHOC,tumor size,the negative follow-up result with serology and imaging techniques within 2 months after a curative hepatectomy were significant unfavorable prognostic factors for the tumor free survival within 2 years.Cirrhosis was the only significant unfavorable factor beyond 2 years after operation.In the negative follow-up result group,one-and 2-year tumor free survival were 89.0% and 77.4%,respectively,with the low expression level of RHOC mRNA versus 63.7.5%and 60.2%,respectively,with high expression level of RHOCmRNA(P＜0.05)CONCLUSION:1,The expression of RHOC in HCC tissues could predict patient survival and recurrence after hepatic resection within 2 years.2,Cirrhosis was the significant unfavorable factor beyond 2 years after operation.