Effect of HOXB7 and VEGF on the prognosis of patients with HCC

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of homeobox B7 (HOXB7) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expressions on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) after operation.

MethodsSeventy-four patients with HCC following surgical resection were enrolled.Clinicopathological and survival data were analyzed, and immunohistochemical staining method for HOXB7 and VEGF expressions measurement was performed on tissue microarray sections.

ResultsThe 3-and 5-year overall survival rates in the 74 patients were 67.6% and 48.6%, respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that HOXB7(P < 0.01, HR=1.139) and VEGF(P < 0.01, HR=1.192) expressions, Child-Pugh class(P < 0.01, HR=4.100), T stage(P < 0.01, HR=4.317), Tumor number(P < 0.01, HR=2.639) were the independent prognostic factors for overall survival rate.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that the expressions of HOXB7 and VEGF influenced the 5-year survival rate.

ConclusionsHOXB7 and VEGF overexpression affect the survival and prognosis of HCC patients, which suggesting a poor overall survival rate.