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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Olivier GovaereORCiD, Dr Dina Tiniakos
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of an article that has been published in its final definitive form by Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2018.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
AIMS: Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are activated in various liver diseases but their role in carcinomatous environment remains unknown. We aimed to identify the possible presence and topography of HPCs in liver metastases.METHODS: We examined 14 liver resection specimens for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) (n=13) and anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n=1) metastases. Immunohistochemical markers of colonic (keratin 20-K20, CDX2) and squamous cell origin (p63), HPC (K19, CD56) and stem cell (CD44) markers, and the biliary marker K7 which may also highlight HPCs were applied on routinely processed tissue sections. Double immunohisto- chemistry/immunofluorescence (K7/CDX2) and confocal microscopy were used on selected sections.RESULTS: K7-, Κ19- and CD56-positive ductular structures were encountered within the metastatic tumour (tumour interior and periphery), and in the immediate peritumoural area. Hybrid structures composed of HPCs and metastatic adenocarcinoma cells were recognised and confirmed by double immunostaining (K7/CDX2). Carcinoma cells were also observed singly or in groups within the epithelium of interlobular bile ducts and/or ductules in portal tracts without evidence of carcinomatous infiltration and at a distance from the metastatic foci.CONCLUSIONS: HPCs are observed at the periphery and the interior of liver metastatic carcinomas. Bile ductules and small interlobular bile ducts may attract carcinoma cells serving as potential "metastatic niche", in line with their recognised role as HPC niches in non-neoplastic liver. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Delladetsima I, Sakellariou S, Govaere O, Poulaki E, Felekouras E, Tiniakos D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Histopathology
Year: 2018
Volume: 72
Issue: 6
Pages: 1060-1065
Print publication date: 01/05/2018
Online publication date: 08/12/2017
Acceptance date: 03/12/2017
Date deposited: 18/01/2018
ISSN (print): 0309-0167
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2559
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/his.13450
DOI: 10.1111/his.13450
PubMed id: 29220096
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