EZH2 (Enhancer of zeste homologue) and INI-1 (SMARCB1) markers stained by immunohistochemistry on hepatocellular cancer staining frequency, the effect of prognosis and predictive value

Introduction and Goal: HCC is a primary malignant liver disease usually presenting with single or multiple nodules developing on the basis of an underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. HCC molecular pathogenesis is a highly complex and heterogeneous cancer. HCC molecular pathogenesis is a multi-step process involving genetic and epigenetic changes. HSK is a malignancy whose pathogenesis is not yet fully elucidated. Numerous epigenetic and genetic studies have been conducted to understand its pathogenesis. We aimed to understand the importance of EZH2 and SMARCB1 / INI-1 expression levels in HCC epigenetics. Materials and Methods: 103 patients with pathological diagnosis followed by CUTF between 2011-2019 were selected. EZH2 and SMARCB1 / INI-1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Sorafenib and/or local ablative procedures were evaluated by subgroup analysis according to EZH2 and SMARCB1 / INI-1 expression levels. Then, survival and treatment response analysis were performed statistically. Results: 89 (86,4 %) patients were male and 14 (13,6 %) were female. The median age of the patients was 68 (min17- max 89). Immunohistochemically, EZH2 showed positive staining in 45 (43,7 %) patients and no staining was observed in 58 (56,3%) patients. INI-1 showed positive staining in 92 (89,3 %) patients and no staining was observed in 11 (10,9 %) patients. In our study, EZH2 had prognostic significance for progression-free survival and overall survival. The number of patients for predictive value could not be reached. Results for INI-1 were found to be statistically near meaningfulness. Conclusion: The head of epigenetic factors in the pathogenesis of HCC is still under investigation, and it is established to emphasize the prognostic significance of EZH2 for HCC. Keywords: EZH2, SMARCB1/INI-1, HCC