CPZ proves highly effective in distinguishing HCC from ICC

Carboxypeptidase z (cpz) demonstrates significant diagnostic potential for differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The study found cpz expressed in 90.8% of HCC cases, compared to 27.7% in ICC. Diagnostic accuracy was enhanced when cpz was combined with arginase-1 and hepatocyte paraffin antigen-1. Specifically, using all three markers yielded a sensitivity of 70.8% and specificity of 100%. Results suggest cpz may serve as a key adjunct in routine surgical pathology for HCC diagnosis.