Nearly 46% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients exhibited circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the portal vein, surpassing hepatic vein detection rates. Portal vein CTC positivity linked to microscopic invasion, significantly reducing disease-free and overall survival. Notably, PD-L1-positive CTCs in this cohort correlated with dire prognoses. These findings underscore portal vein CTCs as critical prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in managing hepatocellular carcinoma.
Journal Article by Takei D, Kobayashi T (…) Ohdan H et 7 al. in Ann Surg Oncol
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