Expression and prognostic importance of lymphocyte activation gene 3 and CD73 in advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the expression of lymphocyte activation gene 3 and CD73 in advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma as well as its predictive effect on disease control rates in patients receiving sorafenib. Methods: Data from 79 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma in 3 different oncology centers between 2012 and 2021 were analyzed. Of these patients, 67 were included in this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The correlation between the expression of lymphocyte activation gene 3 and CD73 and clinical features was analyzed. Results: Of the 67 patients included in the study, 80.6% were males, and the median age at diagnosis was 65 (55-73) years. A baseline alpha-fetoprotein level of <400 ng/mL and the presence of lymphocyte activation gene 3 expression were correlated with better survival (p = 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). CD73 expression was observed in 45.8% of patients whose disease was under control with sorafenib, while 80% of patients who did not respond to sorafenib showed CD73 expression (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Positive lymphocyte activation gene 3 expression was correlated with better survival in patients with advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, CD73 expression in patients with advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma was a negative predictive factor in those receiving sorafenib.