Functional Genomics and Molecular Imaging of Liver Disease and Cancer

Molecular imaging with 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT reveals two distinct imaging phenotypes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a potential source of non-invasive insight into its molecular heterogeneity. Using gene set enrichment analyses, we found 18F-fluorocholine-avid tumors to be significantly enriched by genes comprising a subset of previously published HCC-related gene signatures. Significant gene sets included those from existing molecular classification systems for HCC as well as gene signatures predictive of clinical outcomes after tumor resection. PET/CT imaging using 18F-fluorocholine might therefore provide surrogate information about tumor molecular characteristics and prognosis in HCC.]]>
Case criteria for inclusion/exclusion: Inclusion: Had HCC diagnosed histologically or suspected radiographically (ie. a Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) category 3, 4, or 5 lesion detected on a contrast enhanced CT or MRI examination) or had a liver mass with imaging features of another primary malignancy; were surgical candidates agreeable to liver tumor resection; Child-Pugh score < 10. Exclusion: Weighed greater than 350 pounds; were pregnant or lactating; had a serious underlying medical condition that would make FCh PET/CT intolerable; previously received chemotherapeutic, molecularly-targeted, biological, or radiotherapeutic treatment for HCC. ]]>