Utility of PAS and β-catenin staining in histological categorisation and prediction of prognosis of hepatoblastomas.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of PAS, β-catenin and Ki-67 in categorising hepatoblastomas (HBs) and their significance in predicting prognosis. In addition, we have also documented the various chemotherapy induced histologic changes in HBs.

METHOD: In this retrospective observational study of 29 cases of hepatoblastomas, 27 cases were considered for statistical analysis, excluding two cases of diagnostic core biopsies. All clinicopathological parameters and follow up data were collected. All HB cases including the mixed epithelial and mesenchymal HBs were classified into two groups: fetal predominant and embryonal predominant type according to the predominant epithelial component. PAS, β-catenin and Ki-67 staining were done and their correlation with histologic subtypes was assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed in relation to histology, PAS, β-catenin and Ki-67 staining characteristics.

RESULT: Diffuse nuclear staining of β-catenin was significantly more common in embryonal predominant type (p = 0.036), whereas strong PAS positivity was significantly associated with fetal predominant type (p = 0.002). But no significant correlation was seen between histologic type and Ki-67 staining (p = 0.42). Survival analysis showed cases with diffuse PAS positivity, focal nuclear β-catenin staining and low Ki-67 LI had better survival.

CONCLUSION

PAS is a simple stain and can be utilised in histological categorisation of HB and also predicting its outcome. Nuclear β-catenin staining which is significantly common in embryonal elements in HB predicts shorter survival.