ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma and its relation to clinical features and prognosis of the tumor.Methods The expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 was determined with immunohistochemistry in 54 specimens of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and 25 of normal bile duct tissue.Lahoratory data were then analyzed statistically together with the related clinicopathological data.Results 1)hMLH1 and hMSH2 were expressed in 24 and 21 out of the 54 cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma(44.4%,38.9%)and 23 and 21 of the 25 normal cases(92%,84%),respectively(P＜0.05).2)The expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma had no association with the age,gender,tumor size and Bismuth type(P＞0.05)but close relation to lymph node metastasis and pathological changes(P＜0.05).3)The 2-year survival rate was markedly lower in hMLH1-negative patients than in hMLH1-and hMSH2-positive ones (15%vs.45.4%,23.5%vs.44%,P＜0.05).Conclusions Joint action of hMLH1 and hMSH2plays an important role in the oncogenesis and metastasis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.These two may be valuble factors to indicate prognosis of the tumor.