Microvascular invasion (MVI), which is defined as the presence of cancerous cells in the small blood vessels that surround a tumour, is considered to be a key factor in determining personalised treatment approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosing MVI. However, the two-dimensional (2D) projections obtained using this method limit the ability to detect MVI in deeper layers of tissue. As MVI is present in around half of HCC cases and is strongly associated with a poor prognosis, there is clearly a need to improve the accuracy of MVI detection.

This study therefore proposes standardising the detection of MVI in HCC using high-resolution 3D X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) in HCC samples, as μCT can produce 3D images based on 2D projection reconstructions. This could potentially enable MVI to be detected at different levels within tumour samples, increasing the likelihood of an accurate MVI diagnosis. Images will be generated at the DanMAX beamline at MAX IV and compared with images obtained using the Exiscope Polaris at the Technical University of Denmark. Additionally, tumour samples will be analysed to identify genes associated with MVI, with the aim of proposing a novel, non-invasive method for its detection.

For further information about this HALRIC pilot project, please contact:

 

Hans-Christian Pommergaard
Rigshospitalet
hans-christian.pommergaard@regionh.dk