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Background. The altered expression of the Lewis blood group-related antigens during malignant transformation can be used clinically as a tumor marker or as a prognostic indicator. The Lewis Y ([Le.sup.y]) antigen, which is one of the Type 2 human blood group-related antigens, also is thought to behave as an oncodevelopmental cancer-associated antigen. In this study, the authors examined the association between human [Le.sup.y] antigen expression and the clinicopathologic features of HCC, including its proliferative activity. Methods. Forty-six histologically confirmed cases of HCC were studied retrospectively. Liver biopsy specimens from the main tumor of each case were obtained under ultrasonic guidance before treatment was initiated. The formalin fixed, paraffin embedded serial sections were immunostained using a modification of the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method, with a primary monoclonal antibody (MoAb) directed against the [Le.sup.y] antigen (BM-1/JIMRO). The relationship between [Le.sup.y] antigen expression and the HCC's proliferative activity was analyzed similarly by immunohistochemical methods using a primary MoAb directed against the Ki-67 antigen (MIB 1). In addition, to clarify the relationship between [Le.sup.y] antigen expression and the histologic heterogeneity within HCC, seven cases of surgically resected HCC also were immunostained. Results. The [Le.sup.y] antigen was detected on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of the cancer cells. Of the 46 HCC cases, 20 (43.5%) expressed the [Le.sup.y] antigen in the tumor cells. There was no correlation between [Le.sup.y] antigen expression and the maximum tumor dimension or the Stage. However, the incidence of [Le.sup.y] antigen-positive cases in poorly differentiated HCCs was found to be significantly higher than that in well or moderately differentiated HCCs (P < 0.01). In resected HCC cases, [Le.sup.y] antigen expression within HCC nodules was frequently greater in the less differentiated tumor than in adjacent differentiated tumor. Moreover, the incidence of [Le.sup.y] antigen expression in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-positive (AFP [lesser than or equal to] 200 ng/ml) HCC cases was significantly higher than that in AFB-negative (AFP < 200 ng/ml) HCC cases (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean value of the Ki-67 labeling index in [Le.sup.y] antigen-positive HCC cases 25.2 [+ or -] 11.3%) was significantly higher than that in [Le.sup.y] antigen-negative HCC cases (9.4 [+ or -] 4.1%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions. These results suggest that [Le.sup.y] antigen expression correlated closely to the dedifferentiation and proliferative activity of HCC. Cancer 1995; 75:2827-35. Key words: blood group-related antigen, [Le.sup.y] antigen, proliferative activity, hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background. The authors have used percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) as a new percutaneous local treatment for single unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) measuring 2 cm or less in greatest dimension (small HCC). PMCT was used to attempt a cure of the disease. In this study, the efficacy of this treatment was assessed. Methods. PMCT was performed on 18 patients with single small HCC. A microwave electrode (custom-made, 30-cm long by 1.6-mm thick) was inserted percutaneously into the tumor area under ultrasonic guidance. Microwaves at 60 W for 120 seconds were used to irradiate the tumor and surrounding area. Results. After PMCT was administered, various image findings were correlated with tissue necrosis. At the tumor and surrounding area, ultrasonography showed echogenic: change, contrast enhancement disappeared on contrast enhanced computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (T2-weighted image) showed decreased intensity in all cases after treatment. Complete necrosis of the tumor area in a specimen obtained from one patient who underwent hepatectomy after PMCT also was confirmed. The treatment reduced levels of the tumor marker, alpha-fetoprotein, which had been high in some patients. Although the follow-up period was short (11-33 months), 17 patients remain alive. Local recurrence in the treated area has not been detected, and no serious side effects or complications have been encountered. Conclusions. PMCT may be an effective and safe treatment for small HCCs. Cancer 1994; 74:817-25. Key words: hepatocellular carcinoma, microwave coagulation, percutaneous local treatment, thermal coagulation.

Labeled oiigodeoxyribonucleotide bearing fluorscent dyes at both ends and aptamer sequence for adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) was synthesized. Fluorescence spectra of labeled aptamer were not so much different between with and without AMP. This result suggests the binding of AMP didn't cause the global structural change to the aptamer. Therefore, we used short complementary DNA (SCD) as an assistant DNA, which is an unmodified 11mer and have a complementary sequence of 5′-regbn of thelabeled aptamer. In the presence of SCD, the fluorescence intensities decrease with irtcreasing the concentration of AMP compared with a change in absence of SCD.