Intracellular localization of beta-catenin expression plays a possible prognostic role on the outcome of hepatoblastoma patients

Purpose Wnt/Beta-catenin pathway plays an essential role in liver development and regeneration. Abnormal activation in this pathway leads to development of hepatoblastoma (HB). Although its importance has invoked attention, its prognostic role is debatable. We aimed to evaluate the significance of intracellular localization of beta-catenin (BC) expression in the outcome of hepatoblastoma patients. Methods Medical records of HB patients between 2004 and 2018 were reviewed. Patients were grouped according to intracellular localization of BC expression by immunohistochemistry as being cytoplasmic or nuclear. Demographics, radiological images, PRETEXT classifications, vascular involvement, risk groups, chemotherapy responses, and survival rates were analyzed and compared between groups. Results There were 41 patients. Thirteen patients were excluded for unavailability of records in four, negative/unclear BC expressions in seven. Cytoplasmic expression of BC was observed in 17 patients whereas 13 patients displayed nuclear expression. Demographics were similar in both groups. Cytoplasmic BC expression was associated with poor chemotherapy response ( p = 0.001) and increased vascular involvement ( p = 0.0162) requiring more extensive surgeries ( p = 0.039). Conclusion Although the numbers are limited in our series, the intracellular localization of BC expression has been found to be a promising determining factor for hepatoblastoma prognosis. With larger patient series, more reliable results can be achieved.