Abstract:
Dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma (DPHCC) is a novel subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DPHCC presents the classical morphology of HCC but simultaneously expresses the biomarkers of HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Accurate diagnosis of DPHCC is necessary because of its combined biological behaviors of HCC and ICC, highly malignant degree, and infaust clinical prognosis. CK19 is an important marker of DPHCC and regulates the clonal origin and biological behavior of DPHCC in various pathways. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress of DPHCC focusing mainly on its clinicopathological features, immunohistochemical biomarkers, and histogenesis.