It was found that the expression levels of HIF-2α, VEGFA, EphA2, and MVD proteins in residual HCC tissues were significantly higher than in the control group tissues (P<0.05).
Molecular factors involved in the process of HCC invasion and metastasis, including adhesion molecules (E-cadherin, catenins, ICAM-1, laminin-5, CD44 variants, osteopontin), proteinases responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix (MMPs, uPA system), as well as angiogenesis regulators (such as VEGF, intratumor MVD), have also been shown to be potential predictors for HCC metastatic recurrence and clinical outcomes.