Human Liver Explants for HIF-1 Alpha Analysis/Comparison (HIF HCC)

In the currently ongoing retrospective aspect of the study, we will obtain pathologic tumor
explant specimens from the tumor explant population from 8/1/1994 to 12/31/2005. We will
prepare 5-10 slides from each tumor explant block and measure HIF-1α using
immunohistochemical staining. We will also be performing a retrospective chart review for
specific data points which we believe are needed to assist us in our analysis of the
histopathologic specimens.

In addition, we will be looking at data in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
database: www.unos.org, which will allow us to develop a more thorough and robust analysis
of the subject's experience with liver cancer. This is a public, mandatory reporting vehicle
that the government mandates all transplant centers to report to. Even if the subject was
transplanted at Northwestern, and moved, accessing UNOS data will allow us to see what the
morbidity/mortality for that patient is.

Secondly, we will start enrolling subjects in a prospective fashion. Those that either have
been treated, those currently undergoing treatment, or those newly diagnosed. From these
subjects we will obtain informed consent to; a) look at the medical records (current, future
and retrospective data), b) collect blood specimens for future analysis and correlation with
their explant slide data, c) allow us to follow these subjects indefinitely to obtain
ongoing outcomes data, morbidity and mortality information.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Adults, any gender ≥ to 18 years of age

- Previous, or current diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (clinical or biopsy
proven)

- Resection for hepatoma and/or transplant

- Patients with diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma from 8/1/94 thru 12/31/05
(retrospective) with biopsy, explant and/or liver transplantation here at
Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH).

- Patients previously diagnosed or, recently diagnosed with liver cancer that were
treated, currently are being treated our will potentially undergo treatment for the
disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Any subject outside of the above inclusion criteria