ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of using anti-GPC3 monoclonal antibody in discriminating benign and malignant hepatocellular lesions.MethodsThe expression of GPC3 was examined by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry assessment in 19 normal control samples, 94 hepatocellular carcinoma samples, 20 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma samples and 42 benign hepatocellular samples.The relation of GPC3 expression profile with the clinicopathological factors of HCC was analyzed.ResultsGPC3 staining was positive in 75 (79.8%) of the 94 HCC samples.And GPC3 expression was not detected in normal liver tissue adjacent to hepatic hemangioma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, or benign hepatic lesions.GPC3 protein expression in HCCs was correlated with serum alpha-fetoprotein level (P=0.020), tumor encapsulation (P=0.043), and portal vein invasion (P=0.050).ConclusionAnti-human GPC3 mouse monoclonal antibody can specifically detect GPC3 protein expression in hepatocellular carcinomas tissues, which warrants further examination for future clinical application.