Tumor markers after radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of measurement of the AFP-L3 fraction before and after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy for HCC, compared with the measurement of total AFP and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP).

METHODOLOGY:

One hundred and twenty-four patients with HCCs were evaluated for their complete response with a 5-mm-thick safety margin around the tumor. Three tumor markers (AFP, DCP, AFP-L3) were measured after RFA therapy, and their clinical significance was studied.

RESULTS:

Multivariate analysis revealed that of the three tumor makers only AFP-L3 showed significant differences in the survival and disease-free rates.

CONCLUSIONS:

AFP-L3 is the most reliable tumor marker for estimating overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with HCC effectively treated by RFA in contrast to AFP and DCP.

• Authors: Chikara Ogawa, Masatoshi Kudo, Yasunori Minami, Hobyung Chung, Toshihiko Kawasaki
• Journal: Hepato-gastroenterology (Hepatogastroenterology) 2008 Jul-Aug Vol. 55 Issue 85 Pg. 1454-7 ISSN: 0172-6390 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 18795710 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• AFP protein, human
• Biomarkers
• Protein Precursors
• alpha-Fetoproteins
• acarboxyprothrombin
• Prothrombin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Carcinoma, Hepatocellular (blood, mortality, surgery)
• Catheter Ablation
• Cohort Studies
• Disease-Free Survival
• Female
• Humans
• Liver Neoplasms (blood, mortality, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Protein Precursors (blood)
• Prothrombin
• Reproducibility of Results
• Treatment Outcome
• alpha-Fetoproteins (metabolism)