Diagnostic Value of Combined Serum Marker Tests in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the diagnostic significance of the combination of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), serum abnormal prothrombin (PIVKA-II), and α-L-Fucosidase (AFU) in hepatocellular carcinoma (LC).

Methods:

A total of 580 cases of chronic hepatitis B patients were collected, including 124 cases of hepatitis B-related liver cancer patients treated in our hospital from March 2021 to December 2022, 325 cases of simple chronic hepatitis B patients, and 189 cases of hepatitis B cirrhosis patients from our hospital in the same period. We measured serum levels of AFP, PIVKA-II, and AFU using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing t tests, ANOVA. ROC curves were used to assess the effectiveness of the three markers alone and in combination for screening hepatitis B-associated liver cancer from patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Results:

The serum levels of AFP and PIVKA-II were significantly higher in the hepatitis B liver cancer group compared to the cirrhotic hepatitis B group and the chronic hepatitis B group, with statistically significant differences (P < .05). The AFU level in the hepatocellular carcinoma group was also significantly higher than that in the chronic hepatitis B group (P < .05). When individually tested, the AUC of PIVKA-II was the largest, followed by AFP, and AFU had the smallest AUC (P < .05). When combined, the AUC was the greatest, reaching XX, outperforming individual markers alone or their combinations. This suggests that combining AFP, AFU, and PIVKA offers improved sensitivity (86.5%) and specificity (97.8%) for liver cancer diagnosis. These findings indicate the potential clinical relevance of utilizing these biomarkers together for accurate detection and monitoring of liver cancer.

Conclusion:

The combination of AFP, AFU, and PIVKA-II demonstrates improved diagnostic accuracy in early detection of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated by cirrhosis. These findings have significant clinical implications, as early diagnosis enables timely intervention and treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes and guiding appropriate therapeutic strategies for affected individuals.

• Authors: Lei Xie, Xin Luo
• Journal: Alternative therapies in health and medicine (Altern Ther Health Med) (Nov 03 2023) ISSN: 1078-6791 [Print] United States
• PMID: 37917888 (Publication Type: Journal Article)