1. EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells and serum AFP levels predict outcome after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma
- Author
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Lorenz Kocheise, Martin Schoenlein, Berit Behrends, Vincent Joerg, Christian Casar, Thorben W. Fruendt, Thomas Renné, Asmus Heumann, Jun Li, Samuel Huber, Ansgar W. Lohse, Klaus Pantel, Sabine Riethdorf, Henning Wege, Kornelius Schulze, and Johann von Felden
- Subjects
Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high recurrence rates exceeding 50% despite curative resection. The serum biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known prognostic marker for HCC. EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells (CTC) have a high predictive value for early HCC recurrence after curatively intended resection, most likely indicating micro-metastases at the time of resection. However, sensitivity remains low. The objective of this study was to evaluate a composite test comprising both CTC and AFP to identify patients at high risk for early HCC recurrence. We prospectively enrolled 58 patients undergoing curative intended resection for HCC at a tertiary referral center. Blood specimens were obtained prior to resection and analyzed for EpCAM-positive CTC and serum AFP levels. A positive result was defined as either detection of CTC or AFP levels ≥ 400 ng/ml. Eight patients tested positive for CTC, seven for AFP, and two for both markers. A positive composite test was significantly associated with shorter early recurrence-free survival (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.005), time to recurrence (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.011), and overall survival (37 vs. not reached, p = 0.034). Combining CTC and AFP identified patients with poor outcome after surgical resection, for whom adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapies may be particularly desirable.
- Published
- 2023
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