Value of Midkine as a Diagnostic Serum Marker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a global health problem. It is the fifth most common cancer but the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. In Middle Eastern countries, liver cancer is a major concern among men, especially in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The incidence of HCC has increased sharply in the last 5–10 years, with an especially high incidence in Egypt. So, early detection and diagnosis of these cases are required for successful treatments and improved outcomes. Aim of the Work: this study aimed to detect the efficacy of serum level of Midkine as an early marker for HCC diagnosis compared to AFP serum level. Patients and Methods: this prospective study was conducted on a total of 50 subjects, 30 of them with HCC and 20 apparently healthy subjects matched for age and sex with patients. It was carried out at the Clinical Pathology Department, Tanta University Hospital. Results: a significant increase (p < 0.001) in serum midkine level was detected in HCC group compared with control group from a mean of 391.45 ± 96.09, in control group to a mean of 1074.53 ± 106.27, in HCC. Conclusion: serum midkine may serve as a novel diagnostic tumor marker for the detection of hepatocellular carcinomas. Recommendations: it was recommended to do further studies on early cases with larger population including AFP-negative patients, to justify its implementation in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]