Abstract
Background
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows an increasing incidence and represents the third most common cause of cancer-related death.
Aim of the Work
is to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum level of Macrophage activation marker soluble CD163 as a tumor marker for HCC and its prognostic value after transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), in comparison to alpha-feto protein (AFP).
Patients and Methods
this study was performed on 60 subjects from the outpatient Hepatology clinic and inpatient Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at Ain Shams University Hospital.
Group I
includes 40 randomly selected cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (excluding BCLC class D) who underwent either RFA or TACE.
Group II
includes 20 patients with liver cirrhosis without hepatocellular carcinoma considered as control.
Results
soluble CD163 expression did not differ significantly between HCC group and liver cirrhosis group. This proves that soluble CD163 is not suitable for diagnostic use. On the other hand, soluble CD163 was associated with the severity of liver disease. Baseline soluble CD163 was significantly associated with disease progression independent of other risk factors known to be associated with an unfavorable course in HCC. Also the marked significant reduction of serum soluble CD163 levels in HCC patients subjected to either RF ablation or TACE proved that soluble CD163 may play a prognostic marker in HCC monitoring.
Conclusion
soluble CD163 is not suitable as a diagnostic marker for HCC but can be used as a prognostic marker for HCC.
Association between high serum alanine aminotransferase levels and more rapid development and higher rate of incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis