Early recognition of hepatocellular carcinoma based on altered profiles of alpha-fetoprotein

Article Abstract:

Measuring fractions of the blood protein alpha-fetoprotein may be useful in distinguishing between liver cancer and liver cirrhosis and in predicting the development of liver cancer among patients with cirrhosis. Of 76 patients with liver cirrhosis and elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein, 33 developed liver cancer within an average period of about three years. The proportion of alpha-fetoprotein L3 was significantly higher among the 33 at the time of tumor detection than the initial value among patients who did not subsequently develop liver cancer. Also, the average proportion of alpha-fetoprotein P4+P5 was higher among patients with cirrhosis and liver cancer than among those with cirrhosis but no liver cancer. Among the patients with elevated proportions of either alpha-protein L3 or P4+P5 at the time of tumor detection, the concentration of the protein first rose three to 18 months before tumors were ultimately detected.

Risk factors, Physiological aspects, Alpha fetoproteins

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Prevention of second primary tumors by an acyclic retinoid, polyprenoic acid, in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Polyprenoic acid appears to prevent a second primary tumor in patients who have received treatment for liver cancer. Polyprenoic acid is a synthetic retinoid that is chemically related to vitamin A. Of 89 patients with liver cancer that had been treated surgically or with injections of ethanol, 44 took polyprenoic acid and 45 took a placebo. They were followed until they developed a second tumor, for a median of 38 months. During the study, 34 patients (38%) developed a second tumor. However, only 27% of those taking polyprenoic acid developed a second tumor compared to 49% in the placebo group. Polyprenoic acid did not significantly reduce the rate of tumor recurrence, but it substantially reduced the rate of secondary primary tumors. Only 16% of those taking polyprenoic acid developed a second primary tumor, compared to 44% of those taking a placebo.

Evaluation, Cancer, Cancer recurrence

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Synthetic retinoids for the secondary prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Synthetic retinoids appear to be effective in reducing the incidence of a second primary tumor in patients treated for liver cancer. However, molecular studies need to be done to determine whether the tumor is a new primary tumor or a recurrence of the original tumor. In people infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), it is relatively easy to determine this because the virus incorporates its DNA into the liver cell. DNA analysis could reveal whether the DNA pattern was identical in all tumor samples. This would indicate that tumors that developed at different times actually originated from the same tumor cell. Other gene markers can be used in people who are not infected with HBV. Synthetic retinoids affect genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation.

Health aspects, Editorial

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