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Burciu C, Șirli R, Bende R, Popa A, Vuletici D, Miuțescu B, Rațiu I, Popescu A, Sporea I, Dănilă M. A Statistical Approach to the Diagnosis and Prediction of HCC Using CK19 and Glypican 3 Biomarkers. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071253. [PMID: 37046471 PMCID: PMC10092964 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Various statistical models predict the probability of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis, with GALAD being one of the most extensively studied scores. Biomarkers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AFP-L3, and des-g-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) are widely used alone or in conjunction with ultrasound to screen for HCC. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and Glypican-3 (GPC3) as standalone biomarkers and in a statistical model to predict the likelihood of HCC. We conducted a monocentric prospective study involving 154 participants with previously diagnosed liver cirrhosis, divided into two groups: 95 patients with confirmed HCC based on clinical, biological, and imaging features and 59 patients without HCC. We measured the levels of AFP, AFP-L3, DCP, GPC3, and CK19 in both groups. We used univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to evaluate the ability of GPC3 and CK19 to predict the presence of HCC and incorporated them into a statistical model—the GALKA score—which was then compared to the GALAD score. AFP performed better than AFP-F3, DCP, GPC3, and CK19 in predicting the presence of HCC in our cohort. Additionally, GPC3 outperformed CK19. We used multivariate analysis to compute the GALKA score to predict the presence of HCC. Using these predictors, the following score was formulated: 0.005*AFP-L3 + 0.00069*AFP + 0.000066*GPC3 + 0.01*CK19 + 0.235*Serum Albumin—0.277. The optimal cutoff was >0.32 (AUROC = 0.98, sensitivity: 96.8%, specificity: 93%, positive predictive value—95.8%, negative predictive value—94.8%). The GALKA score had a similar predictive value to the GALAD score for the presence of HCC. In conclusion, AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP were the best biomarkers for predicting the likelihood of HCC. Our score performed well overall and was comparable to the GALAD score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin Burciu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Șirli
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Renata Bende
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandru Popa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Deiana Vuletici
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Bogdan Miuțescu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Rațiu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alina Popescu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Sporea
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirela Dănilă
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
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Rusie D, Mercan Stanciu A, Toma L, Iliescu EL. Correlation Between Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein and Tumour Size in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Direct-Acting Antivirals. Cureus 2022; 14:e24506. [PMID: 35497085 PMCID: PMC9045839 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Since its first description, alpha-fetoprotein has become the most widely used marker for diagnosing and monitoring patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to assess the correlation between serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein and tumour dimensions in patients diagnosed with HCC, that were previously treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C viral infection. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 47 patients with a personal history of hepatitis C virus infection, who were diagnosed with different forms of HCC more than one year after achieving sustained virologic response after 12 weeks post-treatment. Patients were monitored by liver function tests, tumoral markers, blood cell count and coagulation profile and underwent imagistic explorations such as abdominal ultrasonography and, in selected cases, computerised tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Tumour burden was assessed by both tumour burden score and seven-eleven criteria. Results: The study mostly included cirrhotic patients, multinodular HCC being the predominant pattern. All patients had alpha-fetoprotein levels over 100 ng/ml, with values largely varying, in accordance with the tumour dimensions. Most patients had medium-range Tumour Burden Score, a variable that also correlated with nodule size. Conclusions: The study found a significant correlation between serum alpha-fetoprotein and tumour size in patients with HCC. Alpha-fetoprotein also correlated well with Tumour Burden Score and remains a very important diagnostic and prognostic tool for patients with HCC.
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Yan Q, Sun YS, An R, Liu F, Fang Q, Wang Z, Xu T, Chen L, Du J. Application and progress of the detection technologies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Genes Dis 2022. [PMID: 37492708 PMCID: PMC10363596 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a very high incidence and fatality rate, and in most cases, it is already at an advanced stage when diagnosed. Therefore, early prevention and detection of HCC are two of the most effective strategies. However, the methods recommended in the practice guidelines for the detection of HCC cannot guarantee high sensitivity and specificity except for the liver biopsy, which is known as the "gold standard". In this review, we divided the detection of HCC into pre-treatment diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring, and found that in addition to the traditional imaging detection and liver biopsy, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), lens culinaris-agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and other biomarkers are excellent biomarkers for HCC, especially when they are combined together. Most notably, the emerging liquid biopsy shows great promise in detecting HCC. In addition, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) and other relevant biomarkers may become promising biomarkers for HCC post-treatment monitoring. Through the detailed introduction of the diagnostic technology of HCC, we can have a detailed understanding of its development process and then obtain some enlightenment from the diagnosis, to improve the diagnostic rate of HCC and reduce its mortality.
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Wen N, Cai Y, Li F, Ye H, Tang W, Song P, Cheng N. The clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide: A concise review and comparison of current guidelines: 2022 update. Biosci Trends 2022; 16:20-30. [PMID: 35197399 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2022.01061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This review is an updated version that summarizes comprehensive guidelines published from January 2001 to January 2022 worldwide with a focus on the clinical management of HCC. The electronic databases MEDLINE, the Chinese SinoMed, and the Japanese CiNii were systematically searched. A total of 22 characteristic guidelines for HCC management were ultimately included, including 1 international guideline, 11 guidelines from Asia, 5 from Europe, 4 from the America, and 1 from Australia. If guidelines were published in multiple versions, the most recent update was included, and surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment were compared. The composition of and recommendations in current guidelines on HCC varied, so these guidelines were regrouped and diagnostic and treatment algorithms were summarized graphically to provide the latest information to clinicians. The diagnostic criteria were grouped into 2 categories: a "Size-based pathway" and a "Non-size-based pathway". The treatment criteria were summarized according to different treatment algorithms, and mainstream treatment options were reviewed. Findings from comparison of current guidelines might help target and concentrate efforts to improve the clinical management of HCC. However, further studies are needed to improve the management and outcomes of HCC. More straightforward or refined guidelines would help guide doctors to make better decisions in the treatment of HCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyuan Wen
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yulong Cai
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuyu Li
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Ye
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,International Health Care Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peipei Song
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nansheng Cheng
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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El Raziky M, Abdel Hafez H, Elsharkawy A, Moneer TA, EL-Sheikh SM, Maher RM, Sharaf SA. Serum level of cytokeratin 19 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-021-00125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The heterogeneous nature of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) impedes both treatment strategies and prognostic predictions. Several markers have been proposed for the diagnosis of HCC. Cytoskeleton-associated proteins have been known as cellular integrators in neoplasm formation. Hepatic progenitor cells are thought to express alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and hematopoietic as well as biliary markers such as cytokeratin 19 (CK 19) and cytokeratin 7. The aim of this study was to verify the role of serum CK 19 alone or in combination with AFP as a diagnostic marker of HCC and to assess the changes in its levels after ablation of HCV-related HCC to evaluate its role as a predictor marker for recurrence of HCC after ablation. The study was conducted on 102 HCV-related cirrhotic patients categorized into three different groups according to the clinical, laboratory, and radiological evaluation: group I—62 patients with early or intermediate HCC who underwent locoregional intervention, group II—20 patients with advanced HCC not fit for any intervention apart from best supportive treatment, and group III—20 cirrhotic patients with no evidence of HCC as proved by two imaging techniques.
Results
The mean serum levels of CK 19 were 6.5 ± 5.7, 10.5 ± 12.5, and 6.8 ± 2.8 ng/ml in groups I, II, and III, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of combined AFP and human CK 19 at cutoff levels of 25.5 ng/ml and 6.25 ng/ml were 93.9%, 45%, 87.5%, and 64.3%, respectively. In group I patients, CK 19 levels were comparable in patients with ablated focal lesion and those who did not at baseline; then, it was significantly higher in ablated patients than in patients with residual tumor 1 and 6 months after the intervention.
Conclusions
Combination of both AFP and CK 19 levels could increase the diagnostic accuracy of suspected HCCs. CK 19 levels are good predictors of ablation/recurrence in patients who underwent interventional procedures minimizing the need for follow-up imaging modalities.
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Yan CY, Fu ZJ, Liu GS, Li J, Sun CX. Value of heat shock protein 90 combined with alpha-fetoprotein in early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2021; 29:1215-1221. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v29.i21.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world, and early diagnosis mainly relies on serological examination. With the deepening of molecular research of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in hepatocellular carcinoma, this study innovatively explored the value of HSP90 combined with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in early diagnosis of HCC.
AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of HSP90 combined with AFP in HCC.
METHODS A total of 383 subjects, including patients with primary liver cancer, those with posthepatitic cirrhosis (types B and C), and healthy subjects, were selected from August 2017 to July 2020. The serum concentration of AFP was measured by electrochemical method, the serum concentration of HSP90 was measured by ELLISA, and the results were processed and analyzed using statistical software.
RESULTS When AFP or HSP90 alone was used for the diagnosis of HCC, the sensitivity of HSP90 was higher than that of AFP, while the specificity of AFP was higher than that of HSP90. The sensitivity and specificity of AFP combined with HSP90 in the diagnosis of HCC were 87.8% and 91.2%, respectively.
CONCLUSION AFP combined with HSP90 can significantly improve the diagnostic value of either of them alone in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ying Yan
- First Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zuo-Jun Fu
- First Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Gui-Sheng Liu
- First Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chen-Xi Sun
- First Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
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Kronenfeld JP, Goel N. An Analysis of Individual and Contextual-Level Disparities in Screening, Treatment, and Outcomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1209-1219. [PMID: 34611524 PMCID: PMC8487287 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s284430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and affects patients of all genders, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status. While the causes of HCC are numerous, the primary etiology is cirrhosis from alcohol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States and from infectious agents such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in the developing world. In patients at-risk for developing HCC, screening is recommended with ultrasound imaging and alpha fetoprotein laboratory tests. In socioeconomically vulnerable patients, however, individual-level barriers (eg, insurance status) and contextual-level disparities (eg, health facilities) may not be readily available, thus limiting screening. Additional challenges faced by racial/ethnic minorities can further challenge the spectrum of HCC care and lead to inadequate screening, delayed diagnosis, and unequal access to treatment. Efforts to improve these multilevel factors that lead to screening and treatment disparities are critical to overcoming challenges. Providing health insurance to those without access, improving societal challenges that confine patients to a lower socioeconomic status, and reducing challenges to seeking healthcare can decrease the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Additionally, engaging with communities and allowing them to collaborate in their own healthcare can also help to attenuate these inequities. Through collaborative multidisciplinary change, we can make progress in tackling disparities in vulnerable populations to achieve health equity
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Kronenfeld
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Neha Goel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Zhou Q, Ju LL, Ji X, Cao YL, Shao JG, Chen L. Plasma circRNAs as Biomarkers in Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:7325-7337. [PMID: 34584458 PMCID: PMC8464305 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s330228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of cancer are increasing each year. At present, the sensitivity and specificity of the blood biomarkers that were used in clinical practice are low, which make the detection rate of cancer decrease. With advances in bioinformatics and technology, some non-coding RNA as biomarkers can be easily detected through some traditional and new technologies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs, that is, they do not encode proteins, and have important regulatory functions. CircRNAs can remain stable in bodily fluids, such as in saliva, blood, urine, and especially plasma. The difference in the expression of plasma circRNAs between cancer patients and normal people may suggest that plasma circRNAs may play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. In this review, we summarized the clinical effect of plasma circRNAs in several high-incidence cancers. CircRNAs may be effective biomarkers for tumour diagnosis, treatment selection and prognosis evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Ling Ju
- Nantong Institute of Liver Disease, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Li Cao
- Nantong Institute of Liver Disease, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Guo Shao
- Nantong Institute of Liver Disease, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Chen
- Nantong Institute of Liver Disease, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Colli A, Nadarevic T, Miletic D, Giljaca V, Fraquelli M, Štimac D, Casazza G. Abdominal ultrasound and alpha-foetoprotein for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in adults with chronic liver disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 4:CD013346. [PMID: 33855699 PMCID: PMC8078581 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013346.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs mostly in people with chronic liver disease and ranks sixth in terms of global instances of cancer, and fourth in terms of cancer deaths for men. Despite that abdominal ultrasound (US) is used as an initial test to exclude the presence of focal liver lesions and serum alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) measurement may raise suspicion of HCC occurrence, further testing to confirm diagnosis as well as staging of HCC is required. Current guidelines recommend surveillance programme using US, with or without AFP, to detect HCC in high-risk populations despite the lack of clear benefits on overall survival. Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of US and AFP may clarify whether the absence of benefit in surveillance programmes could be related to under-diagnosis. Therefore, assessment of the accuracy of these two tests for diagnosing HCC in people with chronic liver disease, not included in surveillance programmes, is needed. OBJECTIVES Primary: the diagnostic accuracy of US and AFP, alone or in combination, for the diagnosis of HCC of any size and at any stage in adults with chronic liver disease, either in a surveillance programme or in a clinical setting. Secondary: to assess the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal US and AFP, alone or in combination, for the diagnosis of resectable HCC; to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the individual tests versus the combination of both tests; to investigate sources of heterogeneity in the results. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Diagnostic-Test-Accuracy Studies Register, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Science Citation Index Expanded, until 5 June 2020. We applied no language or document-type restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of US and AFP, independently or in combination, for the diagnosis of HCC in adults with chronic liver disease, with cross-sectional and case-control designs, using one of the acceptable reference standards, such as pathology of the explanted liver, histology of resected or biopsied focal liver lesion, or typical characteristics on computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, all with a six-months follow-up. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and applicability concerns, using the QUADAS-2 checklist. We presented the results of sensitivity and specificity, using paired forest-plots, and tabulated the results. We used a hierarchical meta-analysis model where appropriate. We presented uncertainty of the accuracy estimates using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We double-checked all data extractions and analyses. MAIN RESULTS We included 373 studies. The index-test was AFP (326 studies, 144,570 participants); US (39 studies, 18,792 participants); and a combination of AFP and US (eight studies, 5454 participants). We judged at high-risk of bias all but one study. Most studies used different reference standards, often inappropriate to exclude the presence of the target condition, and the time-interval between the index test and the reference standard was rarely defined. Most studies with AFP had a case-control design. We also had major concerns for the applicability due to the characteristics of the participants. As the primary studies with AFP used different cut-offs, we performed a meta-analysis using the hierarchical-summary-receiver-operating-characteristic model, then we carried out two meta-analyses including only studies reporting the most used cut-offs: around 20 ng/mL or 200 ng/mL. AFP cut-off 20 ng/mL: for HCC (147 studies) sensitivity 60% (95% CI 58% to 62%), specificity 84% (95% CI 82% to 86%); for resectable HCC (six studies) sensitivity 65% (95% CI 62% to 68%), specificity 80% (95% CI 59% to 91%). AFP cut-off 200 ng/mL: for HCC (56 studies) sensitivity 36% (95% CI 31% to 41%), specificity 99% (95% CI 98% to 99%); for resectable HCC (two studies) one with sensitivity 4% (95% CI 0% to 19%), specificity 100% (95% CI 96% to 100%), and one with sensitivity 8% (95% CI 3% to 18%), specificity 100% (95% CI 97% to 100%). US: for HCC (39 studies) sensitivity 72% (95% CI 63% to 79%), specificity 94% (95% CI 91% to 96%); for resectable HCC (seven studies) sensitivity 53% (95% CI 38% to 67%), specificity 96% (95% CI 94% to 97%). Combination of AFP (cut-off of 20 ng/mL) and US: for HCC (six studies) sensitivity 96% (95% CI 88% to 98%), specificity 85% (95% CI 73% to 93%); for resectable HCC (two studies) one with sensitivity 89% (95% CI 73% to 97%), specificity of 83% (95% CI 76% to 88%), and one with sensitivity 79% (95% CI 54% to 94%), specificity 87% (95% CI 79% to 94%). The observed heterogeneity in the results remains mostly unexplained, and only in part referable to different cut-offs or settings (surveillance programme compared to clinical series). The sensitivity analyses, excluding studies published as abstracts, or with case-control design, showed no variation in the results. We compared the accuracy obtained from studies with AFP (cut-off around 20 ng/mL) and US: a direct comparison in 11 studies (6674 participants) showed a higher sensitivity of US (81%, 95% CI 66% to 90%) versus AFP (64%, 95% CI 56% to 71%) with similar specificity: US 92% (95% CI 83% to 97%) versus AFP 89% (95% CI 79% to 94%). A direct comparison of six studies (5044 participants) showed a higher sensitivity (96%, 95% CI 88% to 98%) of the combination of AFP and US versus US (76%, 95% CI 56% to 89%) with similar specificity: AFP and US 85% (95% CI 73% to 92%) versus US 93% (95% CI 80% to 98%). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In the clinical pathway for the diagnosis of HCC in adults, AFP and US, singularly or in combination, have the role of triage-tests. We found that using AFP, with 20 ng/mL as a cut-off, about 40% of HCC occurrences would be missed, and with US alone, more than a quarter. The combination of the two tests showed the highest sensitivity and less than 5% of HCC occurrences would be missed with about 15% of false-positive results. The uncertainty resulting from the poor study quality and the heterogeneity of included studies limit our ability to confidently draw conclusions based on our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Colli
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Haematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Tin Nadarevic
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Damir Miletic
- Department of Radiology , Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vanja Giljaca
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mirella Fraquelli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca´ Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davor Štimac
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Proteomic approaches to investigate gammaherpesvirus biology and associated tumorigenesis. Adv Virus Res 2020; 109:201-254. [PMID: 33934828 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The DNA viruses, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are members of the gammaherpesvirus subfamily, a group of viruses whose infection is associated with multiple malignancies, including cancer. The primary host for these viruses is humans and, like all herpesviruses, infection with these pathogens is lifelong. Due to the persistence of gammaherpesvirus infection and the potential for cancer formation in infected individuals, there is a driving need to understand not only the biology of these viruses and how they remain undetected in host cells but also the mechanism(s) by which tumorigenesis occurs. One of the methods that has provided much insight into these processes is proteomics. Proteomics is the study of all the proteins that are encoded by a genome and allows for (i) identification of existing and novel proteins derived from a given genome, (ii) interrogation of protein-protein interactions within a system, and (iii) discovery of druggable targets for the treatment of malignancies. In this chapter, we explore how proteomics has contributed to our current understanding of gammaherpesvirus biology and their oncogenic processes, as well as the clinical applications of proteomics for the detection and treatment of gammaherpesvirus-associated cancers.
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Carr BI, Akkiz H, Üsküdar O, Yalçın K, Guerra V, Kuran S, Karaoğullarından Ü, Altıntaş E, Özakyol A, Tokmak S, Ballı T, Yücesoy M, Bahçeci Hİ, Ülkü A, Akçam T, Polat KY, Ekinci N, Şimşek H, Örmeci N, Sonsuz A, Demir M, Kılıç M, Uygun A, Demir A, Delik A, Arslan B, Doran F, Yilmaz S, Tokat Y. HCC with low- and normal-serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 15:453-464. [PMID: 29576865 DOI: 10.4172/clinical-practice.1000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A large database of 1773 HCC patients in Turkey was examined. 41.9% had alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels <20 IU/ml and an additional 16.123% had values between 20-100 IU/ml. This 58% of the cohort (<100 IU/ml AFP levels) was examined in detail. 66% of patients with small (<5 cm) HCCs had low AFP, compared to 49% of patients with larger (>5 cm) HCCs. The mean diameter (MTD) of larger MTD, low AFP tumors was 8.4cm. Therefore, factors other than AFP must contribute to HCC tumor growth. Larger tumors in low AFP patients had both higher platelet levels and increased PVT percent. Linear regression analysis for both MTD and multifocality showed that platelet numbers and presence of PVT were significant variables; whereas for PVT, significant variables were albumin, alkaline phosphatase and MTD. Comparisons between patients with AFP levels <20, 20-<100, 100-<1000 and >1000 IU/ml showed the most significant tumor finding was an increase in PVT percent between each group, and to a lesser extent, MTD. Thus, low- or normal-AFP HCCs constitute the majority of patients and have slightly lower MTD and much lower PVT percent than HCCs associated with elevated blood AFP levels. New, non-AFP markers are thus needed, especially for small HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I Carr
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Akkiz
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Oguz Üsküdar
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | | | - Vito Guerra
- IRCCS de Bellis Medical Center, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Sedef Kuran
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Salih Tokmak
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Tuğsan Ballı
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | | | | | - Abdulalh Ülkü
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Tolga Akçam
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ahmet Uygun
- Haydarpaşa sultan Abdülhamid eğitim araştırma hastanesi, Turkey
| | - Ali Demir
- Konya Necmettin Erbakan üniversitesi, Turkey
| | - Anıl Delik
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Burcu Arslan
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Figen Doran
- Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Çukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana, Turkey.,Dicle üniversitesi, Turkey.,IRCCS de Bellis Medical Center, Castellana Grotte, Italy.,Mersin üniversitesi, Turkey.,Eskişehir Osmangazi üniversitesi, Turkey.,Erciyes üniversitesi, Turkey.,Fırat üniversitesi, Turkey.,İstanbul memorial hastanesi, Turkey.,Dicle üniversitesi, Turkey.,Hacettepe üniversitesi, Turkey.,Ankara üniversitesi, Turkey.,İstanbul Cerrahpaşa üniversitesi, Turkey.,Hatay Mustafa Kemal üniversitesi, Turkey.,Izmir Kent hastanesi, Turkey.,Haydarpaşa sultan Abdülhamid eğitim araştırma hastanesi, Turkey.,Konya Necmettin Erbakan üniversitesi, Turkey.,Inonu university, Malatya.,Florence Nightingale hospital, Istanbul
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