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Clinical significance of alpha-fetoprotein mRNA during perioperative period in HCC
Background/Aims:
The presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with HCC suggested that carcinoma cells still existed. We investigated the influence of an alternation of human AFPmRNA perioperatively detected in peripheral blood in matters of recurrence, prognosis and operative performance.
Methodology:
Thirty-three patients with HCC were enrolled for this study. AFPmRNA in peripheral blood before the operation, and on 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-operative days was examined by means of the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results:
In 18 of 33 patients (54.5%) with HCC, AFPmRNA was detected in peripheral blood pre-operatively. Ten of 22 (45.4%) who were detected with AFPmRNA in peripheral blood during the perioperative period were diagnosed with intrahepatic recurrence or distant metastasis within 12 months post-operatively. In contrast, 10 (90.8%) of 11 patients who were not detected with AFPmRNA in peripheral blood anytime during hospitalization were diagnosed as free of intrahepatic recurrence or distant metastases within 9 months after the operation.
Conclusions:
These results suggested that an alternation of AFPmRNA from HCC patients' peripheral blood during the perioperative period by means of this technique may be a practical tool in the detection of early recurrence or distant metastases after surgery.
Insights
Detecting alpha-fetoprotein messenger RNA (AFPmRNA) in blood during surgery can predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. Patients with detectable AFPmRNA showed higher rates of recurrence, suggesting its utility for early detection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence is a significant clinical challenge.
- Alpha-fetoprotein messenger RNA (AFPmRNA) presence in peripheral blood suggests persistent carcinoma cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of perioperative AFPmRNA detection in peripheral blood on HCC recurrence, prognosis, and surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect AFPmRNA in peripheral blood.
- Analyzed 33 HCC patients' blood samples pre-operatively and on multiple post-operative days (1-28).
Main Results:
- Pre-operative AFPmRNA was detected in 54.5% of HCC patients.
- Patients with perioperative AFPmRNA detection had a 45.4% recurrence rate within 12 months.
- Patients without AFPmRNA detection showed a 90.8% disease-free rate within 9 months.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative AFPmRNA detection in peripheral blood is a practical tool for identifying early recurrence or distant metastasis in HCC patients.
- This molecular marker aids in post-surgical monitoring and prognosis assessment for HCC.