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alpha Fetoprotein producing early gastric cancer with liver metastasis: report of three cases
1Second Department of Surgery, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
Gut
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) producing early gastric cancer is aggressive, with high rates of liver and lymph node metastasis. Patients with AFP-positive tumors have a poor prognosis, often succumbing within two years post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Early gastric cancer (EGC) diagnosis aims for curative resection.
- Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a tumor marker, but its role in EGC prognosis is debated.
Observation:
- Three cases of AFP-producing EGC are presented.
- All patients developed liver metastases post-gastrectomy.
- Tumor recurrence was rapid, even after extensive liver resection.
Findings:
- AFP-producing EGC shows significantly higher rates of liver metastasis compared to AFP-negative EGC (p < 0.001).
- Increased incidence of lymph node metastasis and vascular/lymphatic invasion observed in AFP-positive cases.
- Prognosis is poor, with all presented patients dying within two years.
Implications:
- AFP production in EGC indicates a highly aggressive subtype with a propensity for early visceral metastasis.
- Consideration of more aggressive surveillance or adjuvant therapies for AFP-positive EGC patients may be warranted.
- Further research into the biological mechanisms driving AFP production and metastasis in EGC is crucial.
