Low alpha-fetoprotein hepatocellular carcinoma.

Area of Science:

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research
• Oncology Biomarkers
• Prognostic Factor Analysis

Background:

• Many hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients exhibit normal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, complicating prognosis.
• Limited guidance exists for predicting outcomes in HCC patients with low AFP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify prognostic indicators for HCC patients with low serum AFP.
• To investigate features correlating with survival in this specific HCC subgroup.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a large HCC patient database with complete follow-up until death.
• Examination of prognostic utility of various clinical and biochemical features in 413 unresectable HCC patients with low AFP.

Main Results:

• Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) emerged as a significant prognostic factor.
• Patients with GGTP < 110 U/100 mL and small tumors had longest survival (>795 days).
• Patients with GGTP ≥ 110 U/mL, large tumors, and portal vein thrombosis had shortest survival (300-560 days).

Conclusions:

• Serum GGTP levels are a valuable prognostic marker for HCC patients with low AFP.
• GGTP, tumor size, and portal vein thrombosis aid in stratifying survival risk in this patient group.