Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Early decrease in α-fetoprotein, but not des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, predicts sorafenib efficacy in patients with
Teiji Kuzuya1, Yasuhiro Asahina, Kaoru Tsuchiya
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between early changes in the tumor markers α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), and antitumor response in the early period following administration of sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods:
Forty-eight advanced HCC patients were evaluated. AFP and DCP were measured at baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks, and the antitumor responses were evaluated according to the RECIST criteria 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy. The ratios of each tumor marker were compared by stratifying the patients into the partial response (PR) + stable disease (SD) group or the progressive disease (PD) group.
Results:
Both 2 and 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy, the AFP ratio in the PR + SD group (n = 32) was significantly lower than in the PD group (n = 16; p = 0.002, p = 0.002). DCP was elevated in both the PR + SD group and the PD group 2 weeks and 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy.
Conclusions:
Evaluation of AFP ratios 2 and 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy may be useful for predicting antitumor response. On the other hand, early elevation of DCP does not necessarily suggest treatment failure by sorafenib, as DCP elevation can occur despite therapeutic efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug