[Retrospective analysis concerning AFP-producing gastric cancer]

The α-fetoprotein(AFP)-producing gastric cancer is a group of gastric cancers with poor prognosis because of its rapid growth and aggressive metastatic character. We examined AFP-producing gastric cancer in our department from 2008 to 2010. Of 12 patients studied, the median of the AFP level was 16, 038(96. 1-167, 360)ng/mL. All patients had liver metastasis. Four patients were ECOG performance status(PS)3, and were unable to receive chemotherapy. Eight patients received chemotherapy. Two cases who received cisplatin+paclitaxel(CDDP+PTX)therapy showed partial response(PR). Median survival time was 5. 6 months. Compared to AFP non-producing gastric cancer, this disease is definitely considered to have a poorer prognosis. The clinical effect and survival time seemed to have a relative correlation. PR and SD groups tend to have longer survival. Those with a decline of serum LDH levels at the first three weeks after chemotherapy have a strong tendency to be PR and SD(p=0. 11). Changing the serum LDH level may enable us to estimate the clinical effect while still in the early stages of chemotherapy.